DA to revitalize extension services

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched two documents on agricultural and fishery extension (AFE) aimed at a pro-active and responsive extension services for its stakeholders.

Through the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the department constituted the National Extension Agenda and Programs (NEAP) and the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Strategic Plan for 2017-2022. ATI director Asterio Saliot highlighted the significance of the NEAP as a platform for the country’s pluralistic AFE through appropriate extension interventions.

The Strategic Plan, on the other hand, lays down the strategic goals, objectives and initiatives under the National Extension System for Agriculture and Fisheries for the next six years.

“These documents will serve as basis for determining priorities of the government for public investment in extension and as a roadmap for a more proactive and responsive extension service,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said.

The launch of the NEAP and the AFE Strategic Plan 2017-2022 is in line with the agencies’ thrust of “Empowering Communities towards Globally Competitive and Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Fisheries Sector through Harmonized and Unified Extension Service Delivery.”

ATI spearheaded the development of the documents through nationwide multi-sectoral consultations with the DA, its attached agencies, regional field offices, local government units, state universities and colleges, rural-based organizations, and private extension service providers.

“These documents are very timely and are products of consultations among our partners in the different sectors toward the harmonization and integration of our extension service,” Alcala said.

Since 1987, ATI has been educating farmers and spearheading dissemination of agricultural information to increase knowledge and capability in terms of modern agriculture.

“ATI plays a big role in modernizing agriculture, and because of the agency’s efforts, many challenges have been overcome and plenty of opportunities have been opened for Filipino farmers,” he added.