For the first time, the country will mark October as National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services Month following the issuance of Proclamation No. 753, series of 2024 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Anchored on the theme “One Goal, One Extension: Advancing Agriculture and Fisheries for a Food-Secure Nation,” the observance highlights the crucial role of extension services in boosting the agriculture and fisheries sector through technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and frontline support to farmers and fisherfolk.
The proclamation designates the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), to spearhead the annual celebration by leading, coordinating, and supervising programs, activities, and projects nationwide.
Extension services—recognized under the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (RA 8435) as a key driver of development—cover training, information, and support services that improve the technical, business, and social capabilities of farmers and fisherfolk. These aim to raise productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability in the sector, while supporting areas such as post-harvest processing, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, and institutional development.
Alongside the celebration, the ATI Regional Training Centers across the country will implement various activities for farmers, fisherfolk, and extension partners. These include free seminars, technology demonstrations, and learning sessions, among others, designed to widen access to knowledge and resources that can strengthen agriculture and fisheries communities.
The month-long observance is also expected to promote nationwide awareness on the role of extension services from both public and private sectors, ensure stakeholder support in advancing service standards, and honor the contributions of agricultural extension workers and partners as vital actors in the country’s pursuit of a food-secure future.
