DA, PCFMI explore potential collab areas for enhanced Phl agri-food industry

With the shared vision of a prosperous Philippine agriculture and food industry, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI) discussed possible areas for collaboration at the DA Central Office, Quezon City on July 23.

Guided by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to strengthen public-private partnerships to achieve nationwide food accessibility, affordability, and security during his third State of the Nation Address last July 22, DA Assistant Secretary for Consumer and Legislative Affairs Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra welcomed the PCMFI’s openness for collaborating with the agriculture department.

“Definitely, we look forward to partnerships with private corporations especially with the expansion of our Kadiwa Program as well as the expansion also of our institutional partners for farmer- and fisherfolk-cooperatives that we are supporting. And maybe mayaya rin natin ang mga magsasaka at mangingisdang hindi pa nagfo-form o hindi pa part ng organizations because mostly, ang mga binibigyan natin ng subsidies, gusto sana nating sila ay organized na,” Asec. Velicaria-Guevarra shared.

Among the potential areas for cooperation that were initially determined during the meeting were the formation of market linkages between local food producers and PCFMI’s member-companies, the conduct of training sessions for agri-youths and cooperatives through the DA’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program, and the promotion of a healthy diet through the

The two institutions also explored the potential expansion of the DA’s Kadiwa Program by tapping PCFMI member-companies as suppliers of affordable, safe, and nutritious produce, thus allowing for a wider variety of products to be sold at the Kadiwa Centers nationwide. Should this materialize, the partnership will be crucial in attaining the Department’s goal of establishing 1,500 Kadiwa Centers nationwide by 2028.

“We really would like to help these public-private partnerships especially since agriculture is an input to our processes,” PCMFI Chairman and President Marites Director expressed.

Founded on December 5, 1958, the PCFMI envisions to be the lead and voice of