The past several months has been a very productive collaboration between the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region IVA and DA Regional Field Office (RFO) IVA. The two (2) agencies worked together in its aim to institutionalize the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon. The appreciation of the provinces to the efforts of the DA was very evident thru the testimonials made by each representative of the non-pilot areas. Most of them expressed that at this point, their vision for their respective provinces became clearer.
Their belief in the effectiveness of PAFES was strengthened by the recently concluded capability building and institutional strengthening activity wherein they enhanced the content of the Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Program (CPAFEP). The members of the Provincial Agri-fishery Extension Center (PAFEC) were provided with few pointers on technical writing, discussed by Mr. John Vincent Bucal of University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). This document together with the signed Memorandum of Agreement will ensure the institutionalization of PAFES program.
The closing ceremony of the capability building and institutional strengthening activity was graced by DA-ATI Region IV-A OIC Training Center Superintendent II/Center Director Dr. Rolando V. Maningas and DA RFO IVA Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division Head Ma. Cecilia Ella Obligado, MNSA, EnP, who both expressed their contentment to the solid partnership of Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Office of the Provincial Veterinary and the Provincial Planning and Development Office.
The PAFEC members of the four (4) provinces will again convene next month to present the final version of the CPAFEP.
Content: Abegail L. Del Rosario
