Kauswagan, LANAO Del NORTE---The League of the Municipal Agricultural Officers, Municipal and City Agriculturists of the Philippines (LeMMCAP) recently conducted its Mindanao-wide Agricultural Extension Workers Year-end Assessment at the Kauswagan International Organic Convention Center. This event featured various speakers, including Municipal Agriculturist and LeMMCAP National Secretary Adelino F. Rico, who delivered his welcoming remarks.
Provincial Operations Office (POC) Chief Harris Paporo highlighted the essential role of municipal and city agriculturists in advancing agriculture on the ground. He shared the creation of teams of geo-taggers and drone operators, as per directives of Regional Executive Director Apollo Y. Pacamalan, to pursue digital agriculture and emphasize the importance of Municipal Investment Plans in uplifting farmers' lives.
ATI-RTC X Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez stressed the need for solidarity among stakeholders in her message, reinforcing the collaborative approach necessary for agricultural development.
Director Echavez highlighted ATI’s training offerings for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), particularly focusing on extension managers and the various scholarship programs available. She informed the group about the AEW Registry System through the Unified Extension System (UnExSys), which is designed to assist in the effective data management of ATI’s agri-fishery extension services. Additionally, she discussed Proclamation No. 753, which declares November as National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services Month, aimed at promoting nationwide awareness of the role of Extension Services in the development of the agriculture and fisheries sector.
DMO II Jhoylie Mae R. Caumban presented updates on the accomplishments and programs of the ATI, showcasing ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural training and support.
This assessment marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration and innovation among agricultural extension workers in Lanao del Norte and the entire Mindanao area, aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability in local farming practices. (with reports from and photos furnished by Jhoylie Mae R. Caumban - DMO II)