Agriculture Sec. William Dar and Gov. Arthur Yap signed the agreement for the implementation of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) in the province of Bohol, according to reports.
Dar paid Bohol a visit on Feb. 7, 2022, at the Bohol Island State University main campus, the same reports add.
Yap described Dar’s presence as the latter’s most important visit to the province as it comes at a time when Bohol needs utmost help.
“This is your [Dar] most important visit in Bohol, as this is the time when we are in much need of assistance. The province has suffered greatly from typhoon Odette leaving the agri-fishery sector with P3.7 billion damage in crops, fisheries, and livestock industries. As we assure you that we will produce more and better-quality products for the country, we will push for the 18 key strategies under the ‘OneDA Reform Agenda’ in our rehabilitation efforts, focusing on food processing and market access to address threats to food security. We have to unite, understand each other, cooperate, and partner with one another. Thank you for supporting Bohol’s farmers and fisherfolk,” Yap said.
The PAFES seeks to strengthen collaborative activities of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) towards a better and highly-competitive Philippine agriculture.
Under the agreement, the PGBh will serve as the extension hub of DA that will synchronize the plans and programs of the said national agency.
On the other hand, the PGBh will lead in the implementation and institutionalization of various projects for the local agriculture sector.
Moreover, the DA will help in the planning, as well as invest, and monitor the agri-fishery priority programs of Bohol.
In another development, Yap thanked Dar on behalf of the 52,800 rice farmers of Bohol for the financial assistance.
Qualified rice farmers in Bohol are entitled to receive P5,000 each from the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA). Rice farmers from 33 provinces including Bohol are beneficiaries of the RFFA, according to the Provincial Information and Media Relations (PRIMER).
Meanwhile, Cong. Edgar Chatto joined Yap in welcoming Dar, back to the province. Dar visited the province on Monday, along with Agriculture Usec. Arnel de Mesa.