TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) has successfully conducted the Provincial Consultation Workshop for FY 2026 Agriculture and Fishery Extension (AFE) Needs for the Province of Surigao del Sur on March 19, 2024 at Selades Apartelle Convention Center, Barangay Mabua.

The activity aims to harmonize AFE needs among extension service providers and stakeholders in preparation for the implementation of the full devolution by 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), Northern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) Cooperators, and farmers’ cooperatives and associations from the province of Surigao del Sur.

Nena Lomuntad, Planning Officer II of ATI-RTC XIII, gave the rationale of the activity. She also explained the trust, priorities, and policy directions of the institute. Moreover, the FY 2023 physical accomplishment report and the FY 2024 Work and Financial Plan (WFP) were presented. A briefing on ATI’s UNExSyS AEW Registry System was also done.

Christian Hibaya, Senior Agriculturist of PCA-SDS, also presented some updates on the PCA extension plans and programs including the CFIDP for coconut farmers in the province.

During the workshop, each partner agency, LGU, LSAs, and other organizations presented their top five priority training needs for 2026. Issues, concerns, and agreements were also discussed.