Bringing closer to the people of Ilocos Region the services of the Department of Agriculture, a total of 600 farmers, fisherfolks and agri-extension workers trooped to the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on Sept. 20, 2023 for the Ilocos leg of the National Information Caravan, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture thru the Agriculture & Fisheries Information Division (AFID), in partnership with the DA-RFO I – Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS).
Carrying the theme “Masagagang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya tungo sa Bagong PIlipinas,” the information caravan in Ilocos Region is part of a series of caravans being conducted by AFID nationwide to equip farmers and fisherfolk and other agri-stakeholders with relevant agricultural information that is vital in achieving inclusive growth for the entire agri-sector.”
Information is such a potent component of development. The conduct of activities like this Information Caravan is a crucial strategy, an effective platform where we can bring together in one setting the important information about our programs and projects in the Department that we want our farmers to know and understand so they can actively partake in our efforts to attain agricultural development.”, said Engr. Dennis I. Tactac, DA-RFO I’s Regional Technical Director for Operations who represented Regional Executive Director Dr. Annie Q. Bares during the program.
Dwelling on the topics such as Credit and Financial Assistance program by DA-ACPC; Agri-enterprise Development by DA-AMAS; El-Niño mitigation and adaptation strategies by the Fields Operations Division (FOD), African Swine Fever (ASF) updates by BAI; and the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program.
The information caravan also provided an opportunity for the participants to get direct answers to their queries, issues and concerns through the booths set-up at the venue which showcased DA’s programs and services.
To provide a festive mood of the event, and as a token of gratitude to the active participation of the farmer-participants, a raffle draw was held as part of the activity where prizes such as cash, bags, caps, grocery items, vegetable seeds, fruit tree seedlings were given. IEC materials and other collaterals were also provided to the participants as supplement to the information that they have acquired from the event.
Making the event more meaningful is the presence of Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon who warmly welcomed the participants with his message during the opening program.
The conduct of the info caravan nationwide by the AFID is expected to generate greater awareness among its stakeholders about DA’s programs and projects that hopes to spur further agricultural development in the country.
