Keeping the local government unit heads and other agricultural stakeholders posted on the programs and projects of the various Banner Programs and Special Projects in the region, the Field Operations Division (FOD) of the DA in Ilocos conducted a one-day briefing and consultation with the various stakeholders at the 5th floor Conference Room, San Fernando City, La Union on April 3, 2025.

Led by the FOD Chief, Ms. Analiza Ramos, the briefing provided an avenue to discuss the 2025 plans for the rice, corn, high value crops, livestock and organic programs including the three Special Projects such as National Urban and Peri-Urban Program, the 4K or the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo and the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD).

In her opening message, Ms. Ramos encouraged the participants to help the Operations Division in assessing the performance of the crops and livestock in the region especially on the productivity levels of the major commodities as well as to determine the outcome of the implemented programs and projects so as to identify strategic solutions to improve project planning and implementation.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) representative, Ms. Ranilyn Tambic presented the agri-sectors production performance which revealed that most of the major commodities in the region reflected a drop in production. With this result, Ms. Ramos requested the PSA representative to provide reasons for those increase and/or decrease in production performance so that through the DA programs, appropriate and necessary interventions may be provided.

Urging the various stakeholders to strengthen their partnership with the DA in the implementation of the various programs and projects this 2025, each of the Banner Programs and Special Projects Focal Persons presented their plans and budgets.

In the same event, Ms. Maribel Alupay of the Philippine Rice Research Institute discussed the seed component target for wet and dry seasons under the Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

Among the stakeholders present in the briefing are the Agricultural Programs Coordinating Officers in the four provinces, the four Presidents of the League of Municipal and City Agriculturists, the Provincial Agriculturists, Provincial Banner Program Coordinators as well as the Provincial Veterinarians of the four provinces in the region.