The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) implements the delivery of extension services to farmers through the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) led by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) together with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and with the technical and administrative supports from the Department of  Agriculture – Regional Field Office 9 (DA-RFO 9), Bureau of Plant Industry - National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS), Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

As the program Manager, ATI was tasked to monitor and evaluate the quality of implementation of the program activities. So, the ATI-RTC IX called for a Harmonization Meeting with the RCEF Implementing Agencies last May 31, 2022, at Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City.

As partners in the RCEF-RESP, which is now in its fourth year of implementation, it is vital for the implementing agencies to discuss ways to further improve the delivery of programs for more effective learning for farmers to attain greater yield and higher income. 

 The activity also served as an opportunity to bridge the gap, address the issues and concerns, sharing of best practices, accomplishments and ways forward in the remaining month of the year and for the 2023 targets. 

Present during the said meeting were Dr. Sailila E. Abdula, Branch Director of PhilRice-Midsayap; Ms. Ma. Francielyn S. Dacumos, alternate Rice Action Officer of DA-RFO IX; Engr. John Rey B. Llaban of DA-PhilMech; Mr. Eusebio T. Tose of TESDA Zamboanga Sibugay; Ms. Mercedita B. Rabe of TESDA Zamboanga del Sur; Mr. Rodne M. Paredes of BPI-NSQCS IX; Mr. Cris R. Gaite and Mr. Richard G. Fortich of LBP-Pagadian City; and Director Alicia Rose D. Nebreja and Mr. Nino O. Codino, RCEF point person of ATI-RTC IX.