With the purpose of strengthening its operational policies and project implementation, Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture Region IV-CALABARZON conducted a capacity building activity with some 50 corn agricultural extension workers (AEWs) from Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas, at STIARC Training Hall in Lipa City, Batangas, on October 23, 2020.

Ms. Avelita M. Rosales, Regional Corn Program Coordinator and Research Division Chief, highlighted the importance of developing execution strategies for corn projects.

Ms. Rosales also encouraged the participants by saying, “Let us continue to do our best to improve our performance as we continually serve our farmers in the region.”

The meeting served as a great venue to discuss various issues and concerns in order to strengthen the CALABARZON corn modernization program and ensure that government-granted agricultural projects are appropriately allocated.

AEWs were asked to submit accurate data on planting and harvesting and standing crops, soil samples for laboratory analysis, and damage report due to calamities and pest outbreaks; and to conduct technical briefings, interviews and submission of forms for Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, and field-day technology demonstrations.

Other topics presented were as follows: the audit of corn and rice programs by the National Agri-Fisheries Investment Audit Team that is primarily responsible for auditing the DA mechanization programs from 2015 to 2019; the Corn Program’s physical accomplishments under its Production Support Services, Extension Support, Education and Training Services, and Research and Development; guidelines for the establishment of corn, cassava, and sorghum model farms; the status of the Quick Response Fund for Fall Armyworm- and Taal-affected farmers; cluster development plans for farmers’ associations and cooperatives; and any other interventions available through submission of requests.

Agricultural program coordinating officers and representatives; and provincial, city, and municipal agriculturists, technicians, and coordinators from the said provinces participated in this activity and expressed their commitment to work continuously with the Regional Corn Program to achieve abundant harvesting and higher yields of corn in CALABARZON, particularly during this difficult time due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The same meeting was held with AEWs from the provinces of Rizal and Quezon at Quezon Agricultural Research and Experiment Station in Tiaong, on October 22, 2020. ● (ARC, DA-RAFIS)