The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 5 warmly welcomed Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) 5 Chairperson Ms. Claudia Esmeralda C. Honrado as the newly installed Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) for the month of May during the flag ceremony held on Monday, May 5, 2025. Her appointment aligns with the celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Month this May—a tribute to the unwavering dedication of the country’s food producers.

The Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) Program, launched in 2017 by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), aims to deepen the collaboration between the government and the private sector in driving the growth of the agriculture and fisheries industry. It also empowers farmer-leaders by giving them a stronger voice in policymaking, enabling them to play a vital role in shaping decisions that directly impact their sectors and communities.

This year’s Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Month celebration theme is “Makabagong Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Susi sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.” (Emie Jane B. Malonzo, DA RAFIS 5)

Photo credit: Ramon C. Adversario Jr., DA RAFIS 5