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, nagingfragmented 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 rinng farmers’ ID system para may data tayo kung ano na ang mga assistance na nakuha nila, ano na angmgatrainings 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)