The City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgro) has strengthened its commitment to inclusive development through the Agri Commodity Council, in a bid to build a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.
James Arly A. Danac, head of the CAgro’s Institutional Development Services Division, described the council as a cornerstone of the city’s long-term vision for agricultural development.
“Part sa paglantaw na mahimong sustainable ang agriculture. Naa ta’y mga ginabuhat na mga inisyatibo para ang development mapa abot gyud sa ground ug mag gikan gyud sa ground (This is part of our goal to make agriculture sustainable. We are implementing initiatives that ensure development reaches the grassroots),” he told the Madayaw Davao program over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The Agri Commodity council was officially established following the signing of an executive order by Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte on September 23, 2025. It aims to institutionalize sectoral representations in agricultural policy-making bodies, ensuring that farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders have a voice in shaping the city’s Agri fishery agenda.
Danac also mentioned that the council serves as the sectoral focal group that will lead discussions on key agricultural issues and determines the necessary government support to ensure that solutions are crafted and driven by those directly engaged in the agriculture sector.
He also encouraged the private sector to raise their concerns so they can be addressed collaboratively through the council’s mechanisms, including the City Agricultural and Fishery Council (CAFC) Committee.
“Ilahang plan ginasulod nato sa city, para maapil since we are partners in development so natural katung ilahang gi proposed, we are looking forward na once it’s implemented, considering that is coming from you as the industry players, atung chances of success kay taas (We will integrate their proposed plans because we consider them as partners. It increases the likelihood of successful implementation, especially when proposals come directly from our industry players),” Danac added.
The CAgro champions an equitable approach across the agriculture industry and actively promotes fair pricing, ethical trade, and mutual respect among stakeholders. It continues to enhance its mechanisms and roll out targeted initiatives to boost food security in Davao City, while delivering responsive and high-quality services to Dabawenyo farmers.
“Let’s do win-win decisions as an industry for the development of Agri fishery (in) Davao City,” Danac said. CIO
