Photo Credits: VSU-VICARP
BAYBAY CITY, Leyte – ATI-RTC 8 joins the DA-RFO 8 in leading the activities for the Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension Development Network (AFRREDN) in Eastern Visayas as secretariat in the region. The AFRREDN is a major partnership mechanism for AF R4DE stakeholders to streamline relevant policies and interventions from the National R4DE institutions through stronger and direct collaborations between and among its members.
The AFRREDN Eastern Visayas Secretariat led by Dr. Elvira Torres, DA-RFO 8 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, DA-RFO 8 staff, and the staff from the ATI-RTC 8, conducted a series of orientation to the State Universities (SUCs), Provincial Local Government Unit’s (PLGU), Government Agencies, ATI-accredited Private Extension Services Provider (ESPs), representative of the Association of ATI-accredited Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC) from October 1, 2024, to October 18, 2024 in the region. The activity aims to discuss AFRREDN guidelines, and the function of its members as indicated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU formalizes the operation of the Network in Eastern Visayas which signifies the members’ commitment to perform its functions.
Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2024 presents the guidelines on the institutionalization of the AFRREDN upon the approval by DA Secretary Laurel. This emphasized that the member institutions are expected to: “a. designate a permanent and an alternate representative, preferably actively involved in their institutions’ R4DE functions, and who shall officially represent the institution in the various meetings and initiatives led by the Network; b. Actively support and participate in various major activities such as but not limited to the regional network policy setting, regional R4DE agenda setting, prioritization, formulation of regional plans and programs, preparation of proposals, implementation, M&E activities, and conduct of capacity-building activities among others; c. Join and contribute as members to the different R4DE Committees of the Network based on their respective mandates and capacities; and d. Provide complementary human and physical resources (e.g. expertise, knowledge products, equipment, facilities, and experimental areas) for the conduct of collaborative R4DE initiatives of the Network.
Members of the AFRREDN signed the Memorandum of Understanding on November 20, 2024 at the Office of the President Board Room, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte.
