Strengthening collaboration and partnership in the Regional Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (RCI-SRD) in Ilocos Region, 16 member agencies of the Regional Management Council (RMC) opted to join the Ilocos Regions Technical Working Group for wider access of government programs, projects and initiatives especially in the rural areas.

In the recently held 1st Quarter Meeting of the RCI-SRD Technical Working Group in Ilocos conducted at the 5th Floor Conference Room of the Department of Agriculture on March 28, 2025, Regional Convergence Secretariat, Ms. Irene Tactac announced the inclusion of 16 member-agencies of the RMC from the five original member-agency in the RCI based on RMC Resolution No. 1 duly approved by the RCI member-agency representatives.

RED John Pascual in his message reiterated the essence of converging efforts and resources among government agencies in the region to realize the goals and objectives of the convergence initiatives of the member agencies.

Recognizing the member-agency’s efforts which made the Ilocos region to achieve the most number of convergence sites in the country, RED Pascual enjoined the proponents to apply for the DA’s Civil Society Organizations accreditation to have a full access of the various development programs and projects that the agency members provide.

Meanwhile, while waiting for the approval of the convergence sites from the NCI-SRD, the RCI initiated some preparatory activities for the launching of the selected convergence sites in June where series of meetings shall be conducted to discuss the program activities as well as the sourcing out of resources from the various convergence member-agencies.

The Agri-Enterprise and Agro Development Component of the technical working group is scheduled on the first week of April for field validation and needs assessment prior to the preparation of the project proposal for submission to the NCI-TWG on April 21, 2025.

Another salient activity of the NCI this April is the conduct of Strategic Communication Plan Writeshop to be held in Binalonan, Pangasinan to increase awareness about the programs and projects of the RCI-SRD with a field visit to the identified convergence sites with existing valid CADPs shall be conducted particularly in the convergence sites in San Manuel, Natividad, Balungao or San Nicolas.