DA underscores regionwide consultation with LGUs
The Department of Agriculture (DA-RFU 6) has recently finished conducting a region wide provincial consultation on the six provinces in Western Visayas.
According to OIC Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales the region wide provincial consultation aims to brief the local government units of the programs, projects and activities the DA-Regional Office is implementing.
Likewise, this activity serves as a venue to inform LGUs of the five pillars of the department focused on irrigation development, microfinance, market access, post harvest/storage and research, development and extension.
"Among the projects that the LGUs can avail from the DA are Barangay Food Terminals (BFT), Bagsakan Centers, Farm to Market Roads, Small Diversion Dams and infrastructures and post harvest facilities deemed to increase efficiency in production and profitability of the farmers and lower post harvest losses," he said.
During the forum, the DA five banner programs consisting of Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) Rice, Corn, High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC), Livestock and Fisheries thrusts and priorities for this year were presented.
The LGU are encouraged to submit doable project proposals based on their provincial or municipal priorities for funding through the Diversified Farm Income Market Development program (DFIMDP) and Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF).
Among the requirements needed to avail of DA's projects are letters of intent from the proponent, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) resolution, barangay profile, location map and project proposal.
Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, OIC RTD for Policy, Planning and Support Services who spearheaded the consultative meeting emphasized that some projects can be availed through counter parting scheme, grants and still others required an equity or deed of donation for the site.
The consultative meeting proved a venue wherein LGUs aired their concerns and clarified some issues on agriculture programs in their respective areas. The issues and concerns were also noted and answered by DA 6 officials present during the activity. In response to the call for the proposals, some LGUs submitted their prepared proposals which will be included in the CY 2009 budget.
The activity was attended by Governors, representatives from the office of the Congressmen, provincial agriculturists, municipal mayors, municipal agriculturists, SB members, provincial veterinarians, LGU technicians and the private sectors. (JEEO/RAFID 6).