The 4th Quarter Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) Full Council Meeting cum Tree Planting was successfully held on December 3–4, 2025, at Double R SALT Integrated Farm, Poblacion, Lingig, Surigao del Sur. The two-day activity brought together local government officials, partner national line agencies, and sectoral representatives to discuss key initiatives for the province’s agriculture and fisheries sector.

The event was attended by Vice Mayor Arnold T. Malaque, SP Member Gines Ricky Sayawan, and Municipal Agriculturist Ricky B. Tubo, alongside representatives from national line agencies, including DSWD – Christian Joe C. Alipan, Regional Program Coordinator; DENR – Caren Roi A. Gelogo, PDO I / Geologist; PhilHealth – Charles C. Besconde, Collection Unit In-Charge/ Information Officer I; PCA Bislig & Lingig Area – Nelbert B. Maganyan; NFA – Lastie Corvera, OIC ABM; and DA-APCO Surigao del Sur – Emmylou Presilda.

The first day focused on council matters, highlighted by a special election to fill vacant PAFC sectoral positions, ensuring complete sectoral representation and promoting transparency. Another major agenda was the formal inclusion of the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (PFARMC/PFARC) as the official sectoral representative for the fisheries sector in Surigao del Sur. These measures aim to strengthen sectoral participation, allowing both agriculture and fisheries stakeholders to have an active voice in policy-making.

Discussions also emphasized the importance of collaboration among PAFC, MAFCs, national line agencies, and rural-based organizations (RBOs) to improve the delivery of agricultural and fishery programs across the province. Strategies were highlighted to enhance farmer and fisherfolk welfare, ensuring that all sectors contribute meaningfully to policy recommendations and sustainable community development.

On the second day, participants engaged in a tree planting activity at Mr. Ian Marcelo’s Farm in Purok 5, Brgy. Union, Lingig, Surigao del Sur demonstrating the council’s commitment to environmental stewardship alongside agriculture and fisheries development.

The two-day gathering reinforced Surigao del Sur’s dedication to sustainable agriculture, fisheries management, and community empowerment, providing a platform for stakeholders to unite, share knowledge, and implement programs that uplift the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk throughout the province.