Department of Agriculture (DA)-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, Governor Dale B. Corvera, together with Caraga State University (CSU) President Anthony M. Penaso sealed its partnership for piloting Agusan del Norte in the implementation of the Province-led Agriculture & Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES) in Caraga region.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on April 24 kicked off the conduct of a Rapid Appraisal by the CSU to assess and evaluate the readiness of the local government unit in providing agriculture and fisheries extension services prior to the full implementation of the project.

The PAFES is a flagship initiative of the DA to strengthen the farmer and fisherfolk linkages in the province, spearhead agricultural modernization and industrialization, and enhance rural livelihood through massive utilization of science-based technologies and establishments of agro-based enterprises.

Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo said that the selection of Agusan del Norte was based on the quality of governance, interest, and the presence of a state university with strong agriculture research and development track.

“PAFES is the DA’s initiative to prepare the local government units for the full implementation of the Mandanas Ruling, wherein the LGUs are expected to absorb the programs and assume the devolved functions and services of the national government in response to the expansion of their share of the Internal Revenue Allotment,” said Director Monteagudo.

Further, Governor Dale B. Corvera said that PAFES will complement the AGUSAN UP, a development campaign designed to realize the LGU’s vision to be an agri-forest province and economic processing zone of the region by 2027.

“We assure the DA for our commitment to continue to be a partner to strengthen and boost the economy in the province. With this system we are hopeful that more opportunities will be available for the Agusanons,” said Governor Corvera. (Rhea C. Abao, DA-Caraga RAFIS)