Farmers and fisherfolk in Ilocos Norte will soon benefit from the various projects to be implemented under its rainfed agri-fishery R4DE program jointly undertaken by Mariano Marcos State University, Department of Agriculture key agencies and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.

Seven sub-programs were presented during the 24-25 May 2022 workshop at the MMSU University Review Center which includes technologies on fisheries resources, production systems for livestock and poultry, natural resource management, tools and support systems for smarter agri-fishery industry, bioenergy program, and agriculture and fisheries extension.

Funding of the program starts this year through DA-BAR for which assistant director for Programs Joell H. Lales requested them to prioritize programs to be funded.

Atty. Juan Alfonso Augustus I. Jose representing Governor Matthew M. Manotoc said that the Provincial Government is firm in its commitment to the program as these are in line with the agri-master plan of the province.

“I can assure you that the provincial government will be there to support these specifically with the Mandanas ruling and with devolution coming into full swing this year, we undertake to be the lead agency with the MMSU in pushing for these programs because these are in line with the plans of the province.”  The crucial role of the private sectors was recognized by Atty. Jose in pushing for the proposals for the next five years.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said her administration is fully supportive of this program as she rally all participants to maximize their individual personnel development fund to further raise the bar of their readiness in implementing this program.

“The rainfed agri-fishery R4DE programs for Ilocos Norte will generate research technologies that will serve as powerful tool in helping farmers and fishers sustain productivity amidst various challenges,” said president Agrupis.

DA-National Rice Program senior technical adviser Dr. Santiago R. Obien gave his insights saying that the challenge of Ilocos Norte is to generate enough volume of water to support crops and animals efficiently.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rex L. Navarro, senior adviser of DA-BAR, emphasized the involvement of the next users in utilizing the technology.

As the presentation ends, assistant director Lales recognized the importance of the programs to drive and accelerate the development of the province.

“This is the strength that we can further capitalize on. Together, with the institutionalization of the extension system, the output that we will drive from the research and extension can be mobilized for maximum utility of the sector,” Lales said.

The ceremonial launching and MOU signing for the rainfed agri-fishery program for Ilocos Norte will be held on June 2022.­