LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – Key officials and personnel from the Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs)and National Government Agencies (NGAs) gained new insights from the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) benchmarking in Ilocos Norte from June 5-9, 2023.
The activity, which drew 21 participants, facilitated knowledge exchange on best practices, innovative approaches, and successful strategies between the PLGU of Ilocos Norte and the participants. It helped them identify factors that ensure the successful implementation of PAFES in the province such as strong PLGU support (policy, manpower, logistics, budget allocation); strong convergence, collaboration, and cooperation between and among key stakeholders such as farmers and fishermen’s associations, LGUs, academe, DA, and other NGAs; regular monitoring and evaluation; continuous support from NGAs, academe, private sector (financial and technical support); and presence of a prime mover.
Among the projects, farms, and organizations visited by the group were as follows: Bacarra Zanjera Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative in the town of Bacarra, Mango King Food Products, Refmad Farm in Burgos, Bagnos Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (INAFEC) at the Provincial Agriculture Office Compound.
The participants met Engr. Maria Teresa L. Bacnat, OIC Provincial Agriculturist of Ilocos Norte, who presented the INAFES progress report; Atty. Pancho Jose, INAFES Center Director, who responded to questions regarding the current state of the INAFES; and Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, who was able to squeeze his hectic schedule to meet the group on June 8 for a quick courtesy call.
The participants included Dinagat Governor Nilo Demery; ATI-13 OIC Center Director Dr. Jessie Beldia; Provincial Agriculturists Ruby Ann Lagahit (SDN), Marcos Quico (SDS), and Rico Galinato Jr. (PDI); Dr. Life Shiela Cubillanes (PVET-SDN); Donato Alegado (Supervising Agriculturist-ADN); APCO Chiefs and staff, and other government personnel involved in the implementation of PAFES in the region.
