In pursuant to the Department’s agricultural modernization and agro-industrialization thrusts, Occidental Mindoro was chosen to be the pilot province for MIMAROPA region for the establishment of Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services. PAFES shall serve as the institutional arrangement in integrating the implementation of DA's various programs and related support services.

The said activity was spearheaded by DA-RFO MIMAROPA and graced by the presence of Hon. Eduardo B. Gadiano, Governor-Occidental Mindoro, Hon. Cesar M. Tria, Jr., Mayor-Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, RED Antonio G. Gerundio, DA-RFO MIMAROPA, Engr. Elmer T. Ferry, RTD for Operations and Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, Center Director-ATI MIMAROPA. It was attended by delegates from Provincial/Municipal Local Government Units (P/MLGUs), SUC representatives, and different partner agencies and institutions.

Among the topics discussed during the activity were Concept and Operationalization of PAFES, role of implementing agencies and partners, Provincial AFE agenda, organizational setup and co-financing arrangement for PAFES and Mandanas Ruling. Moreover, initial plan for the establishment of PAFES and drafting of MOA was crafted as part of the workshop.