The RCEF-RSEP consultation meeting participants with ATI Bicol Center Director Elsa Parot.

ATI Bicol Center Director Elsa Parot delivers her welcome remarks.

MAGARAO, Camarines Sur- The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center V (ATI Bicol) recently organized a crucial gathering aimed at enhancing rice competitiveness in the region. The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement - Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) Inter-Agency Consultation Meeting convened various stakeholders in Sonrisa Farm, Magarao, Camarines Sur, last February 29, 2024.

The event saw the participation of representatives from key organizations, including the Department of Agriculture-regional Field Office V, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) among others.

Also in attendance are ATI’s accredited Learning Sites for Agriculture, which also serve as Farm Schools such as Carmel Integrated, Christian Farmers Training Center, Ecolistic Agricultural Training Center, Shell Training Farm-Bombon, Good Grass, Ocbian Nature Farm, Palayamanayon ni Tiyo Edgar, Darwel Agricultural Farm, SEAL Farm, Coop Land, at ang Sonrisa Farm.

The local governments are also present, including the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg)-Sorsogon, the Masbate Agriculture Office, and the Albay Provincial Agriculture Office.

In her welcome remarks, ATI Bicol Center Director Elsa A. Parot expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support of partner agencies for the RCEF program despite the challenges facing the rice industry. She also highlighted the dedication of the various stakeholders in collaborating on the program update.

ATI Bicol Partnership and Accreditation Section Services OIC Chief Engr. Kristine O. Olila emphasized the significance of the event, underlining the collaborative effort to update the RCEF-RESP Work and Financial Plan for 2024.

The Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) RFO5, represented by a delegate, underscored Bicol's importance in rice production and highlighted the challenges faced by the region, particularly in fertilizer costs.

Various agencies detailed their respective plans and accomplishments, including training programs, financial allocations, and targets for the year.

The Ocbian Nature Farm presented a study entitled ‘Analyzing the Effectiveness and Impact of RCEF Training Programs on Inbred Rice Production, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization.” It discussed the impact of RCEF training programs, showcasing positive outcomes and the effectiveness of the initiatives.

An open forum provided a platform for stakeholders to address concerns, with issues such as establishing rice granaries and pending requests to TESDA brought to light.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with stakeholders harmonizing resources, resolving issues, and strengthening partnerships for improved program implementation.