SAN JOSE, Province of Dinagat Islands – “We are very happy to say that the province is recovering from the last devastation of typhoon Odette. The province’s agriculture sector was greatly affected and we need support for our farmers and fishers. Our Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) also need to be capacitated and informed on the newest technology in farming. We need not just quantitative but qualitative trainings that will help improve the agriculture and fishery industry,” says OIC-Provincial Agriculturist Rico M. Galinato during the consultation workshop for FY 2025 Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) Needs on March 15, 2023.

The activity was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII. It aims to harmonize AFE needs among extension service providers in preparation for the implementation of full devolution in accordance to Executive Order no. 28 series of 2008.

It was participated by representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), Municipal Agriculture Offices, Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Region through its Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

During its workshop, each agency presented its identified AFE Needs for 2025. As a result, the province had consolidated the LGUs proposed interventions in extension and highlighted the importance of trainings with CPD units. Issues, concerns, and agreements were also discussed.

“PDI needs to be self-sufficient in terms of supply and source of food. And this would happen by empowering the farmers and fishers. By this consultation, we could identify the timely and actual extension needs of our AEWs to be more effective and equipped in the field work,” says Gilbert Anguay, OPAg Planning Officer.