Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I) OIC Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual marks his first engagement with the Economic Development Sectoral Committee (EDSeCom) as he chaired the 3rd regular EDSeCom meeting held today September 6, 2024 at Ariana Hotel, Bauang, La Union.

Out of the 43 regular members of the Committee, 37 representatives from Committee-Member agencies, bureaus, and institutions attended the meeting which was facilitated by DA-RFO I’s Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED).

Hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the meeting served as a platform for member agencies to collaborate on key initiatives that aims to drive economic development in the Ilocos Region.

Discussed agenda of the meeting included the presentation of the Economic Sector Component of the CY 2024 Q2 Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) Monitoring Report by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) shared a policy paper on strengthening the Carageenan Plant Growth Promoter, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) presented their Aquaculture Farm Profiling initiative for the FishCoRe project.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also highlighted the establishment of Negosyo Centers across Region I, which play a crucial role in supporting local entrepreneurs.

Amid the growing concern over the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in some areas of the country, including the Ilocos Region, the DA provided updates on the status of ASF cases in the region and ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact on the swine industry. DA also discussed the implementation of the Fuel Discount Voucher program, which aims to support farmers affected by rising fuel costs.

The EDSeCom regular gathering/meeting is vital in fostering inter-agency collaboration and ensuring the effective implementation of programs that contribute to the agricultural development of the Ilocos Region.#