BUTUAN CITY - Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 17, series of 2019 which encourages active participation and support of the RBOs in the Department of Agriculture (DA) activities, the ATI-Regional Training Center 13 conducted the revitalization meeting of the Provincial Agriculturists and Veterinarians Association of the Philippines (PAVAP) last March 9, 2020. It was attended by Provincial Agriculturists, Provincial Veterinarians, Provincial and City RBO Coordinators and the 4-H Regional Federation Officers. Specifically, the activity aimed to present the legal basis of the revitalization, election of officers and facilitate training needs survey of the respective PAs and PVets.

OIC-Chief of the Partnership and Accreditation Services Section (PASS) Matt Andrew Baquiano presented the eight paradigms to level up agriculture dubbed as the "new thinking" in Agriculture by the DA Secretary William D. Dar. He discussed the legal basis particularly section 86 of RA 8435 (AFMA) and AO 17, series of 2019. Baquiano explained the opportunities and benefits of the Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) and enumerated the requirements for certification. He then facilitated the identification of training needs of the PAs and PVETs as basis for crafting interventions for them.

Meanwhile, Acting Assistant Center Director Heracleo A. Paler presented some updates on the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Extension System (PAFES).

The activity also served as venue for disseminating information and opportunities for the Educational Assistance for the Youth (EAsY AGRI). Scholarship Point Person Mary Grace B. Salve presented the rationale, legal bases and coverage of the college scholarship program in support to the children of smallholder farmers and fishers to pursue a Degree Program in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering or other agriculture-related courses.

On the other hand, RBO Point Person Mary Jane A. Gonzaga presented the various agricultural development for the youth under the Youth Agripreneurship Program. She also presented some concerns of the RBO which include among others the submission of updated master list and the upcoming Regional Farm Youth Camp on April 22-24, 2020 and 68th Young Farmers National Summit on May 18-21, 2020.

The election of PAVAP officers was laid on the table, however Surigao del Sur PA Marcos M. Quico was appointed as the regional representative of the group. PA Quico suggested that all existing organizations in the locality such as Irrigators’ Association and Rebel Returnees must be accredited by the DA and ATI to give them equal opportunities to government interventions.

ATI served as the National Secretariat and over-all coordinator in the management and supervision of the sustaining activities of the various organizations under the RBO.