Focal persons and project officers of the Department of Agriculture’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) from different regions convened in Eastern Visayas as the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 hosted the FY 2026 Second Quarter National Assessment, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to improving program implementation through collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
The assessment served as a platform for regional implementers to review second-quarter accomplishments, examine implementation issues, and exchange practical experiences from the field. Bringing together representatives from the different DA regional offices, the activity underscored the value of collective problem-solving in ensuring that government interventions effectively reach farmers engaged in high-value crop production.
Addressing the participants, Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero emphasized that monitoring and accountability remain the cornerstones of effective public service. She stressed that regular program assessments enable the Department to evaluate whether targets are being met while ensuring that public resources are translated into tangible benefits for farming communities.
“We are not just simply looking at outputs, but we are looking at outcomes and impact. And this is the very reason why we are doing our assessment. Tinatanong natin sa ating mga sarili kung malapit na ba tayo doon sa ating commitment and sa ating key performance indicators. And that’s the reason why we are doing our quarterly assessment. It is to find out if we are able to meet, deliver, and fulfill our obligations for the 2026 budget utilization,” Usec. Natividad-Caballero said.
She further highlighted that monitoring goes beyond measuring accomplishments; it also provides an opportunity to recognize implementation challenges, address operational gaps, and make informed decisions that will strengthen program delivery. By promoting accountability at every level, the Department can continuously improve its services and remain responsive to the needs of the agriculture sector.
Welcoming the delegates, Regional Technical Director Leonarda Londina expressed appreciation to the participants for their commitment to the program and acknowledged the importance of gathering implementers from different regions to reflect on their shared experiences.
She also emphasized that conducting the national assessment is vital in identifying challenges and gaps that may affect program implementation. Through open discussions and the sharing of best practices, regional offices can develop practical solutions, enhance coordination, and improve the efficiency of program interventions nationwide.
“This quarterly assessment comes at a pivotal moment. High-value crops are at the very core of our country’s food security, diversification, and rural income generation strategies. This three-day platform provides us with a vital opportunity to assess rigorously, align nationally, and solve field-level challenges cooperatively. We hope that over the course of this activity, you witness not only our administrative reports and numbers but also the deep commitment of our DA family in the field and the unwavering resilience of our local farmers,” RTD Londina said.
Throughout the activity, participants presented regional accomplishments, discussed implementation concerns, and explored strategies to address common issues encountered in the field. The exchange of experiences fostered stronger collaboration among HVCDP implementers while reinforcing the importance of evidence-based planning and continuous performance improvement.
As the host of the national assessment, DA Regional Field Office 8 highlighted the importance of working together toward a common goal, which is strengthening the High Value Crops Development Program so that it continues to deliver meaningful support to farmers and contributes to a more productive, competitive, and resilient agriculture sector.