02/06/2026
𝐃𝐀, 𝐋𝐆𝐔𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬
A dialogue among officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Negros Island Region (NIR), the Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) in Negros Oriental, the Negros Oriental Provincial Government under the strong leadership of Governor Manuel “Chaco” L. Sagarbarria, the Congressional Representative of the Second District of Negros Oriental, and the Local Officials of the Municipality of Mabinay underscored the need for stronger collaboration and sustained investments to further strengthen the agri-fishery sector, particularly for vulnerable farmers and fisherfolk on May 23, 2026 in the Municipality of Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
The discussion brought together DA NIR Regional Head, Engr. Jose Albert A. Barrogo, PATCO Head, Mr. Bernard Limbaga, Provincial Board Member and Chairman, Agriculture Committee and Negros Oriental Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (NOAFEC) Director Woodrow S. Maquiling, Sr., Second District Congresswoman Ma. Isabel “Maisa” L. Sagarbarria, and Executive Assistant and Information and Action Systems Officer (IASO) for the Municipality of Mabinay, Mr. Ranjel D. Estimar, representing Mabinay Mayor Ernie “Jango” T. Uy, to address pressing concerns affecting agricultural productivity, livelihood resilience, and delivery of extension services at the local level.
Among the key concerns raised during the dialogue was the improvement of irrigation systems through the installation of solar-powered pumps and the development of spring water sources to ensure sustainable water supply for farming communities. Participants also emphasized the importance of establishing a storage facility or bodega for seeds and fertilizers, especially to support local rice and corn seed growers.
Officials likewise highlighted the need to further enhance the competencies of agricultural technicians and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), with emphasis on specialization in critical technical areas. The inclusion of bio-systems engineers in the staffing requirements of local government units was also identified as a priority to improve planning and implementation of agri-fishery infrastructure and mechanization initiatives.
The dialogue also stressed the importance of stronger policy support and increased funding for priority Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) under the Department of Agriculture. Participants called for improved convergence, coordination, and alignment between national government agencies and local government units to ensure more efficient and responsive delivery of agricultural services.
The activity was held alongside the distribution of assistance facilitated by the DA NIR Regional Field Office through PATCO, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental and the Municipal Government of Mabinay at the Mabinay Evacuation Center. Through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), the initiative seeks to support vulnerable farmers and fisherfolk in addressing the challenges posed by rising fuel costs and increasing agricultural production expenses.
Officials expressed optimism that strengthened partnerships and unified development strategies will contribute to a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agri-fishery sector for local communities.
