Daet, Camarines Norte — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE) has recently completed a workshop to improve agricultural production and infrastructure in this province. Key stakeholders gathered from May 14-17, 2024 to develop the Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Plan (AFMech) and the Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan (FMRNP) for 2023-2028, setting the way for a more efficient and sustainable agricultural industry in Camarines Norte.
The workshop, organized by BAFE’s Programs and Projects Management Division (PPMD) in collaboration with the Special Engineering Programs and Project Division (SEPPD) and the Camarines Norte Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Office (PABEO), sought to address important issues and develop detailed plans to improve mechanization and infrastructure.
DA-BAFE Director Ariodear C. Rico, underlining the relevance of Section 76 of RA 7160 (Local Government Code), have enjoined the creation of Municipal Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer positions within local government units (LGUs). “These positions are now mandatory for creation pursuant to CSC MC No. 12, series of 2022 and crucial for ensuring the effective implementation of government security program and the sustainability of agricultural advancements,” stated Dir. Rico.
Participants such as the Municipal Agriculturist, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers, technicians and Municipal Planning and Development Officers from various municipalities in Camarines Norte, engaged in practical activities such as uploading and encoding proposed FMR projects into the Geographic Information System for Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Infrastructure (GEOAGRI) and reviewing sample Local Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Plans (LAFMP) for the province and its municipalities.
The workshop was highly informative, and I am confident that the strategies we discussed will significantly benefit our local farmers, shared Engr. Jomar Balce, one of the participants.
Local leaders and participants were optimistic about the collaborative approach. “The support and resources provided by DA-BAFE are invaluable for our community. We are committed to implementing these plans to improve our agricultural infrastructure,” said Engr. Harold R. Gestiada, OIC- Chief of Provincial Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Office (PABEO).
The workshop concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration and commitment to transforming the agricultural sector of Camarines Norte. Engr. Gestiada reiterated his support.”We are dedicated to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure the success of these plans, which are vital for the economic growth and sustainability of our communities,” he said.
The DA-BAFE workshop was a key step in increasing the level of agricultural and fishery mechanization and improving infrastructure in Camarines Norte. With a well-defined implementation timeline and coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, the province is on track to achieve better efficiency and sustainability in its agricultural sector. The workshop finished with a unanimous commitment to carrying out these ambitious initiatives, ensuring a brighter future for Camarines Norte’s agricultural community.###BAFE-ICTST