DA yearend report cites good governance

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has achieved “good governance and transformational leadership” this year, while also creating conditions conducive to economic growth and competitiveness.

In its yearend report, the DA said under Secretary Proceso Alcala, it has focused on social programs that build capacity and create opportunity while aiming for food security and self-reliance.

Part of the DA’s good governance achievement this year is the reconstitution of the DA-Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to ensure compliance to the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Also, the DA said it continues to adopt austerity measures and procedures, while promotion of values and ethical conduct through trainings and seminars were continuously conducted.

The DA also said it will continue to conduct consultative meetings on matters/issues of importance to stakeholders — such as status of developments relating to agriculture and fisheries (international and domestic agricultural trade issues) and public consultations on policy issuances and relevant legislation especially in drafting implementing rules and regulations and position papers.

The DA added it has also created conditions conducive to economic growth and competitiveness through the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and simplifying business processes.

In support of the government’s thrust towards food security and food self reliance in the country, the DA focused on sustaining agricultural development initiatives in strategic production areas and strengthening partnership between and among local government units, farmers association as well as private sectors in generating income and livelihood opportunities to help reduce poverty and hunger.

Under its Agri-Pinoy rice program, the DA reported that it has provided high quality seeds to over one million farmers covering a total area of 1.56 million hectares.

Under the Organic Fertilizer Production project, delivery/establishment of the 1,335 packages of composting facilities is ongoing. Moreover, trainings on vermicomposting were conducted nationwide which benefitted 2,587 farmers and other stakeholders.

On irrigation development, the DA reported that a total of 14,835 hectares and 60,074 hectares were restored and rehabilitated, respectively. The irrigation facilities will help increase rice productivity and cropping intensity and benefit 40,049 farmers.