One step closer to realize the goals and objectives of the proposed convergence sites in Ilocos Region, the Department of Agriculture through its National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) in partnership with its regional counterpart convened the proponents of the 12 proposed convergence sites in Ilocos Region for the ceremonial signing of the NCI-SRD Resolution approving the various cities and municipalities as convergence areas. The signing was held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Diliman, Quezon City on October 16, 2024

With the presence of the Local Chief Executives and other representatives including all other partner agencies of the 12 convergence sites, the ceremonial signing provided an avenue to gather the commitment of the various partners to work together in planning, budgeting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating each of the Convergence Area Development Plan of the 12 proposed convergence sites in Ilocos Region.

NCI-SRD Permanent Alternate Head of the National Steering Committee and the DAs Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries, Mechanization and Rural Credit, Engr. Roger Navarro in his message during the event lauded the efforts of the RCI technical working group together with the municipal and city proponent groups with their commitment and support especially in the preparation of documentary requirements as a pre requisite in the approval of their 5-year CADPs, enabling the region to produce the most number of convergence sites proposed from among the 15 regions in the country.

OIC-Regional Executive Director, Dr. John Pascual recognized in his message the relevance of commitments and collaborations among the partner agencies especially the partmer municipalities and cities in the implementation of the proposed convergence development programs and projects especially in resource sharing to enhance agri-fishery performance leading to a more sustainable livelihood for farmers and fishers.

Encouraging everyone’s support in the realization of the goals and objectives of the convergence plans and programs, a manifesto of support was signed by the atendees led by DA USec Navarro, Atty. Jonas Leones represented by Ms. Llarena Mojica, , Ms. Rowena Taduran and Usec. for Local Government Marlo Iringan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), respectively.

The twelve convergence sites namely: Dur-Asen Vintaren in Piddig and Dur-As Madongan in Ilocos Norte; the Sinait River, Bagnos Cabugao, Caoplasan and Abra River.Basin in Sinait and Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, the Western Block of Mangatarem Cluster and Agro-Ecotoirism of Mt. Balungao in Pangasinan and Saracat Watershed in San Juan, Baroro Watershed in Bacnotan and PaPCor in Santol, La Union upon the approval of the resolution as covergence sites may be able to launch by the region upon completion of the required documents of their CADPs.

Working on for the administration, management and coordination of the 12 convergence sites was made possible by the RCI-SRD Technical Working Group led by its Chairperson in the Region, OIC-RED John Pascual and its Focal Point, RTD for Operations Dennis Tactac, NCI-SRD Secretariat Head, Ms. Karen Roscom hand in hand with the other regional partner agency heads and their representatives.