NATION

DA strengthens MIMAROPA agri-fishery investment planning

Regional agencies align priority projects, identify funding gaps

Josephine D. Escovidal · Nov 6, 2026, 7:11 PM

Representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Philippine Rural Development Project MIMAROPA gather during the Joint Planning Exercise for the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Investment Portfolio in Quezon City on 5 November 2026. The activity aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination and align priority investments in agriculture and fisheries across the region. — PRDP MIMAROPA

QUEZON CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has strengthened coordination among its regional offices, bureaus and attached agencies to improve the implementation of priority agriculture and fisheries investment projects across MIMAROPA.

The initiative was highlighted during the Joint Planning Exercise for the MIMAROPA Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Investment Portfolio (RAFIP), held in Quezon City on Thursday, 5 November.

Organized through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) MIMAROPA I-PLAN Component, the activity brought together representatives of various DA agencies to review ongoing interventions, identify funding gaps and explore opportunities for coordinated project implementation.

Investment priorities assessed

Participants reviewed the regional investment portfolio alongside the Expanded Vulnerability and Suitability Assessment (eVSA), which provides technical guidance in identifying priority agricultural and fisheries commodities and determining suitable investment interventions.

The assessment is intended to support evidence-based planning and help ensure that proposed projects respond to regional development needs.

The planning exercise also examined priority interventions currently receiving funding and those requiring additional financial or institutional support.

Agencies strengthen collaboration

Discussions focused on inter-agency cooperation, resource mobilization and the alignment of programs to avoid overlapping initiatives and improve project implementation.

Representatives from DA bureaus, attached agencies and regional programs participated in identifying potential areas of collaboration to strengthen agricultural productivity and fisheries development.

Under the leadership of DA MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Atty. Christopher R. Bañas, the results of the planning exercise are expected to guide future investment planning, coordination and monitoring across the region.

MIMAROPA comprises the provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

The regional planning initiative seeks to improve the delivery of agriculture and fisheries programs while supporting sustainable development and livelihood opportunities in rural communities.