In preparation for the Joint Technical Review (JTR) Workshop scheduled on Feb. 19-23 in Zambales, various operating unit heads, planners and reports officers of the Department of Agriculture in Ilocos Region convened at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University International Convention Center on 14-16 February, 2024 for the CY 2025 plan and budget proposal workshop.

An activity led by the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division facilitated by the Regional Planning Officer Ms. Doris Joy Garcia, the planning workshop provided an avenue to remind the various Banner Programs and Operating Unit officers to keep abreast with the salient guidelines in crafting their 2025 plan and budget proposals.

Underscoring the importance of aligning all proposals to the 6-year Philippine Development Plan, the 8-point socio-economic agenda, the Ambisyon Natin 2040 and sustainable development goals and other relevant laws and issuances, Ms. Garcia likewise underlined the necessity to strengthen partnership with the Local Government Units, civil society organizations as well as public and private stakeholders while keeping in mind the provincial disaggregation of every interventions to be provided by the agency.

With the major thrust and strategic agenda of DA under Secretary Francisco Laurel on achieving food security through boosting agricultural production to ensure accessible, affordable and nutritious foods in the country as well as developing the sector as a profitable industry for all the stakeholders, Ms. Garcia likewise stressed the 4 major criteria or considerations in prioritizing the Tier 2 project proposals that includes the 3Rs which stands for readiness, relevance and responsiveness, along with the directives of the Secretary.

According to Ms. Garcia, projects that have complied already with the documentary requirements or to address some pressing issues especially on the African Swine Fever, Climate Change, among others shall be given priority.

To ensure that the workshop output is acceptable and doable, each of the Banner Programs and operating units presented their plan and budget proposals where revisions were made based on the suggestions and recommendations of the panelist led by PMED and the Budget Section Chief, Engr. Eleanor Blanco.

The planning workshop is one of the important activity of the DA during the first quarter of the year to ensure a smooth implementation of the projects so that resources are effectively and efficiently managed.