In a bid to fortify local agricultural development and ensure the seamless execution of livelihood programs, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1 (DA-RFO 1) paid a courtesy call to Municipal Mayor Hon. Maria Divina Gracia Elaydo-Etalin, MD, MPA, MPH, at the Municipal Hall.
The DA-RFO 1 delegation was led by Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Coordinators Fridlee Rodriguez and Jessend Gannad.
Syncing Strategies for Local Farmers
The primary objective of the meeting was to bolster the coordination and partnership between the regional agriculture office and the Local Government Unit (LGU). Both parties discussed ongoing and upcoming interventions designed to uplift marginalized farmers and fisherfolk in the municipality.
According to the SAAD coordinators, maintaining an open channel with local chief executives is vital for the sustainability of agricultural projects. The dialogue focused on:
- Project Monitoring: Ensuring current livelihood distributions are reaching intended beneficiaries.
- Resource Optimization: Aligning regional agricultural targets with the specific needs of San Esteban’s farming communities.
- Capacity Building: Providing continuous technical support and training to local farmers to increase yield and income.
A Shared Commitment to Food Security
Mayor Elaydo-Etalin expressed her full support for the DA-RFO 1’s initiatives, emphasizing that agriculture remains a cornerstone of the municipality’s economic growth.
“Our collaboration with the Department of Agriculture is essential in transforming our local farming communities. By working closely together, we ensure that government interventions are timely, effective, and directly beneficial to the grassroots sector,” the Mayor stated.
With reinforced ties between the DA-RFO 1 and the LGU, San Esteban is poised to see a more robust implementation of agricultural programs aimed at poverty reduction and long-term food security.