Ormoc City hosts 2nd RAFC Consultative Meeting

RAFC chairpersons, coordinators, DA-RFU VIII personnel, NAFC staff and guests pose for a
group photo during the 2nd RAFC Consultative Meeting held from October 19 to 21 in Ormoc City.

The second national Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) consultative meeting cum summit, held last October 19 to 21 at Sabin Resort Hotel in Ormoc City, Leyte, brought together the 16 RAFC chairpersons and coordinators from all over the country, along with resource persons, guests, Department of Agriculture (DA)-Regional Field Unit (RFU) VIII personnel and NAFC staff.

RAFC chairperson Edgardo C. Codilla of Region VIII and current national president of the RAFC Association of the Philippines, in collaboration with the DA Regional Office, played host to the three-day national RAFC consultative meeting which coincided with Ormoc City’s 64th Charter Day Celebration.

Welcoming the guests and participants were Ormoc City Mayor Eric C. Codilla and DA-RFU VIII Executive Director Antonio G. Gerundio. Both government officials acknowledged the vital role of the AFC network  in the implementation of the national and local agri-fishery programs all geared towards food security, increase rural income, sustainable development and monitoring of DA programs and projects.

The highlights of the meeting include, among others, the presentation, discussion and ratification of the Revised Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) Manual; review of DA and AFC accomplishment reports; and, discussion on the most pressing issues and concerns relative to the legislative priority agenda and DA’s various programs and projects such as The Agri-Pinoy Farm mechanization, Post Harvest Development Program, NAFC Special Vehicle Loan Program and the Organic Agriculture Program.

RAFC Chairperson Codilla said that the consultation was aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and responsibility in the implementation of the various agriculture and fishery programs in the country. 

He added that as private-led volunteer organizations, the AFCs will assist in the monitoring and advocacy of the agricultural programs and activities. 

“To empower and further enhance their (AFCs) effectiveness and responsiveness, they need to regularly solicit feedbacks, suggestions and recommendation from their ranks in order to participate and effectively and efficiently manage DA programs and projects,” he emphasized.

He further stated that under his leadership, he will see to it that the AFCs take a solid and clear direction and become true partners of agriculture development that will continue and expand programs and projects to better serve the needs of the farmers, fisher and the livestock raiser.

The consultative meeting ended with a short visit to the New Ormoc City Hall located at Y. Aunubling Street, Government Center of Ormoc.

RAFC Chairperson Edgardo C.Codilla leads the three-day consultative meeting.