In a significant move to revitalize its rural economy, the Province of Cebu has officially launched a new initiative designed to support its farmers and fisherfolk. Governor Pamela Baricuatro has formally established the "Adopt-a-Farm Program" through an executive order, marking a strategic step towards agricultural recovery and development.
A Dual-Pronged Approach for Recovery and Growth
The program, enacted on Monday, January 12, 2026, is a core component of Cebu's broader economic revival plan under the Kumbati Cebu Task Force. Its primary goal is to speed up the rehabilitation of farmlands severely damaged by recent calamities. These include a major earthquake, Typhoon Tino, and devastating floods that disrupted food production, destroyed irrigation systems, and crippled the livelihoods of countless agricultural workers.
In a parallel action to ensure sustained progress, Governor Baricuatro also signed a separate executive order creating the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Conservation and Development Council (PAFCDC). This new body is tasked with providing focused, long-term oversight and management for the province's agriculture and fisheries sectors.
How the Adopt-a-Farm Program Works
The Adopt-a-Farm Program operates as a collaborative bridge, calling on various sectors of society to provide direct support to affected farms and agricultural areas. The program specifically seeks participation from:
- The public and private sectors
- Community groups
- Educational institutions
- Development partners
This support can take many practical forms, aimed at both immediate recovery and future resilience. Potential assistance includes:
- Cleaning and rehabilitating damaged land
- Providing seeds, fertilizers, and essential equipment
- Repairing critical irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads
- Introducing new and innovative farming technologies
- Facilitating access to loans and insurance
- Helping connect farm products directly to buyers and markets
A dedicated steering committee, led by the Provincial Agriculturist, will manage and monitor the program's implementation to ensure its effectiveness.
The Role of the New Agriculture Council
While the Adopt-a-Farm Program addresses urgent needs, the newly formed PAFCDC looks to the future. Chaired by the Governor herself, the council is mandated to strengthen the long-term governance of Cebu's vital food-producing sectors.
Its key responsibilities will involve formulating supportive policies, promoting science-based and climate-resilient farming and fishing practices, protecting agricultural lands and marine resources, and enhancing the quality of local products to improve their marketability.
A Unified Vision for Cebu's Food Security
Together, these two initiatives represent a comprehensive strategy by the Cebu provincial government. They aim not only to accelerate agricultural rehabilitation but also to build a more robust, sustainable, and food-secure future for the island. The combined efforts seek to empower local farmers and fisherfolk, safeguard the province's natural resources, and ultimately create a more resilient agricultural economy capable of withstanding future challenges.
