LOS ANGELES, Butuan City – The Provincial Consultation-Workshop for the Development of the National Extension Agenda and Programs (NEAP) for the Fiscal Year 2022-2028 was finally conducted in the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) via Zoom last July 27, 2021.

The PDI schedule has been moved several times due to travel restrictions and safety protocols brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. But through the efforts of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) of the said province and the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13, the platform, attendees, date and venue were finally set. Participants of the said activity were gathered at the Cultural Center in the capital town of San Jose. Those who had interconnectivity joined via online at their own place.

Instead of two days, the virtual consultation was shortened to one day only. The morning session was attended by Alan Asarez, Planning Officer of PAO, other PAO staff, Municipal Agriculturists, Extension Service Providers (ESPs), and the Agriculture Program Coordinator (APCO). Meanwhile, present during the afternoon session were farmers, fishermen, representatives of various rural-based organizations, consolidators, and entrepreneurs.

Several key personnel from ATI-RTC 13 gave inputs during the whole day activity. Nena Lomuntad, Chief of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEu) and Project Officer, gave an overview of the activity. Center Director Samuel Calonzo delivered his opening remarks at the same time explained the Mandanas Ruling. Assistant Center Director Heracleo Paler was also present to talk about the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) at the same time gave his closing remarks during the conclusion of the activity.