The Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network 1 (RAFEN 1), led by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (DA-ATI-RTC 1) and DA-Regional Field Office 1 (DA-RFO 1), conducted the 8th RAFEN 1 Symposium at the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC) Hotel, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur on October 19-20, 2023.
With this year’s theme, “RAFEN Uno Agripreneurs: Building Resilience and Sustaining Excellence”, the Network was able to bring stakeholders in the agriculture and fisheries extension (AFE) services in one avenue to highlight different extension initiatives and innovations.
The two-day event was delegated by 200 individuals from the different pillars of AFE in Region 1, such as farmers associations; learning sites for agriculture; private national and regional extension service providers; provincial, city, and municipal local government units; state universities and colleges; and national government agencies.
8th RAFEN 1 Symposium kicks off
The opening program of the event was graced by various key officials including LGU-Caoayan Municipal Mayor Germeline S. Goulmart; DA-RFO 1 Regional Executive Director Dr. Annie Q. Bares represented by the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PMED) Chief Ms. Doris Joy C. Garcia; ATI Director Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter who delivered her message via electronic; NSCC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Divina C. Quemi; and Ilocos Sur Provincial Governor Jeremias C. Singson who served as the keynote speaker.
In his keynote speech, Governor Singson emphasized the pivotal role that agriculture and fisheries play in social and economic development. He also mentioned the different significant initiatives that positively contribute to pave the way towards resilient and transformative farming and fishing communities in the province of Ilocos Sur.
“Nagpintas koma nu agkay kaysa tayo amin (It is truly amazing if we have the unity) to support our farmers and fisherfolks. Give them the full support to uplift their living conditions”, said by Singson as he encouraged all the key players in AF services to exemplify excellence in all endeavors for a brighter and better future.
Showcasing agri-fishery products
On behalf of the RAFEN 1 Chairperson Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista, the declaration of the symposium was conducted by the Assistant Center Director of ATI-RTC 1, Dr. Josephine K. Aben. Afterward, the guests and officials proceeded to the exhibit area for a ribbon cutting to formally introduce different agri-fishery products and services.
Walking through the area, products produced and processed by farmers and fishers groups and individuals were exhibited. These include dried fish, fish paste and sauce, fruit wines and vinegars, tablea, chocolates, dried fruits, rice coffee, pickled fruits and vegetables, herbal teas, and many more.
Among the agencies that led the exhibit activity were the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-RFO 1, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Regional Office 1 (BFAR-RO 1), Department of Agrarian Reform-Regional Office 1 (DAR-RO 1), Department of Social Welfare and Development-Field Office 1 (DSWD-FO 1), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), LGU-Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, and the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives.
The Samahang Itinataguyod Kaunlarang Agri-Turismo sa Rehiyon Uno (1 SIKAT)-an association of ATI-certified LSAs and PESPs in the region, also showcased different items. The ATI-RTC 1, as well, displayed and distributed knowledge products that include information, education, and communication (IEC) print materials. These will serve as ready-reference of individuals who are interested in learning different AF information and technologies.
Exploring agri-fishery services, opportunities
Recognizing the role of media in disseminating relevant information, the symposium integrated a media conference and it was participated by member agencies of the RAFEN 1 and individuals from various media groups, including the Philippine Information Agency-Ilocos Sur Chapter.
During the dialogue, the media groups raised discussions on the importance of RAFEN 1 in responding to different issues and challenges in agriculture and fisheries sector. Among the points discussed were the current African Swine Fever (ASF), local market supply and demands for fish and other commodities, the status of rice sufficiency in the region, and the different interventions toward the modernization of agriculture.
Meanwhile, the plenary session started with the presentation of the rationale of the symposium by the Planning Officer II of ATI-RTC 1, Ms. Shiela S. Corpuz; and it was followed by the history and status of implementation of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) presented by Ms. Doris Joy C. Garcia.
The Regional Director of BFAR-RO 1, Dr. Rosario Segundina P. Gaerlan, explained essential points about the fisheries industry as she presented investment opportunities in fisheries. Director Gaerlan also shared the status of fisheries production in Region 1, including the challenges, and future directions of the fisheries industry in the region.
In addition, the PAlayTIMPALAK initiative of ATI-RTC 1 was highlighted during the plenary activity. Ms. Rosita Mendoza, President of Alcala Farmers Cooperative, testified that the said initiative capacitated the rice farmers to become competitive through an integrated farming system. She also emphasized that the PAlayTIMPALAK program introduced them to a sustainable livelihood activity.
Competition on Best Extension Projects
Since the inception of the RAFEN 1 Symposium, the network has been highlighting best agriculture and fisheries extension projects through paper/oral and poster competitions. These competitions fall under the RAFEN 1 category and LGU category.
For this year’s event, four (4) member agencies of RAFEN 1 competed for the Paper and Oral Presentation of Best Extension Projects. These agencies include the following:
- Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) with their paper entitled, Cooperative Development Project: Empowering the Zanjera Sto. Niño Agriculture Cooperative through Cooperative Development,
- Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) with their Technology Transfer in the Production of Solar Sea Salt using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Platform,
- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Regional Office 1 (BFAR-FO 1) with their Lambaklad (Set-Net) Project Raises Fish Catch of Small Scale Fishers in Bacnotan, La Union, and
- Department of Social Welfare and Development-Field Office 1 (DSWD-FO 1) with their Big Booster: Bio Intensive Garden Boosting Socioeconomic Transformation through Enhanced Convergence and Reengineered Sustainability.
Meanwhile, seven (7) LGUs presented their entries for the LGUs’ Best Extension Projects through paper and oral presentations. These were the following:
- LGU-Alaminos City, Pangasinan with their paper entitled, Transforming Small-Scale Farmers into Agripreneurs,
- LGU-Bayambang, Pangasinan with their E-Agro: A Platform that Provides Assistance to All Farming Needs at One’s Fingertips,
- LGU-Aringay, La Union with their Mangrove Restoration Project-Key to Abundant Aquaculture,
- LGU-San Fernando City, La Union with their Upscaling Farm Enterprise through the Provision of Interest-Free Loan Assistance (IFLA) with Capacity Development on Agri-Entrepreneurship and Value Adding to Farmer-Fisherfolks Association/Cooperatives,
- LGU-Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur with their Livestock Development Program: Improving Farmers’ Quality of Life,
- LGU-Batac City, Ilocos Norte with their ICED TEA: Irrigating and Cultivating Economic Development Through Extension Activities, and
- LGU-Laoag City, Ilocos Norte with their Harnessing Gender Equality in Agriculture.
On the other hand, six (6) LGUs competed in the Poster Competition on Best Extension Projects and these were LGU-Bayambang, LGU-Alaminos City, and LGU-Sta. Barbara in Pangasinan; LGU-San Fernando City, La Union; LGU-Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur; and LGU-Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
Awarding ceremony
The closing program of the 8th RAFEN 1 Symposium highlighted the recognition of retired and outgoing focal persons from different member agencies of RAFEN 1. This part of the event was to acknowledge individuals who significantly contributed to the development of the network.
The network also formally welcomed its two member institutes, namely Reotutar Institute of Science, Arts, and Trades Inc. (RISATI)-a national private extension service provider located in Villasis, Pangasinan; and the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives-a regional private extension service providers that played a big role in the realization of this year’s event.
One of the most awaited parts of the event was the awarding ceremony for the competition of best extension projects. Among the RAFEN 1 member agencies and LGUs that topped the competition were the following:
Paper and Oral Presentation of RAFEN 1 Member Agencies’ Best Extension Projects
First Placer – Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
Second Placer – Department of Social Welfare and Development
Third Placer – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Consolation Prize – Mariano Marcos State University
Paper and Oral Presentation of LGUs’ Best Extension Projects
First Placer – Bayambang, Pangasinan
Second Placer – Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur
Third Placer – Alaminos City, Pangasinan
Consolation Prizes – Batac City, Ilocos Norte; Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan; and San Fernando City, La Union
Poster Presentation of LGUs’ Best Extension Projects
First Placer – Batac City, Ilocos Norte
Second Placer – San Fernando City, La Union
Third Placer – Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur
Consolation Prizes – Alaminos City, Pangasinan; Bayambang, Pangasinan; and Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan
Indeed, these extension initiatives are worth emulating in striving for innovative and sustainable agriculture and fisheries extension services in the AFE landscape of Region 1.
8th RAFEN 1 Symposium wraps up
During the sharing of impressions, Ms. Karen Ostil-Principe, owner of the Lakay Nga Lomboy-a certified LSA in Bani, Pangasinan, shared her testimony and experience as a first-time delegate of RAFEN 1 Symposium.
“Uuwi po ako na may dalawang feelings, validation and vindication. Validation because ung RAFEN po vinalidate niya po yung decision ng pamilya namin to really go into farming. Maybe it’s a change of nationalism but ‘yung feeling po ng fulfillment mas napalakas at na-validate ng ganitong event para po sa amin lalo na po kami na baguhan na LSA”, Ms. Principe said.
“Vindicated. Ako po kasi ay Manila conceive born and bred. I always have that belief that agriculture and fisheries, unfortunately, is archaic and outdated and I am really glad that I was proven wrong with all the presentations that I listened to. I feel relieved kasi meron pa pala talagang mga teknolohiya at pagbabago na ginagawa ng mga agencies natin and I’m very excited to go back to Bani and to Manila para i-share sa aking mga kaibigan na Manileño at sa aking mga kapamilya sa Bani ‘yung aking natutuhan at na-pick up ko dito”, she added.
In his message and response to impressions, RAFEN 1 Chairperson Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista hoped for the sustainability of the Network’s initiative in order to encourage extension workers to adopt best extension practices and projects. He also expressed his gratitude to the member agencies of the RAFEN 1, LGUs, and private groups and individuals for continuously embracing the event.
“Tulong-tulong at sama-sama. Gawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya para sa ating komyunidad, pamilya, at bansang Pilipinas.”, Dr. Evangelista said.
Dr. Divina C. Quemi, CEO of NSCC, formally concluded the two-day event as she delivered her closing message.
“Congratulations for making the 8th RAFEN Uno Symposium a resounding success. We had the opportunity to share experiences and extension practices. This is a testament to the collaboration of the member agencies. To all the stakeholders, and partners, let us continue to collaborate in ensuring a better future for the agricultural community.”, Dr. Quemi stated.
The RAFEN 1 Symposium is one of the initiatives that Region 1 is very proud of for it serves as the best platform for sharing worth replicating extension practices between and among key players in the agriculture and fisheries extension system of the region.
