Laoag City—As one
of the five pilot provinces in the Philippines to lead the Department of
Agriculture’s synergized agriculture and fisheries extension services, Ilocos
Norte has started building its three-story research and extension center to
boost local farming practices.
On September 10, 2020, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc
led the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of the Ilocos Norte
Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (INAFES) at the Provincial
Agriculture Compound in Laoag City.
"After devolution, naging
fragmented na ang agriculture
extension services natin. Kaya naisipan naming i-collate lahat ng efforts, skills, at resources upang mabigyan ng mas mabisang solusyon ang mga problema ng mga
magsasaka at mangingisda," provincial agriculturist Norma Lagmay shared
during the press briefing at Sangguniang Panlalawigan Hall, on September 24,
2020.
Accordingly, the provincial government will apply a participatory
rapid appraisal to 70,000 farmers and 15,000 fishermen in Ilocos Norte for a
more centralized and comprehensive data in the agriculture sector.
"Magkakaroon na rin
ng farmers’ ID system para may data tayo kung ano na ang mga assistance na nakuha nila, ano na ang mga
trainings na nasalihan nila, at para na
rin ma-gauge natin ang resources at kakayahan ng ating mga magsasaka at
mangingisda,” Mrs. Lagmay added.
Moreover, the provincial agriculture office is eyeing to
establish agri-business and manufacturing centers in the province through the
INAFES. This will further link the local farmers and fishermen to bigger
markets.
Mr. Manotoc is positive that INAFES will usher in the growth and
development of the province’s farming sector, saying, “Agriculture is still the
foundation of our economy, and we have to strengthen this sector and further
support our farmers and fisherfolk. We are very hopeful that INAFES will be
instrumental in assisting our farmers, most importantly, the synergy and
collaboration that INAFES will provide.” (Blessing Angel V. Agliam)
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