BUTUAN CITY- The Caraga State University (CSU), through its technical staff, presented to the Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units of the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) the result of the Rapid Appraisal conducted in the province few months ago. The study aims to assess the LGUs capabilities, readiness, and resources in relation to agriculture and fisheries extension services. The said activity  was held at Charlie's Dormitel on April 27, 2023.

Almar Estorpe Dela Cerna, Science Research Assistant of CSU, said that the study intends to assess and prepare the LGUs specifically in terms of providing agriculture and fisheries extension services. It also assesses the readiness of the LGUs as far as devolution and the Mandanas-Garcia ruling are concerned.

The CSU was commissioned to conduct the study being a partner of the Department of Agriculture in the implementation of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) in Caraga region.

During the open forum, there were several issues raised specially on the accuracy and completeness of the result.  Data on budgetary and manpower requirements under the agriculture and fisheries sector had to be revalidated at the municipal level. The report had to refined before it will again be presented to the same audience sometime in May 2023.  

Among the participants of the activity were officers and staff from the Provincial/Municipal Agriculture Office and Provincial/Municipal Planning Officers, representatives from the Department of agriculture – Regional Field Office 13, National Irrigation Authority – Caraga, and the Agricultural Training Institute – 13.