BUTUAN CITY - To ensure more effective implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund - Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP), an inter-agency consultative meeting was conducted last March 4, 2021 by the regional RCEF team of the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13.

The activity aimed to harmonize the activities and plans among partners such as the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Provincial Agriculture Offices of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. These agencies along with PhilMech implement programs focused on enhancing the capabilities of rice fund beneficiaries on modernized inbred rice and seed production and relevant skills.

On the part of PhilRice, Operations Division Chief Dr. Jasmin J. Reyes presented the trainings and other activities accomplished from 2020 - 2021 while Career Development and Management Services Section Chief/Rice Point Person Violeta T. Laguna presented the updates and as well as the accomplishments of RCEF-RESP.

The cooperators of RCEF-Learning Site for Agriculture were oriented on the mechanics in the implementation of the training scholarship scheme as they soon upscale into becoming a Farm School. This matter was presented to them by Liza Budtan, Chief of Regional Operations Division-TESDA Caraga to clarify issues and concerns regarding the program implementation. Budtan also emphasized the necessary requirements that must be complied with for their application for Farm School accreditation and the conduct of Farmers Field School through TESDA’s scholarship program.

Also present during the activity were LSA cooperators and their representatives: Violeta Alegado of Alegado’s Farm, Higinio H. Ganate of JUST HIRO Rice-Based Farming System, Enrique Pacatang of Baucawe Diversified Farm, Oliver Polistico of Renerez Farm, Chrisanio Baluyo and Arnaldo Silverio of Farmers’ Alternative for Self-Reliance Multipurpose Cooperative (FASRMCO).