The Department of Agriculture (DA) led simultaneous “boodle fights” across eight major fish ports and landing areas as part of Paskong Baybayin, a nationwide Christmas gathering honoring the country’s farmers and fisherfolk.
Around 800 farmers and fisherfolks joined the communal feasts held in Navotas City, Cavite, General Santos City, Palawan, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Samar, Leyte Gulf area, and Isabela.
The event served both as a celebration and a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to strengthen support for agriculture and fisheries.
Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr. said this initiative reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on food security and the well-being of food producers.
“It is our mission to make sure you feel that the government listens to you.”
“It is our mission to make sure you feel that the government listens to you,” Tiu Laurel told the participants. “You, our farmers and fisherfolk, play a central role in building a New Philippines.”
The agriculture chief also highlighted the President’s directive to sustain the livelihoods of producers.
“Nais ng Pangulo na ang ating food producers kumita nang maayos at mamuhay nang marangal sa tulong ng ating pamahalaan.”
“Nais ng Pangulo na ang ating food producers kumita nang maayos at mamuhay nang marangal sa tulong ng ating pamahalaan,” the agriculture head stressed.
To strengthen on-the-ground assistance, the DA is preparing the deployment of more than 20,000 extension workers nationwide, providing technical guidance, production support, and capacity-building to farming and fishing communities.
Tiu Laurel added that the DA is also expanding support services for the fisheries sector, ensuring that coastal communities receive sustained help and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
He underscored a shift toward data-driven policy-making to ensure clearer, more sustainable benefits for fisherfolk and better resource management.
Tiu Laurel added that the true spirit of Christmas lies in unity, a value he hopes will guide the sector’s push toward sustainable and inclusive growth.
“I hope we continue working together to advance a more resilient agriculture and fisheries sector,” he said.
The Paskong Baybayin initiative comes as the DA continues efforts to modernize production, strengthen value chains, and stabilize food supply ahead of the holiday season and into 2026.
