BUTUAN CITY – Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), and other representatives attended the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) Mid-Year Assessment, held at ATI RTC -13 Golden Tara Hall on July 4, 2023.

Provincial Agriculturists, Planning Officers, and representatives from the PLGUs of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Province of Dinagat Islands were present for their status report and updates.

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 13 was represented by Melody M. Guimary, OIC – Chief of the Field Operations Division. She also delivered the DA report on the PAFES update. Meanwhile, PAFES Focal Person for DA-13, Edelmira R. Luminarias, was available online for her comments, responses to concerns, and synthesis.  

Also in attendance were the Agricultural Program Coordinating Offices (APCO) Chiefs and their staff. There were also representatives from BFAR, PhilFIDA, PhilMech, NIA, PhilRice, and PCIC.

Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac, MPS II of ATI-Caraga, delivered the Physical and Financial Accomplishments of PAFES from January to June, 2023.

OIC- Center Director Dr. Jessie V. Beldia, extended his warm welcome to the attendees and stressed the relevance of PAFES in spurring agri-fishery development in the country. OIC-Assistant Center Director and incoming PAFES Focal Person, Violeta T. Laguna gave her words of encouragement to the PLGUs.

The activity was centered on the need to fast-track the Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Program (CPAFEP) which all four non-pilot provinces have not yet submitted. It was announced that once this document is complete, ATI training interventions under PAFES funds will then start to roll in the province.