The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO 1), through its Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD), successfully held the second wave of its outreach program in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, on December 6, 2024.

The program aimed to strengthen collaboration and build stronger relationships between the agency and local farmers by addressing pressing agricultural concerns and providing vital technical support.

Hon. Richard A. Degala, Mayor of Vintar, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to DA-RFO 1 for its steadfast commitment to empowering farmers and helping them overcome the challenges in the agricultural sector.

The activity featured a wide range of essential services, that include Animal health and disease diagnosis with expert recommendations; Crop health and pest diagnosis to manage and prevent infestations; Distribution of biological control agents (BCAs); Soil nutrient analysis and personalized fertilizer recommendations; Feed nutrient and aflatoxin analysis; and other specialized technical services aimed at improving farm productivity.

This initiative was spearheaded by ILD in collaboration with its key units: the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), Regional Feed and Chemical Analysis Laboratory (RFCAL), Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), and Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL).

By bringing these services directly to the community, the DA-RFO 1 reaffirmed its dedication to supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural development in the Ilocos Region.