By Ricky P. Becodo, PhD.

The Agriculture-Fishery-Forestry Research and Extension Development Network (AFFREDN) convened stakeholders in a regional workshop from May 28 to 30, 2025 at MO2 Westown Hotel, Iloilo City, to harmonize the research and extension agenda of Western Visayas. The activity, facilitated by Dr. Ma. Jhoanna G. Guarin of Aklan State University, brought together representatives from State Universities (SUs), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and its attached bureaus.

A significant highlight of the workshop was the participation of Engr. Buen S. Mondejar, Chair of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), who was also honored as Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) for the Department of Agriculture Western Visayas. This recognition reflects his unwavering commitment to farmer empowerment and sustainable agri-fishery development in Western Visayas. Engr. Mondejar outlined critical grassroots concerns needing immediate policy and research attention. He emphasized that “farmers’ increased income—not yield— should be the primary measure of success.”

Among his points were:

▪ The absence of local breeder farms for layers, which leads to costly imports that may carry diseases.

▪ Market limitations and the lack of a value chain strategy for local farmers' produce.

▪ Over dependence on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, —calling instead for grounded data through community-based research.

▪ Call for a constructive dialogue with DENR to find ways to harmonize conservation goals with sustainable agricultural livelihoods among farmers living near protected areas.

▪ Failure to follow through on existing crop roadmaps, including for cacao. Engr. Buen S. Mondejar shares his insights during the AFFREDN Regional Workshop held at MO2 Westown Hotel, Iloilo City. He emphasized the need for grassroots-based research and farmer-centered development strategies.

▪ Poor quality of local coffee beans preventing access to local café markets—an area where research and training could help.

▪ Alarming health impacts of chemical-intensive farming, with reports of cancer cases even among children linked to unsafe agricultural practices.

Engr. Mondejar’s input resonated with the DA’s vision of promoting safe, nutritious food free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and the participants agreed to integrate these issues into the regional format.