Tuguegarao City – DA RFO 02 – In recognition of farmer-directors as key partners in grassroots policymaking and community mobilization, the Department of Agriculture held the Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) Program and the 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda aligned with the celebration of National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month (NFFM) Culmination Activities on May 26, 2025 at Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Pasay City.

In line with Presidential Proclamation No. 33, Series of 1989, the month of May is dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk to national development, particularly in ensuring food security and promoting a sustainable food system.

Launched in 2017, the FRED Program is a pioneering initiative that strengthens public-private partnerships in agricultural development by appointing Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons as Farmer Regional Executive Directors for the month of May. This initiative empowers them to take active roles in shaping agricultural policies at the regional level to where they are placed.

For this year, 16 RAFC Chairpersons served as FREDs representing the regions of: Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, BARMM, CAR, and Ilocos Region.

The ceremony was attended by esteemed officials, national finalists, and honorees, as well as delegates from the respective regions. The presence of Regional Executive Directors, former REDs, and directors together with their staff from various services, bureaus, attached agencies, corporations, and DA assistant secretaries.

Undersecretary for Administration and Chairperson of the 2025 NFFM, Allan Q. Umali, was represented by DA Assistant Secretary for Administration Atty. Allen Kristopher A. Anarna, CPA, who delivered the opening remarks.

He stated: “Today we are not only celebrating the achievements of our awardees but also upholding our continued passion, resilience, and unity as we work together to build a stronger, inclusive, and more food-secure nation. Ang lakas ng makabagong magsasaka’t mangingisda ang susi sa isang  matatag at maunlad na kinabukasan. Mabuhay ang magsasaka’t mangingisdang Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Masaganang Bagong Pilinas!”

The FRED Program was introduced by Executive Director Bernadette B. De Los Santos, Executive Director III of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).

She emphasized: “Every year, for the entire month of May, PCAF’s RAFC Chairpersons take on a unique and transformative role as Farmer Regional Executive Directors of DA’s Regional Field Offices. They serve as farmer regional executive directors of the Department of Agriculture’s regional field offices. This is through the Farmer Regional Executive Director program or FRED in short, a pioneering initiative launched in 2017.

“More than just a symbolic gesture FRED empowers our RAFC Chairpersons to actively participate in shaping regional policies it enhances their influence on decisions that directly impact their communities and serves as a valuable platform for capacity building developing leadership and governance scales that further elevate their role in this sector”, she added.

Representing the FREDs, Engr. Miguel A. Pedroso of Eastern Visayas shared a heartfelt response:

“Today, we gathered to celebrate something truly remarkable—not just a program, but a movement. A movement that uplifts voices from the soil, brings leadership from the fields to the forefront, and proves that when we empower those who feed the nation, we grow stronger together.”

Representing the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA RFO 02) is Mr. Dante B. Tobias, a seasoned farmer with 29 years of experience and a strong commitment to agricultural development. As Farmer Director, he focuses on revitalizing inactive Agriculture and Fishery Councils (AFCs), promoting organic agriculture to combat malnutrition, and strengthening the impact of the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) – Big Brother and Small Brother partnership model in the region. He was joined by Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino.

Aside from the Certificate of Recognition, he will also be receiving a 50-thousand pesos cash grant.