The Department of Agriculture (DA) and its Regional Field Offices simultaneously launched the 2026 National Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month (NFFM) marking the start of a nationwide celebration honoring farmers and fisherfolk.
This year’s theme, “Pagbibigay-pugay para sa magsasaka’t mangingisda sa gitna ng hamon at krisis,” highlights the farmers and fisherfolk’s resilience and commitment to ensuring Filipinos have access to sufficient, safe, affordable, and nutritious food, while underscoring their drive to innovate in the face of adversity.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. reaffirmed the DA’s support through programs that improve access to modern technologies, quality inputs, financing, and markets to boost productivity and incomes.
“Sa gitna ng krisis sa buong mundo at pabago-bagong klima, mas malinaw kung gaano sila kahalaga sa bawat hapag ng pamilyang Pilipino.”
“Sa gitna ng krisis sa buong mundo at pabago-bagong klima, mas malinaw kung gaano sila kahalaga sa bawat hapag ng pamilyang Pilipino. Ang tema ngayong taon ay paalala na ang bawat butil ng bigas at bawat huli sa madaling araw ay hindi sumusukong pag-asa,” Tiu Laurel said in his message delivered by Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs, and Legislative Affairs and Department Legislative Liaison Officer (DLLO) Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra.
The agriculture chief also highlighted the growing participation of youth in agriculture through initiatives such as the Young Farmers Challenge and internship programs.
These efforts demonstrate that agriculture is evolving into a modern, technology-driven, and business-oriented field—moving beyond traditional practices toward innovation powered by apps, analytics, and advanced methods.
In line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DA enhances financial assistance to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with rising production costs while advancing modernization efforts.
“Pinapalakas natin ang tulong pinansyal para sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa harap ng mataas na gastos sa produksyon.”
“Pinapalakas natin ang tulong pinansyal para sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa harap ng mataas na gastos sa produksyon. Kasabay nito, itinutulak natin ang modernisasyon ng agrikultura para maging mas matibay, mas episyente, at mas handa sa anumang krisis,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA is also expanding irrigation systems, improving storage facilities, enhancing insurance coverage, and increasing access to credit, while promoting climate-smart agriculture to protect both yields and livelihoods.
The DA called on local government units, the private sector, and the public to support local products as part of a unified effort to strengthen the agricultural sector.
As a highlight of the month-long celebration, the DA officials also opened the NFFM exhibit featuring various interventions and technologies for the agri-fisheries sector.
Meanwhile, the DA Kadiwa includes weekly exhibition of key commodities from across the country:
May 4–7: Livestock and Poultry
May 11–14: Fisheries
May 18–21: High-Value Crops, Organic Agriculture, and Urban Agriculture
May 25–28: Rice and Corn
The celebration is based on Presidential Proclamation No. 33, series of 1989, which designates May as National Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month to recognize the hard work, sacrifices, and contributions of the country’s agricultural frontliners.
