New agri, fisheries network to boost farming in Ilocos region

MODERN FARMING. Pangasinense farmers use a transplanter from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in their farmland in Binalonan, Pangasinan, in this undated photo. The provincial government of Pangasinan and the Department of Agriculture are set to establish a new network for efficient collaboration and service delivery to local farmers and fisherfolk. (Photo courtesy of DA-PhilMech)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The provincial government of Pangasinan and the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with other national government agencies in the Ilocos Region, are set to establish the Ilocos Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research, and Extension for Development Network (AFRREDN).

In an interview on Monday, DA-Ilocos Region senior science research specialist Cathy Pastor said the initiative aims to create a more efficient system for collaboration and service delivery to farmers and fisherfolk.

Pastor said AFRREDN is intended to unify the region's research development and extension networks. She noted that merging the previously separate networks would improve the delivery of research, technology, and extension services, particularly in sharing technical expertise and resources.

"It would also encourage our resources to be fully optimized for the sharing of technical expertise, supplies and costs," she said. "This institutionalization is aimed at implementing a unified approach to the delivery of agricultural research and extension development services."

Pastor explained that in the past, research results were often not fully utilized due to a disconnect with extension services. The AFRREDN aims to harmonize these efforts to better address the needs of farmers and fisherfolk.

A resolution authorizing Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III to enter into a memorandum of agreement on behalf of the provincial government for the AFRREDN was proposed for the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) on Monday.

Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino said the network would consolidate concerned agencies, making information dissemination, research and project coordination easier. (PNA)

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