The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL), together with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources III, awarded cash grants to several provinces in Central Luzon in July to September this year for the Provincial-Led Agriculture Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) implementation.
Spearheaded by its Center Director, Dr. Joey A. Belarmino, ATI-CL awarded a total of Php900,000.00 each to the following Provincial Local Government Units with corresponding dates:
- July 25, 2023 – Aurora;
- July 26, 2023 – Tarlac;
- July 27, 2023 – Zambales;
- August 23, 2023 – Bulacan; and
- September 8, 2023 – Bataan.
The said fund was allocated to support the priority activities or interventions identified by the province under the Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Program (CPAFEP). Nueva Ecija opted for ATI-managed co-financing agreement while Pampanga will receive their cash grant in 4th quarter this year.
PAFES shall serve as the institutional arrangement in integrating the implementation of our various programs and related support services. It aims to further strengthen the capability of LGUs to implement and integrate multiple agriculture and fisheries programs with the provinces.
With PAFES, the province serves as an extension hub that synchronizes agricultural plans and programs as well as orchestrate the activities of the various stakeholders. (EDLanada)
