Around 100 coordinators and other stakeholders of Rural-Based Organizations (RBO)/4H, Livestock and High Value Development Crops Program (HVCDP) gathered for a consultative and planning workshop on February 12, 2020 at ATI, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The meeting served as an avenue to present the FY 2019 Accomplishments and Targets for FY 2020 of the said banner programs. Also, there were break-out sessions for each program where participants discussed and planned the activities per province. Aside from the proposed activities of different provinces, issues and concerns regarding the implementation of the programs in their respective localities were addressed.
In addition, apart from the usual capacitating trainings and extension activities for agricultural extension workers, the participants also proposed trainings regarding damage assessment in response to calamities experienced by the region. This is to standardize damage assessment in all provinces and to ensure that valuation is appropriately done.
Meanwhile, Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, ATI MiMaRoPa Center Director said in his message that he was grateful that many of our extension partners from different provinces of MiMaRoPa attended the collaborative meeting and were all well-represented which means more participation, more ideas and collaborations from different agencies and stakeholders.
CD Barrientos also shared different extension activities that are yet to be finalized but with possible funding allocation from the Department of Agriculture, particularly that of concerning the youth. This is in line with the new paradigm shift of the new DA Secretary William Dar.
With this, Ms. Christine Pine, Provincial Agriculturist of Oriental Mindoro suggested that each province should be given guidelines and equal participation in the implementation of the Youth Agripreneurship Program.
“Consultation and planning workshop are indeed a very useful activity for AEWs and RBOs. We learned the programs and thrust of the Department. I have written many notes especially those issues cited that needs to be addressed, particularly in our municipality. I also understand the value of Learning Sites and its importance to farmers,” Dario R. Gacu, Municipal Agriculturist of San Andres, Romblon said during his impression.
Moreover, Mary Joy D. Delfin, Agricultural Technologist of LGU-Socorro, Oriental Mindoro said that the activity achieved their objectives because participants shared their ideas/experiences in their provinces that will help the local farmers and that she is looking forward for the approval of all programs and projects.