Providing updates on the implementation of activities, programs and projects this wet cropping season and assessing the dry season’s implementation, the Department of Agriculture in Ilocos under the Rice Banner Program conducted a two-day assessment and planning workshop with its counterpart in the province at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University’s International Convention Center in Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union.

Started on July 18, 2024 with Pangasinan and La Union provinces, this week is intended for the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

In her message during the Opening Program, Rice Program’s Focal Person, Ms. Leah Coloma noted the importance of managing efficiently the Program’s resources by the promotion of clustering approach as required in the Magana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP).

With the significant role of the agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in this particular activity of the Rice Program, Ms. Coloma called for the identification and organizing of cluster areas for every municipalities and cities to be managed by the AEWs that would form part to their requirements in availing their incentives.

To update the AEWs on the various programs, projects and activities of the various DAs attached agencies that are directly and indirectly related with the Rice commodity, representatives of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), National Food Authority, Phil Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) presented their on going programs and projects requiring for the assistance of the AEWs including the DA’s Registration Systems for Basic Sectors in Agriculture and the Fertilizer Discount Vouchers.