BUTUAN CITY – As the lead implementer of the Organic Agriculture extension program, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13 conducted the regional consultation and planning workshop mainly to harmonize issues and concerns relating to the implementation of Organic Agriculture Program (OAP) initiatives in the region.

In her welcome message, Planning Officer II Nena L. Lomuntad acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Local Government Units in the effective implementation of the program. She emphasized that all efforts could have been futile without the support of the provincial/municipal/city Agriculture Offices especially in making available the pool of trainers and identifying farmer-participants in its training conduct.

Ms. Madelo presented the training and activities set for 2022 which include the two batches of Training of Trainers on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Training on Organic Feed Production, Information Caravan, and, School-on-the-Air. Meanwhile, Ms. Burdeos, Agriculturist II of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 13 provided updates on the PGS groups application as well as the proposed establishment of the Organik Hub/Organik Konek.

The coordinators laid out the needed trainings, activities, and, other interventions per province which form part of the FY 2023 thrusts and priorities under the OA Program. They also identified possible PGS groups within their respective areas.

OIC-Chief of the Partnership and Accreditation Services Section (PASS) Engr. Matt Andrew G. Baquiano encouraged the coordinators to promote the establishment of Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) and discussed its processes for application as well as the opportunities awaiting our model farmers.

A total of 45 provincial, municipal/city coordinators, and, other stakeholders attended the workshop on February 21, 2022. (With the report of E. Madelo)