News Details

DA Hosts Nationwide Christmas Boodle Fights to Honor and Support Farmers, Fisherfolk

NPO

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December 14, 2025

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday organized simultaneous Christmas “boodle fights” across eight major fish ports and landing areas, celebrating the hard work and resilience of the country’s farmers and fisherfolk through the Paskong Baybayin initiative.

More than 800 farmers and fisherfolk participated in the communal feasts held in Navotas City, Cavite, General Santos City, Palawan, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Samar, the Leyte Gulf area, and Isabela. The event served not only as a festive gathering but also as a renewed commitment by the government to strengthen support for the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s strong focus on food security and the welfare of the nation’s food producers.

“It is our mission to make sure you feel that the government listens to you,” he told attendees. “You, our farmers and fisherfolk, play a central role in building a New Philippines.”

He emphasized the President’s directive to uplift rural livelihoods:
“Nais ng Pangulo na ang ating food producers kumita nang maayos at mamuhay nang marangal sa tulong ng ating pamahalaan.”

As part of strengthened on-the-ground support, the DA is preparing to deploy more than 20,000 extension workers nationwide to provide technical guidance, production support, and capacity-building for farming and fishing communities. Tiu Laurel added that additional support services for the fisheries sector are also being expanded to ensure coastal communities receive continuous assistance and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

He highlighted the DA’s shift toward data-driven policy-making to enhance sustainability, strengthen resource management, and deliver clearer benefits to fisherfolk.

Tiu Laurel also reminded participants that the true spirit of Christmas lies in unity—an essential value as the agriculture and fisheries sectors move toward more inclusive and resilient growth.

“I hope we continue working together to advance a more resilient agriculture and fisheries sector,” he said.

The Paskong Baybayin initiative comes as the DA accelerates efforts to modernize production systems, fortify value chains, and stabilize the country’s food supply during the holiday season and into 2026.

— NPO News Team | DAPO-PR