CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Gov. Daniel R. Fernando has challenged agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in Bulacan to strengthen the link between knowledge, funding, technology, and action to ensure farmers and local communities receive effective agricultural services.
“Link knowledge, funding, technology, and action to deliver proper services that farmers and communities can feel,” Fernando said during the provincial AEW Summit held recently at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in the City of Malolos.
The governor emphasized the importance of translating agricultural knowledge and resources into concrete programs and services that directly benefit farmers and communities.
“Sa Bulacan, magkakaugnay ang mga hamong kinakaharap natin: baha at tagtuyot, kakulangan sa tubig, mataas na gastos sa produksyon, pagbabago sa pamilihan, at mga sakit ng hayop,” Fernando said.
The governor raised four points to consider including to start with accurate and timely data; make El Niño preparedness concrete; link priorities to budget and implementation; use technology to improve service; and strengthen coordination and measure results.
“Sa bawat plano, ilagay natin sa sentro ang magsasaka. Sukatin natin ang tagumpay sa napakinabangan ng magsasaka: nabawasan ba ang kaniyang pagkalugi? Tumaas ba ang kaniyang kita? Mas handa ba siya sa susunod na hamon?,” he asked.
During the summit, the AEWs learned about Artificial Intelligence for Agricultural Extension: Opportunities, Application and Responsible Use from Department of Information and Communications Technology Assistant Secretary for e-Government Maria Victoria C. Castro; El Niño 2026-2027: Climate Outlook, Agricultural Impacts and Adaptation Strategies from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Assistant Weather Services Chief Ana Liza S. Solis; Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 from Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Gerard Nelson C. Manalo; Updates on African Swine in Region III from Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III) Agriculturist I Crizel D. Alimurung; and Updates on Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Region III from DA-RFO III Agriculturist I Arianne Bel D. Baluyut.
The Provincial Agriculture Office headed by Ma. Gloria SF. Carrillo also recognized the municipal and city agriculture offices for their outstanding performance in the implementation of various banner programs including the City Agriculture Office of the City of Malolos for the Outstanding Performer in the Implementation of Fisheries Program; Municipal Agriculture Office of San Ildefonso for the Outstanding Performer in the Implementation of High Value Crops Development Program; Municipal Agriculture Office of Bocaue for the Outstanding Performer in the Implementation of Rice Program (Small Scale Category); and Municipal Agriculture Office of Bustos for the Outstanding Implementation of Rice Program (Large Scale Category).
All Rank 1 winners on each category received P30,000 cash prize and certificates of recognition. (UnliNews Online)
