Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) of Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV-CALABARZON spearheaded the CALABARZON Media Corps Communication Assessment and Harmonization Workshop on August 27, 2020 via videoconferencing.

The activity aims to strengthen the coordination of information and public information officers within DA family in the region to intensify info dissemination through unified information sharing and complementation of communication expertise and resources.

Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa expressed his appreciation for the event. In his welcome message, he recognized the vital role of information offices in making DA’s services and interventions known to the public, especially among farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders. “We hope this meeting will improve and harmonize information dissemination efforts so that our stakeholders can be updated and be well-informed of DA’s programs and projects,” Director de Mesa said. 

Some of the best practices shared during the meeting were following: continuous development of physical and electronic copies of information, education, and communication materials such as magazines, brochures, and leaflets; the ability to sustain resilience and hard work; and the expansion and enhancement of audience connectivity and organizational visibility through the use of social media channels, especially in the new normal environment. 

Information officers and representatives of Agricultural Training Institute CALABARZON, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources IV-A, Bureau of Animal Industry, Philippine Coconut Authority IV, National Dairy Authority, National Irrigation Administration IV-A, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation IV-A, Philippine Statistics Authority IV-A, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority IV-A, Bureau of Agricultural Research, Sugar Regulatory Administration, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization; and Philippine Rice Research Institute participated in the meeting. • (MAP, DA-RAFIS)