In a significant move to revitalize and enhance agricultural and fisheries extension services in the MIMAROPA region, the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) has undertaken a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of its pilot provinces. This initiative aims to address the long-standing challenges in agri-fishery extension, including the need for a robust institutional framework to integrate and strengthen services at the provincial level.
On February 14, 2024, a PAFES monitoring team, led by Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) MIMAROPA PAFES Regional Coordinator Mr. Norberto C. Maur, PAFES Focal Person for Marinduque Mr. Jayson N. Erondo, and Technical Support Staff Ms. Kim Lalaine Cruzat, conducted a review at the Provincial Capitol of Marinduque. The team assessed the implementation of the “Capacity Development for Agriculture Extension Workers (AEWs)”, which was funded by ATI with Php 1,200,000.00 in June 2023, and a Php 60,000.00 counterpart from the province.
During the activity, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Ms. Susan A. Uy presented the progress reports and documents related to the funded project, including:
- Community Organizing and Rural Development (October 5-7, 2023) with 24 AEWs and 19 additional participants.
- Climate Resilience Agro-Forestry-Industry-Oriented Value Chain Analysis (October 10-12, 2023) with 30 AEWs and 6 others.
- Agribusiness Entrepreneurship and Development (November 17-18, 2023) with 23 AEWs and 19 others.
- Values Formation cum Team Building (Expository Tour) (November 17-18, 2023) with 80 participants.
- Ceremonial MOA Signing for CPAFEP and Management Committee Meeting of MARAFEC (November 27-28, 2023) with 75 participants.
Further follow-up on May 15, 2024, included a review of MARAFEC liquidation by the same monitoring team, with OIC-Accountant Ms. Edna M. Mojica joining them.
In In Occidental Mindoro, a similar activity took place on March 14, 2024. The same monitoring team examined the “Strengthening the Capacity Development for AEWs, Farmers, and Fisherfolks” program, which was funded with Php 1,200,000.00 in November 2023.
The Province of Occidental Mindoro conducted the following training:
- Onion Production Technology with GAP Certification (February 19-23, 2024) with 19 AEWs and 11 farmers.
- Tuna Processing and Livelihood Support to Tuna Fishers' Families (March 18-22, 2024).
- Cassava Production Technology (March 12-14, 2024).
Lastly, on May 3, 2024, a monitoring team led by PAFES Focal Person for Oriental Mindoro Mr. Erlan D. Pasana, PAFES Alternate Focal Person Ms. Karen T. Vicente, along with Ms. Mojica and Ms. Cruzat, assessed the 'Setting Strategic Directions: Roadmap Development for Priority Commodities' program at the Provincial Capitol of Oriental Mindoro. This project, funded with Php 1,198,000.00 in September 2023, aimed to create strategic roadmaps for key commodity industries, including banana, coconut, onion, bangus, and tilapia.
The following were the Oriental Mindoro's conducted activities:
- Roadmap Development for Onion Industry (February 20-21, 2024) with 91 participants.
- Roadmap Development for Banana Industry (January 24-26, 2024) with 62 participants.
- Roadmap Development for Bangus and Tilapia Industry (November 22-24, 2023) with 60 participants.
- Roadmap Development for Coconut Industry (November 8-10, 2023) with 60 participants.
The ongoing efforts of ATI and provincial stakeholders are expected to drive significant progress in the region's agricultural and fisheries sectors.
