STA. BARBARA, PANGASINAN-In line with the institutionalization of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) in all non-pilot provinces of the country, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) and the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 1 (DA-RFO 1), as the lead agencies, conducted a planning workshop for the PAFES preparatory activities on March 8, 2022 at ATI-RTC 1, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

The objective of the activity was to discuss and finalize the plans and partnerships mechanisms in the conduct of each of the activities for the establishment of PAFES in Ilocos Sur and La Union.

The guidelines on the management and implementation of PAFES was discussed where specific roles and responsibilities of each agency in the operation of the extension system were defined and given emphasis. Details of each activity, such as schedule, venue, target clients, agenda, preparation, and strategies of implementation were identified.

A PAFES Team was organized from both agencies for the smooth implementation of PAFES. Member of the team who were present during the planning workshop were Ms. Doris Joy Garcia and Ms. Mildred Rapanut from the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division of DA-RFO 1. From ATI-RTC 1 were Center Director Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista, Ms. Abegel Joson, PAFES Focal Person, and representatives from Career Development and Management Services Section (CDMSS), Information Services Section (ISS), and Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Services Unit (PMESU).

PAFES is one of the key strategies under the OneDA Reform Agenda and a preparation in the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 138 or the Full Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Branch to Local Government Units.