Engr. Miguel Pedroso presented his accomplishments as Farmer Director during the Exit Conference held on June 8, 2026, at the DA RFO 8 Conference Room in Tacloban City.

In just a few weeks, he traversed provinces and municipalities, engaging directly with farmers, fisherfolk, youth leaders, agricultural extension workers, and local officials. Whether addressing farmer organizations, visiting agricultural research stations, participating in trainings, or inspecting model farms, Dir. Pedroso championed a leadership style rooted in listening, learning, and connecting with the people at the heart of the region’s agricultural sector. His presence in the field underscored a simple but powerful message: effective agricultural governance begins with understanding realities on the ground.

Beyond recounting milestones, the conference served as a platform for a forward-looking vision for Eastern Visayas agriculture. Dir. Pedroso outlined strategic recommendations designed to strengthen farmer organizations, expand market opportunities, and promote sustainable rural development. Central to these was the “Gold and Purple Strategy,” an initiative aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the region’s jackfruit and ube industries through improved production, processing, and market integration. He likewise advocated for the revitalization of Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Councils (MAFCs), the strengthening of Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), the reorganization of commodity-based groups, and the broader implementation of the Sagip Saka Program.

Together, these proposals paint a roadmap toward a more resilient, market-driven, and farmer-centered agricultural sector—one where innovation takes root, collaboration flourishes, and rural communities are empowered to thrive.