The Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council – Cordillera (RAFC-CAR) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture hosted the 2nd Cordillera Agriculture and Fisheries Council Summit (AFC) with the theme, “Championing agriCULTURE Volunteers” on October 22 – 24, 2019. The event was attended by the AFC chairperson, coordinators, and sectoral representatives of the regional, provincial, city and municipal AFCs of the different provinces of Cordillera and the chartered city of Baguio.
The activity served to recognize their exemplary performance and remarkable contributions in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities as volunteers in the AFC. Dubbed as the Regional AFC Summit, the event did not only mark a milestone in the more than three decade history of the AFC in the region, but also brought renewed inspiration and enthusiasm among current and former AFC volunteers to do more and to help more, knowing that efforts and contributions are valued, rewarded and given due recognition. Likewise, the event further strengthened relations between the private and public sectors.
This year’s AFC summit aims to reorient the members of the council about the different programs and activities of the Department of Agriculture, including the 8 Paradigms of the Secretary to level up Agriculture, the AFC Manual of Operations (MoO) and Barangay-Based Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation. Moreover, it enhances the awareness of the AFCs on Gender and Development and Smart Climate Change.
“The AFC is the mechanism of the private and public sector partnership in the monitoring and implementing of DA programs and projects at the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels” according Director Cameron P. Odsey.
Therefore, “AFC officers and members should recommend better ways for the development of the projects, activities, and programs of DA,” he added.
Each volunteer was advised to adhere to the AFC Manual of Operations as a beacon for a more guided action towards the monitoring and implementation of the different projects, programs, and activities of the Department of Agriculture.
On the other hand, the Special Assistant to the Secretary for PCAF Affairs, Dr. Liza Battad, said that the RAFC Cordillera is lucky that the DA-RFO-CAR has its all-out support in all its activities. In fact, Secretary William D. Dar choose Cordillera as his pet region for holistic development as the new member of the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS).
The activity concluded through a cleaning and ring weeding activity with the assistance of CENRO Baguio at Baguio Dairy Farm, Dontogan, Green Valley on the third day.**
