The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA took a significant step toward enhancing agricultural and fisheries development in the region by spearheading the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on August 22-23, 2024, at ATI-RTC MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
This activity brought together 31 AFE key stakeholders to discuss and develop AFE Plans and Budget Proposals (PBPs), for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 in the MIMAROPA Region.
During the consultation workshop, the participants reviewed and determined the priority extension activities in the region, that are still relevant and can be carried over for the coming years. They also collected data and information from relevant AFE partners and stakeholders in the region and solicited input to further improve the AFE PBPs for FY 2025-2026.
Heads of the agricultural and fisheries sectors in MIMAROPA graced the event. Among them were ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto R. Abrera, and Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) MIMAROPA Field Operations Division Chief Ma. Teresa Aguilar.
A draft of the AFE PBPs for FY 2025-2026 was presented as the final output of the workshop. Ultimately, the plan aims to ensure that all efforts in agriculture and fisheries are aligned and the programs developed are effective and sustainable. This will also help the ATI, DA-RFO, and BFAR MIMAROPA develop impactful interventions for the regional stakeholders. Different components of the plan will ensure the extension program is comprehensive, responsive, and supportive of agriculture and fisheries development.
“Bagamat matagal na nating napag-usapan ang harmonisasyon ng pagbibigay ng extension programs na patuloy nating ginagawa, kami sa LGU ay may mga limitasyon, lalo na sa budget. Sa pamamagitan ng activity na ito, nagkaroon kami ng magandang oportunidad. Sa bandang huli, magiging isa na ang ating mga AFE activities, hindi lamang sa aming lalawigan kundi maging sa buong rehiyon ng MIMAROPA,” John Mark E. Malaza, Agricultural Technologist of OPAG-Oriental Mindoro said.
