CAGWAIT, Surigao del Sur - Continuing the efforts of stakeholders to keep the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) right on track, the Caraga State University (CSU) presented the result of the Rapid Appraisal on May 3, 2023 at the Kaliguan Beach Resort in this town. 

The said study is crucial in assessing the Local Government Units (LGUs) specifically in terms of providing agriculture and fisheries extension services.

Specifically, the rapid appraisal aims to look into and picture out the current design and implementation measures of the agriculture and fishery extension services in the province, provide recommendations and interventions to further assist the LGUs in the smooth implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia doctrine, and serves as the take-off point in the institutionalization of PAFES and a reference in mapping the Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Enhancement Program (CPAFEP).

Marcos M. Quico, Provincial Agriculturist of Surigao del Sur, hoped that the study will not affect the transfer of authority to the LGU instead it will help in the formulation of policies and interventions.

During the presentation, some of the comments raised were about the standard ratio between farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs). There was also a request among the municipal and city LGUs for CSU to provide not only the province-wide/general result but also the more detailed by municipality/city results.

The activity was attended by various LGUs from the provincial, municipal, and city levels and representatives from the Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Program Coordinating Office and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). 

Hon. Novelita Sarmen, Mayor of Lianga, was also present during the said activity.