Koronadal City, Philippines – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) XII reaffirmed its support for the Agriculture and Fisheries Resource, Research, and Extension Development Network (AFRREDN) through a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing on February 20, 2025, at Agua Frio Resort, Koronadal City. This initiative marks the beginning of the AFRREDN in Rergion XII, aiming to strengthen agricultural and fisheries extension by establishing an integrated knowledge platform that enhances research and technology transfer.
The event commenced with welcome remarks from DA RFO XII Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Abraham A. Onotan, RPAE, MPA. He expressed his gratitude to the attendees, emphasizing that this collaboration will reinforce the agricultural and fisheries extension efforts in the region. He highlighted the importance of integrating research and extension services to support farmers and fisherfolk effectively.
Providing the event's rationale, the OIC-Chief of the Research Division of DA-RFO XII, Maimona B. Amil, underscored the strategic importance of AFRREDN. She elaborated that the network serves as a crucial alliance for fostering knowledge sharing and advancing research in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. With DA RFO XII serving as the chairman and DA ATI as the vice chair, the collaboration aims to maximize research applications in extension services.
The signing ceremony formalized the participation of key institutions, including six State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), two private colleges, and five National Government Agencies (NGAs). These partnerships are expected to drive significant improvements in agricultural and fisheries productivity by ensuring that research findings reach the stakeholders through technology transfer and extension activities.
DA RFO XII Regional Executive Director, Roberto T. Perales, expressed his honor in being part of this endeavor. He reaffirmed DA RFO XII’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk in the region. He emphasized the agency’s readiness to contribute resources and expertise in ensuring the success of AFRREDN.
Representing ATI XII’s OIC-Center Director, Jessie V. Beldia, Ph.D., Ms. Hannadi S. G. Pompong delivered ATI’s message of commitment. She highlighted ATI’s crucial role in AFRREDN, particularly in facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building. She emphasized that ATI remains steadfast in its mission to empower the agriculture and fisheries sectors through enhanced productivity, economic empowerment, and sustainable development. ATI takes pride in being a member of this vital network and looks forward to working closely with its partners to achieve shared goals.
The AFRREDN serves as a dynamic avenue for synergizing and harmonizing research and extension efforts. By bridging research with practical application, the network ensures that technological advancements reach various stakeholders, ultimately fostering innovation and sustainability in the agricultural and fisheries industries. The collaborative efforts initiated through this MOU signing signify a major step towards a more integrated and effective extension system that benefits the region’s agricultural community.
