Recognizing the significant role of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), the Department of Agriculture has empowered them by designating the RAFC Chair as Farmer-Director for the month of May in time of the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration.

During the flag ceremony on May 2, 2017, Caraga RAFC Chair Pedro T. Lim was formally introduced by DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo as Farmer-Director for the whole month of May.

The designation of Lim is in pursuant to the Memorandum Order duly signed by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol in recognition of RAFC’s contribution in agricultural development and to further strengthen the partnership between DA and the private sector.

As Farmer-Director, Lim will assume the roles and tasks of a DA-RFO Director in the implementation and dissemination of key programs of the agency.

However, their authority shall be limited to non-policy determining activities which should not in any way affect the government accounting rules and procedures as well as the civil service rules and regulations.

The Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) is the mechanism for private and public sector partnership in the development processes of the agriculture and fisheries sectors at the regional, provincial and municipal levels.

AFC which is now in its 30 years of existence, conducts monitoring and recommends agricultural projects, as well provide policy recommendations for the government decision makers.

The celebration of May as Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s month is in pursuant to the Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88 series of 2005 giving due recognition to the contribution of farmers and fisherfolk in national development. (Aurelius P. Arais/DA Caraga)