Pam taps ex-agricultural chief as food security adviser

CEBU, Philippines — In a move seen to reshape Cebu’s approach to agricultural development, incoming Governor Pamela Baricuatro has tapped former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol as her food security adviser.

Piñol, who once served as Cotabato governor, has unveiled what he calls the “Pagkaon Alang sa Masa (PAM)” Food Security Strategy—a three-pronged program aimed at transforming Cebu Province into a food-sufficient region.

“Cebu is a huge food market with over four million consumers, just as the Philippines has 114 million,” Piñol said in a social media post.

He pointed out that, like the rest of the country, Cebu has failed to fully develop its agricultural potential and continues to rely heavily on outside sources for its food supply—from meat to fish.

The PAM strategy begins with a comprehensive study of the daily consumption patterns of Cebuano families—including rice, corn, meat, eggs, vegetables, milk, and even basic condiments. Based on this, the provincial government will invest in enhancing the capacity of local farmers and fisherfolk.

For commodities that Cebu cannot yet produce in sufficient quantities, Piñol’s plan allows for strategic partnerships with other provinces or, when necessary, targeted importation.

A key component of the strategy is the creation of an alternative marketing system that eliminates the role of traditional middlemen and price speculators.

“[We must] ensure the farmers’ production reaches the Cebuano families’ kitchen without the traditional middlemen and dicers’ interference as they ‘jack up prices,’” Piñol emphasized.

He added that the success of the program would also rely on the private sector’s support, especially given the government’s stringent processes.

Environmental sustainability also forms a cornerstone of the PAM strategy. Piñol is proposing a massive reforestation effort using fruit-bearing trees and giant bamboos to protect water sources and spur eco-friendly agricultural industries.

While Baricuatro admits her knowledge of agriculture is “limited to backyard gardening,” Piñol said her humility and willingness to listen are key strengths.

“Her humility and openness to helpful inputs could ensure the success of this program,” he said.

“My role [is] simply to design the program based on her vision and dream for Cebu—‘Busog, Himsog nga Katawhan,’” Piñol added.

To support the initiative, the incoming governor has also directed her research and IT team to develop the province’s first agriculture digital database to enable data-driven policymaking.

If successful, Piñol said the PAM food security strategy could become a model for other local government units across the country. (CEBU NEWS)