LOS ANGELES, Butuan City - Some call it a paradigm shift but for Dr. Rogelio Cuyno of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization of the Philippines (CAMP) it is a ray of hope towards a better and improved Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) system in the country.

This was one of the important discussions during the 1st semester meeting of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network (RAFEN) in Caraga region which was attended by National Government Agencies (NGAs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Municipal Agriculturists (MAs) and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) of Agusan del Sur, Vicente Dayanghirang Jr. of ATI-Central Office, and Dr. Cuyno.

Dubbed as Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (CPAFES), this is a proposed concept to be pilot-tested in Agusan del Sur and is developed by CAMP with the support of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

Under the proposed system, the provincial government will be empowered to develop its own agriculture programs and policies and thereby creating more wealth and reducing poverty within its jurisdiction. In the proposal, a provincial board to be headed by the Governor will be created. Members of the board will be NGAs and SUCs which will provide technical and financial support to the province.

Dayanghirang told RAFEN members that the agency has previously lobbied with congressmen and senators to reform the country’s AFE system. He is optimistic that the new proposal will be taken positively by legislators since it will be pilot-tested first in three provinces thus providing them a solid basis in crafting and passing a new extension law.