To evaluate and examine the overall implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund - Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted an Inter-Agency Consultation Meeting on February 08, 2024; at the ATI MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos delivered his message during the opening program of the activity. In his message, he emphasized the importance of the RCEF-RESP to local farmers through the Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) and Farm Schools.
“One of the goals of the RCEF-RESP is to broaden the farmers’ crop production, marketing strategies and good agricultural practices. Therefore, like other Asian countries, farmers and other extension agencies must pursue the successful administration of all government agriculture-related programs through the use of effective and modern farming technologies,” Dir. Barrientos added.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the Center’s accomplishments regarding the RCEF-related trainings and activities in 2023 which was discussed by the RCEF Focal Person Ms. Marilyn G. Gonda. Also, the participants were informed of the lined-up activities of RCEF-RESP for the year 2024.
Moreover, an open forum was facilitated to review extension service interventions that needs to be determined and improved. The issues and concerns relative to RCEF-RESP implementation in the region were also discussed to come up with a solution and prevent them from happening again in the next implementation of the program.
Throughout the consultation, the participants learned strategies from Mr. Nelson S. Gabutero, LSA cooperator of the Gabutero Organic Farm. They underscored the need for coordinated efforts and shared learning to maximize the effectiveness of interventions within the RCEF-RESP.
A total of 30 RCEF-LSA cooperators, farm school owners, and representatives from other implementing agencies such as TESDA, PhilRice, and BPI attended the said one-day activity.
