ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Provincial Government of Iloilo signed here, September 23, for the establishment of Provincial-led Agriculture & Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) in Iloilo province.
PAFES is one of the key strategies of the DA’s One DA Reform Agenda which aims to bring agricultural extension services closer to the people. It seeks to strengthen collaboration among DA, local government units, private sector, and other agencies in boosting agricultural and fisheries growth among the province.
Under the MOA, Iloilo stakeholders are now expected to be at the forefront in delivering extension services to the farmers and fisherfolk such as the conduct of training, provision of farm machinery, production and infrastructure support, fishery and coastal marine resources conservation and protection, fishery law enforcement, downstream research, and marketing.
Its implementation is also done in line with the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling where some of the services and programs of the National Government such as the DA will be devolved to the local government units.
The recently-signed MOA will take effect and shall continue to be enforced for a period of three years and/or until renewed
and subject to amendment thereafter, upon mutual consent of the parties concerned, unless otherwise mutually revoked in writing by the concerned parties, within 90-day notice to each other.
Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. signed the MOA in behalf of the Provincial Government of Iloilo and Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, who
represented DA 6 Officer-In-Charge Dr. Peter Sobrevega, signed in behalf of DA 6.
The MOA signing was witnessed by Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council chair Isabelo E. Luscares, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo president Engr. Fulbert Woo, League of Municipal Agricultural Officers, Municipal and City Agriculturists of the Philippines, Inc. (LeMMCAP) Iloilo presiden Ma. Luz M. Ferrer, and West Visayas State University (WVSU) president Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz. (JBG/April Grace Padilla/PIA6)
