Regional Consultation for the Development of an Extension and Training Roadmap for Priority Commodities (Cassava, Banana Cardava, and Swine) Held

Gusa, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY---Regional consultations are crucial for enhancing agricultural development, and the recent Regional Consultation for the Development of an Extension and Training Roadmap for priority commodities—specifically Cassava, Banana Cardava, and Swine—transpired from November 18 to 20, 2024, in Cagayan de Oro City. This event gathered key stakeholders from the agricultural sector, including farmers, government agencies, and agricultural experts, to foster collaboration and assess ongoing programs. The consultation serves as a platform for participants to identify challenges and share best practices aimed at improving agricultural extension services. This collaborative approach ensures that the resources and training needs of the farming community are effectively addressed, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and sustainability in the region's agriculture sector. During her remarks, Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez emphasized the importance of iterative planning. She stated, “Planning is iteration, and your output is subject to revisions and improvement as we submit your data to the central office. More consultations and workshops like this will be organized as needed.” Echavez encouraged participants to actively engage in future workshops, highlighting that extension workers are both clients and integral parts of the extension system. The second day of the consultation focused on engaging local stakeholders—including farmers, cooperatives, academic institutions, national government agencies (NGAs), and local government units (LGUs)—to shape a roadmap that addresses both the current and future needs of Northern Mindanao’s agricultural sector. This participatory approach is designed to align strategies with the specific challenges and opportunities unique to the region. As the consultation progressed into its third day, participants engaged in final workshop sessions aimed at formulating regulatory policies and frameworks for their respective commodities. The outputs from these sessions will include tailored Agricultural and Fisheries Extension (AFE) interventions specific to each commodity. Planning Officer II Cheaster Kimberly G. Magat led today's workshop session, guiding participants through discussions that will culminate in presentations of their findings. The roadmap developed through this consultation is expected to play a significant role in achieving the overarching goal of the Department of Agriculture's initiative: “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya.” This regional consultation not only aims to enhance agricultural extension services but also seeks to empower local farmers by ensuring their voices are included in policy-making processes that affect their livelihoods.