Surigao City, Surigao del Norte - The Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) continue to move forward in the province of Surigao del Norte after the final presentation of their Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Program (CPAFEP) on April 18, 2023 at the Go Negosyo Building, Capitol Compound, this city.

The CPAFEP, a major PAFES output, is a compendium of plans, projects, and activities to be pursued by the province in the next three years and to be co-financed, co-managed, and co-implemented by DA and other partner agencies. Crafting the CPAFEP took several meetings and workshops before it was ready and complete for presentation to the municipal and city Local Government Units, Department of Agriculture and its line bureaus and attached agencies, other government agencies and private sector.

Once the minor corrections are incorporated, the CPAFEP document will be presented to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for deliberation and endorsement to the Provincial Governor, who will sign the document to signify its final approval.

Prior to the presentation, the result of the PAFES Rapid Appraisal for Surigao del Norte was presented by Provincial Agriculturist Ruby-Ann Lagahit. The appraisal was conducted by Caraga State University (CSU) to assess LGU’s resources and capacity in providing agriculture and fisheries extension services in line with the implementation of the Mandanas ruling and full devolution of government services to the LGUs.

Among the dignitaries present were: DA-13 Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate Jr., DA-13 Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega, Provincial Agriculturist Ruby-Ann Lagahit, APCO-SDN Chief Marco Antonio Morido, PGO/DENRO Chief Oscar Pospia, Municipal and City Agriculturists, and representatives from the National Government Agencies and private sector.