BUTUAN CITY - "This is the best and smartest consultation meeting that I have ever attended.  The top 5 priority training needs were identified and issues and concerns were laid out and discussed by the workers in the field. We also learned new things and got to see a bigger picture of the new directives. Together, we formed partnerships, especially with our partner from the academe, the Caraga State University. It is important and reliable to apply at work and share new farming techniques."

This was the statement of Municipal Agriculturist Raul del Agua of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte during the Provincial Consultation Workshop for FY 2026 Agriculture and Fishery Extension (AFE) Needs for the Province of Agusan del Norte held on March 22, 2024 at Balangay Hall, ATI-RTC XIII, Brgy. Los Angeles.

The activity aims to harmonize AFE needs among extension service providers and stakeholders in preparation for the implementation of full devolution by Executive Order No. 28 series of 2008.

It was participated by Municipal and City Agriculturists, Agricultural Technologists, Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) Cooperators, representatives from cooperatives, Caraga State University - College of Agriculture and Agri-industries (CSU-CAA), and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) of Agusan del Norte.

OIC-Center Director Jessie V. Beldia welcomed the participants and thanked them for sharing their time and for allowing ATI to be a bridge in giving the appropriate and needed trainings that would enhance the knowledge and capacitate the skills of the key players in the AFE extension sector.

Planning Officer Nena Lomuntad presented the important key points of the activity and its purpose. She also encouraged the AEWs working in the provincial and LGUs to register in the online AEW Registry System.

Meanwhile, Mr. Manolito Casapao from the Philippine Coconut Authority gave updates on the CFIDP implementation in Caraga Region.

During the workshop, each partner agency, LGU, LSAs, and other organizations presented their top five priority training needs for 2026.

The said one-day activity was conducted by the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit (PMEU).