Agriculturists nationwide gathered for the 10th PAA National Congress and 2023 Philippine Agriculturists’ Summit on 25-27 July 2023 in Davao City, Davao del Sur. The Summit was themed “Sustainable Transformation of Philippine Agro-Food Systems.”

The three-day Summit was Spearheaded by the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) with its incumbent President Dr. Karen S. Bautista of the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), who then introduced the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), who was then represented by NEDA Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, Atty. Krystal Tan Uy. The Summit was formally opened by the Messages from PAA Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Roberto F. Rañola, Jr., and Davao City Mayor Honorable Sebastian Z. Duterte, represented by City Agriculturist Office Head, Mr. Edgardo Haspe.

Aside from Dr. Bautista, a number of DA-BSWM employees were also present in the event including those who form part of the Officers of the Philippine Society of Soil Science and Technology, Inc. – Ms. Angelita C. Marcia and Mr. Sandy B. Abiad.

Director Gina P. Nilo graced the event as one of the Plenary Presenters, particularly under the Session: Agro-Food System Issues. In her presentation, Director Nilo set the tone of the event being the first speaker, and discussed the “Implementation of the National Soil Health Program: Collaborative Action in Addressing Soil/Land Degradation, Climate Change and Agro-biodiversity Loss.”

Other Presenters were Senior Environmental Economist of the World Bank Mr. Stefano P. Pagiola: “Country Climate and Development Report of the Philippines;” Private Sector Member, The Monetary Board Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Dr. V. Bruce J. Tolentino: “BSP-ACPC Monetary Policy and Financial Inclusion in Agriculture;” Immediate Past President, Philippine Association of Agriculturists Dr. Louie A. Divinagracia and President, East West International Education Specialists Inc. MP Digital Mr. Dennis M. Layug: “Digital Transformation Strategy in Agriculture: Navigating Cybersecurity Risks;” Senior Vice President and Corporate Affairs Head, Nestle Philippines Inc. Mr. Jose Gelacio T. Uy, III: “Regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions towards resilience;” Senior Consultant for Research and Development, Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. Dr. Benny Corcolon: “Sustainability in the Agro-Food Systems in Mindanao – PPP;” Director, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio: “WISE Carbon Farming;” CEO and Founder, Straw Innovations Ltd. Mr. Craig B. Jamieson: “Achieving Sustainable Food Systems through Bio-circular Economy and Carbon-Neutral Technology;” Undersecretary for Administration and Finance, Department of Agriculture Dr. Agnes Catherine T. Miranda, and OIC Director, Planning and Monitoring Service, Department of Agriculture Mr. Michael R. Sollera: “Integrative Food and Nutrition Security as Context for Sustainable Agro-Food Transformation in the Philippines (NAFMIP 2021-2030);” Undersecretary and CIAP Alternate Chairman, Department of Trade and Industry Hon. Ireneo V. Vizmonte: “The Role of DTI on Enhancing the Efficiency in Agro-Food Systems;” Director, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Staff, National Economic and Development Authority Dr. Nieva T. Natural: “Food Security: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Protecting Purchasing Power;” Dean, School of Environmental Science and Management, UPLB Dr. Rico C. Ancog: “Strategy Frameworks on Food Security and Nutrition: Some Imperatives and Innovation.

Parallel Learning Skills Sessions were also conducted: Director, SEARCA Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, Atty. Eric V. Reynoso, Dr. Rico C. Ancog: “Nurturing Farm Schools Amidst Emerging Trends in Agricultural Education Technology;” Director, Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter: “Transforming Agricultural Extension Delivery Systems in the Philippines;” Director, Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban: “Sustainable Agriculture for Resilience and Food Security: LGU Initiatives;” Governor of the Province of Agusan del Sur Honorable Santiago B. Cane, Jr.: “Sustainable Agriculture in Agusan del Sur: Learnings from the Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development (USAD) Convergence Program;” Project Management, Provincial Government of Davao del Norte Dr. Romulo D. Tagalo: “Sustainability projects during the pandemic;” Provincial Agriculturist of Iloilo Dr. Ildefonso T. Toledo: “Iloilo strategies for farmers.”

The Summit was also graced with the presence of the Department of Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Honorable Domingo F. Panganiban for the session titled “An Hour with the DA Senior Undersecretary.”

PAA is the only Accredited Integrated Professional Organization (AIPO) by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for agriculture professionals. It is an umbrella organization of seven professional associations in various fields of agriculture, besides having over 17,000 regular and associate individual members, specifically the Registered Agriculturists, involved or working in agriculture-related development endeavors. It sought to serve as a channel to more effectively inform, equip, and involve Filipino agriculturists, in general, and its individual members, institutional partners, and clientele, in particular, to respond to opportunities and challenges that would appear on the horizon.

DA-AFID and Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA)