To harmonize the activities for the continuing implementation of RCEF-RESP, ATI Ilocos Region led the conduct of the 1st Quarterly Inter-Agency Meeting held at Reotutar Institute of Science, Arts, and Trades Inc., Brgy. Lipay, Villasis, Pangasinan on March 22, 2023.
Forty-four (44) representatives from RCEF implementing agencies, Farm Schools (FS), and Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) came together to plan and discuss strategies, coordination, and feedback mechanisms to ensure better implementation of 2023 RCEF Programs, Projects, and Activities. The meeting focused on the discussion of updates and actions taken on the agreement during FY 2022 Inter-Agency Meeting; presentation and discussion of 2023 targets, monitoring of Farmers Field Schools, the status of RCEF-LSAs and FS, accomplishments of Farm Schools Accomplishments for FY 2020-2022, and RCEF-RESP reporting schedules.
Based on the presentations, there are seven (7) RCEF LSAs that are not yet registered as Farm Schools of TESDA. Since it is their commitment to level up to farm schools, ATI-RTC 1 solicited issues and challenges that hamper them from becoming FS. Hence, the recommendations of becoming more proactive in implementing plans and commitments as partners in RCEF. The meeting also emphasized the importance of communication and coordination between agencies in the submission and transparency of reports, and how to ensure that resources were effectively allocated.
Generally, the meeting was seen as a productive step towards harmonizing the PPAs of RCEF-RESP with its implementation in the region. The participants agreed to commit themselves to reviewing and update their plans as needed and coordinating their efforts in the program. There are still 3 batches of Inter-Agency Meetings which will be conducted this year for the remaining quarters.
