To ensure participatory governance, the Department of Agriculture – Cordillera (DA-CAR) convened with various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the FY 2026 Plan and Budget Proposal today, February 13, 2025 in Baguio City.
In his remarks, DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Operations Danilo P. Daguio said that the CSOs represents the farmers and fisherfolk beneficiaries, also serving as end users of the programs and projects of the agency. “Hence, their role is crucial to the planning. It is a requirement to present the programs and services to the CSOs for their suggestions to improve program implementation,” he stated, adding that the Department of Budget and Management values thorough consultations as a crucial step in the process. Ensuring these discussions take place will help move the process forward toward successful and participatory project implementation.
He also emphasized the significance of the DA’s role in ensuring food security, stating that it can be achieved through the presence of the three (3) A’s: Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability.
Meanwhile, DA-CAR Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division Chief Dr. Susan D. Balanza further elaborated the need for consultation, as CSOs play a key role in providing their expertise and feedback to enhance government policies. The consultation also helps ensure that the priorities of the sectors are reflected in government’s plans and budgets while reinforcing transparency and accountability, enhance policy and program effectiveness, address emerging challenges, and comply with legal and institutional requirements.
Moreover, the FY 2026 budget seeks to manage the lingering effect of inflation to safeguard the purchasing power of the Filipino people, and support infrastructure investment given its multiplier effect in boosting the Philippine economy. It also seeks to support the government’s efforts in digitalizing public financial management to enhance bureaucratic efficiency and promote effective, transparent service delivery, and create a more inclusive and balanced development landscapes across the country.
Based on the Philippine Development Plan (Chapter 3.1 and 5), the development of policies and planning process must ensure alignment with the national priorities, strategic direction of the current administration, relevant agriculture and fisheries (A&F)-related laws, and budget priority framework.
In her closing message, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan explained that this year’s budgeting system differs from the previous approach. Usually, the agency would compile all the proposals prior to identifying target beneficiaries once the proposals are approved. However, this year’s shift on budgeting system requires all proposals to specify intended beneficiaries and include other pertinent documents and requirements to ensure that proposals are “shovel ready”, meaning proposals must be ready for immediate implementation by the organizations once they are approved.
She also urged the CSOs to continue their partnership with DA, “If we want our region to progress, let us help each other. Give us [DA-CAR] the feedback that we need so we can do our task better. I believe that we cannot improve without giving feedbacks// Cy-j E. Waytan