BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – “Bridging the Gap, Touching the Heart.” So goes the battle cry of the AgriPinoy framework.
Adhering to such call and to bring the Department of Agriculture (DA) closer to the people and the local government units in Caraga, a forum with the local government unit officials was conducted recently in one of the convention centers in the city.
The forum was attended by local chief executives from different LGUs in Caraga with Governor Eddie Bong Plaza of Agusan del Sur taking part in the discussions and offering solutions to issues on prompt releases of project funds.
Other attendees were vice mayors, sangguniang bayan members, agriculture and veterinary officers, planning officers, accountants and the academe.
Nicandro Navia Jr., newly appointed OIC Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Research and Regulatory, likened the said forum to a marriage ceremony wherein open communication is vital for a successful union.
“DA and LGU are bonded together as one with mutual love, respect, and support to a long-lasting working relationship for the common good of Caraganons,” Navia said.
Agricultural situation in the region as well as various programs and interventions being offered by the aggie department was discussed by Field Operations Division (FOD) officer-in-charge Rebecca Atega which clarified issues on the access of DA projects by the LGUs for agricultural development and the betterment of their constituents.
LGUs were also informed the guidelines and requirements in accessing DA funds for Agri related projects which starts by their submission of a letter of intent or proposal to avail DA interventions for corn, rice, livestock, high value crops development program, infrastructure, organic agriculture as well as special projects.
With the conduct of the said activity, DA RFO 13 is optimistic to a stronger partnership with the local government units for the development of the agricultural sector in Caraga Region.
