Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council- Zamboanga Peninsula

05/08/2026

A New Chapter for the Agricultural and Fishery Council in Zamboanga Peninsula

IN PHOTOS | Leaders and stakeholders from across the region came together on July 30, 2026, at Guillermo Hotel, Pagadian City for the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) IX Election, a milestone event that ushers in a new era of collaboration, inclusive leadership, and stronger representation for our farmers, fisherfolk, and the agriculture sector.
We proudly present the newly elected RAFC IX Officers and Sectoral Committee Chairpersons for CY 2026–2029:

Executive Officers

• Chairperson: Leonardo Caparida
• Vice Chairperson: Engr. Dennis Palabrica
• Secretary: Ruena Salvador
• Treasurer: Jessie Manlangit
• Auditor: Enrique C. Montaño

Sectoral Committee Chairpersons

☕ Coffee – Abdulmuna I. Bairulla
🍫 Cacao – Rogelio E. Balladares
🍊 Fruits – Rolando D. Mah
🐟 Fisheries & Aquaculture – Virgilio A. Alforque
🐓 Poultry & Livestock – Rogelio A. Tamin, Jr.
🚜 Agriculture & Fishery Mechanization – Engr. Luisita Abella
🌍 International Trade – Raul Ramon A. Bucoy
👩‍🌾 Youth – Steven Bello
🌿 Organic Agriculture – Ana Maria R. Lao
🌾 Rice & Other Food Staples – Raul B. Monsalud
🤝 Cooperative Sector – Pacenciano Tomarong
🌽 Corn & Other Feed Crops – Santiago O. Arig, Jr.
⚖️ Gender Equality & Social Inclusion – Marilou E. Deniega
🏞️ Agri-Tourism – Dr. Asterio P. Saliot

Congratulations to all our newly elected leaders! May your leadership inspire meaningful action, champion the interests of our agriculture and fisheries sectors, and pave the way for a more resilient, innovative, and food-secure Zamboanga Peninsula.
Together, let's cultivate a stronger future for every farmer, fisherfolk, and rural community.

02/07/2026

‎𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

On June 29, 2026, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) IX gathered at Jackie's Hotel, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay for its 2nd Quarter Executive Committee Meeting, all to bring regional programs closer to the people who feed our region.

The session was jointly presided by RAFC IX Chairperson Mr. Leonardo P. Caparida and DA-RFO IX Regional Technical Director for Operations Ms. Maria Melba B. Wee. As the official consultative voice of the Department of Agriculture, the council ensures that grassroots concerns across the Zamboanga Peninsula are answered with timely, on-the-ground solutions.

HERE'S WHAT WENT DOWN:

Focal persons delivered 2nd Quarter updates for CY 2026 across key banner programs from Rice, Corn, Livestock, High Value Crops (HVCDP), and Organic Agriculture.

The council laid out strategic plans for the upcoming RAFC Election of Officers in the region within the month of July 2026.

Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) brought real field concerns and province-tailored recommendations straight to the table.

The committee endorsed key Sectoral Committee Resolutions to boost our region's Coffee and Livestock industries.

Together, we're not just holding meetings, we're building a stronger, more resilient future for every farmer and fisherfolk in Region IX.

Partners in growth. Champions of the grassroots.

26/05/2026

AFC Summit 2026 | Strengthening Local Agricultural Governance in the Zamboanga Peninsula

Held on May 20–21, 2026 in the Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, the AFC Summit 2026 gathered Agriculture and Fishery Councils (AFCs), Local Government Units, legislators, and key stakeholders from across the Zamboanga Peninsula to advance a unified and stronger agricultural governance system under DA-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2026.

The summit became a platform for collaboration, addressing pressing concerns faced by our farmers and fisherfolk, from fragmented planning, limited funding, climate vulnerabilities, and inadequate facilities, to the urgent need for updated agricultural databases and stronger institutional support.

Through the workshops and strategic discussions, participants worked together to:
✅ Strengthen AFCs as development partners in local planning and monitoring bodies
✅ Integrate agriculture and fisheries priorities into LDIPs and AIPs
✅ Secure stronger legislative and budgetary support
✅ Promote climate-resilient and food-secure communities
✅ Enhance delivery of agricultural and fishery services across the region

This milestone gathering reinforces the region’s commitment to evidence-based governance, sustainable agriculture, food security, and inclusive rural development for every farming and fishing community in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Together, we move toward a more resilient, productive, and empowered agriculture sector!

13/05/2026

Fuel crisis now threatens the future of agriculture and fisheries.

During the Flag Raising Ceremony held on May 11, 2026 of the Department of Agriculture Regional Satellite Office in Zamboanga City, Farmer Regional Executive Director Leonardo P. Caparida underscored the growing fuel crisis as one of the most urgent challenges confronting the agriculture and fisheries sector today. Rising fuel prices continue to increase production and transportation costs, reduce farmers’ and fisherfolk’s incomes, and pose serious risks to food security.

Serving for several consecutive years as Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) through his long-standing leadership as the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) IX Chairperson, FRED Caparida expressed his highest appreciation to the entire Department of Agriculture workforce for their unwavering dedication and commitment to finding responsive solutions for the continued development of the agriculture and fisheries sector in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

He emphasized that DA personnel and farmers are not separate groups, but one team with one mission: to uplift the lives of farming and fishing communities through consistent, honest, and continuously improving public service.

With unity, resilience, and collective action, we move forward in building a more profitable, sustainable, and dignified future for every Filipino farmer and fisherfolk.

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

Gawad Saka validation is on the move!

The spotlight is now on Zamboanga Peninsula’s finest farmers!

A powerhouse team from the National Rice Program, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, and Philippine Rice Research Institute has arrived to kick off the prestigious Gawad Saka Validation, recognizing the very best in Philippine agriculture!

The delegation made a courtesy call to our Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED), Mr. Leonardo P. Caparida, before heading straight to the field to witness excellence in action:

📍 Evergreen Malamboon Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. of Bag-ong Balamban, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur.

📍 Bingon Farmer Irrigators' Association, Inc. of Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

They are not just growing crops, they are growing hope, resilience, and the future of food security in the region.

Let’s rally behind our nominees as they proudly showcase the heart and strength of Zamboanga Peninsula agriculture!

Padayon sa pag-ani og kalampusan! Good luck to all our outstanding farmers and associations!

04/05/2026

SALUTE TO THE REAL HEROES OF OUR NATION! 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾🌾🐟

This May, we proudly celebrate Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Month, a tribute mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 33 (1989), honoring the hardworking men and women who keep our tables full and our nation thriving.

Kicking off the celebration, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office IX officially welcomed Mr. Leonardo P. Caparida as the Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) for May 2026 during a ceremony held in Lenienza, Pagadian City.

Taking on this symbolic yet powerful role, FRED Caparida brings with him a clear mission, make government programs felt where it matters most - on the ground.

“We must ensure that support reaches even the farthest farmers and fisherfolk. We need solutions that truly work and protect livelihoods, while making agriculture a promising future for the next generation.”
His message is simple but powerful, service with heart.
Behind every report is a farmer dreaming of a better harvest. Behind every program is a family hoping for a better life.

As he joins hands with DA-RFO IX, he also left a reminder that resonates deeply: “Remember the faces behind the work. Let’s make life a little easier for them.”

This month is more than a celebration, it’s a call to recognize that our nation stands on the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of our farmers and fisherfolk.

Together, let’s move forward toward a food-secure, inclusive, and prosperous Zamboanga Peninsula, where no farmer or fisherfolk is left behind.

Let us celebrate the hands that feed us!

Happy Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Month!

📸 Department of Agriculture ZAMPEN

24/04/2026

🎉 Kadiwa, culture, and community - everything local is here!

The Filipino Food Month 2026: Trade Fair and Exhibit is now officially open at Robinsons Pagadian!

During the opening ceremony, the Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council (RAFC) IX Chairperson Mr. Leonardo P. Caparida underscored the unwavering commitment of the RAFC IX in advancing sustainable agriculture and fisheries development across Zamboanga Peninsula region.

Led by the Agricultural Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Pagadian City, this year’s trade fair brings together 26 local exhibitors, showcasing the best agricultural and fishery products proudly made in the region.

The RAFC Chaiperson also encouraged everyone to support our hardworking farmers, fisherfolk, and local entrepreneurs by exploring and purchasing the wide variety of homegrown products on display.

Joining the celebration and expressing their full support were Hon. Sammy Co, Mayor of Pagadian City; DA-RFO IX Regional Technical Director Ms. Maria Melba Wee; and Pagadian ZDS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. President Ms. Hazel J. Lu.

Come visit, shop local, and celebrate the rich flavors of Zamboanga Peninsula!

📷 Photos from: Department of Agriculture ZAMPEN

04/12/2025

Happening now|| Gear up for the 4th Quarter RAFC IX Executive Committee Meeting & Year-End Performance Assessment Workshop! 📅 Dec 4-5, 2025 | 🏨 Jackie's Hotel, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Reflecting on progress, planning for a bountiful 2026! 🌱🎣 ...