Farmer-Director Pedrito R. Kalaw presided over the Department of Agriculture IV-CALABARZON (DA-4A) Management Committee meeting held on May 23-24, 2022 in Calatagan, Batangas.

In recognition of the role and presence of the private sector as a partner of the regional office, the continuous involvement of the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) in the region’s activities is very much felt especially in the celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month.

Farmer-Director Kalaw started the meeting with the presentation of his activities and accomplishments to the management. This includes attending groundbreaking ceremonies and the launching of the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance and Fuel Discount programs as well as the launch of the National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan 2021-2030. He also conducted meetings, dialogues, and visited the region’s research stations.

“Napakarami pong proyekto ng Department of Agriculture all over the country at masaya po akong nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makatulong sa DA-4A kaya ako po ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa ahensya. Salamat po ng marami sa inyong tulong at suporta,” said Farmer-Director Kalaw.

The meeting is graced by Assistant Secretary-Designate for Regulations and Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, ASec. Liza Battad. She expressed her gratitude to the DA-4A for the continuous support extended to the AFCs especially to Farmer-Director Kalaw.

“Wag po nating kalilimutan ang ating mga AFCs at mga industry players. Let us hear their insights, and as we implement projects, let us open our minds on their ideas. Salamat po dahil ang Region IV-A has been modeling the very strong support to the AFCs by way of Sir Ped Kalaw. The AFCs has been with us for a long time and they are good conveyors of the institutional memories and at the same time, ‘yong reforms and shares nila sa policy development,” said ASec. Battad.

The DA-4A management led by Assistant Secretary for Operations and Regional Executive Director Engr. Arnel V. de Mesa expressed gratitude to Mr. Kalaw for his invaluable support to the department and efforts in uplifting and helping the farmers and fisherfolk of the region.
#### (✍📸:Chieverly Caguitla)