As the implementation of the Executive Order No. 138 commences this year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga is also intensifying its drive to enhance the capacities of the Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) of the region in delivering agri-fishery extension services.

In line with the implementation of EO No. 138 or the Full Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Branch to the Local Government Units, the DA is also implementing the Province-led Agriculture and Fishery Extension System (PAFES).  

PAFES is one of the 18 Key Strategies and is under the Consolidation Pillar of the One DA Reform Agenda to transform Philippine agriculture. It aims to bring agriculture interventions to the grassroots level and to strengthen the collaboration between the DA and the local government units, the academe, and the private sector.

On March 22, the Province of Surigao del Norte through its Provincial Governor Francisco T. Matugas signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for PAFES with the Department of Agriculture – Caraga represented by Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr.

The MOA signing signals the start of the PAFES implementation in the province. Surigao del Norte is the second province of the region to implement PAFES, next to Agusan del Norte, which is the pilot province in Caraga to implement the program.

DA-Caraga PAFES Focal Person Edelmira R. Luminarias said that with the MOA signing done, the next step is working on the Collaborated Provincial and Fisheries Extension Program (CPAFEP) plans and programs for the years 2023 & 2024 for inclusion in the DA’s regular programs through a national-provincial co-financing arrangement.

On the other hand, Provincial Governor Matugas recognized the achievement of the farmers and fishers and their vital role in the province’s socio-economic improvement.

“With the establishment of PAFES in the province, the agri-fishery stakeholders are assured that they will be given better service,” the Governor added.

Prior to the MOA signing, orientation, as well as Rapid Appraisal, was conducted to determine the readiness of the province to implement PAFES.

PAFES is one of the key strategies under the Consolidation Pillar of the OneDA Reform Agenda in transforming towards a modernized and industrialized Philippine Agriculture. (vanessa p. sanchez / DA13-RAFIS)