The Pope's message during his Papal visit might well be the ray of hope needed today by poor farmers and fisherfolk: “Allow yourselves to be surprised by God. Don’t be afraid of surprises. They shake the ground beneath our feet and make us insecure, but they move us forward in the right direction.” The Papal visit motivated a prayer that started the meeting of 10 key AF2025 representatives held Jan. 17. These representatives were elected or identified by 200 agriculture leaders from all agricultural subsectors when they met on Feb. 10 to 11, 2011. The conference’s objectives were to formulate a vision for agriculture on 2025, as well as to recommend specific short and long term programs to achieve this vision. They are composed of four cabinet secretaries from three previous administrations, and six heads of major farmer, fisherfolk, and agribusiness organizations.

Ordoñez, E. (2015, January 20). The Pope, farmers and fisherfolk. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. B5.