๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ป๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
With the theme โAdvancing Agricultural Practices: Sustaining Growth and Innovation,โ the 2nd Philippine Association of Agriculturists Regional Conference โ Darag Chapter, lead by PAA Region-VI chapter president Dr. Michael T. Ibisate, was held at Aklan State University (ASU) in Banga, Aklan last 23-25 October 2024.
The PAA Darag โ Chapter Regional Conference served as a platform to explore novel solutions and strategies in ensuring the steady growth of the agriculture sector, and calls for a unified approach among professional agriculturists, government officials, legislators, academics, and other stakeholders to strengthen the agriculture sector. It underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing agricultural practices and innovations.
In her keynote speech, PAA National President Dr. Karen S. Bautista mentioned that while facing a number of challenges, the agriculture professionals in the country have reached a milestone when the Philippine Agriculturists (PA) Bills were deliberated by the House Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation and eventually passed the first reading.
She assured that the PAA will continue to support the subsequent readings of the said Bills to ensure the career growth and welfare of agriculture professionals in the country.
PAA Chairperson Dr. Roberto F. Raรฑola, Jr., was also invited to give an inspirational message.
โAs registered agriculturists, we serve as key to offering emerging trends and technologies to maximize the yield of farmers while conserving environment and resources. We also serve as conduit to bridge the knowledge gap in agricultural innovations and farming practices,โ he said in a video message.
Also present to give her message of support is DA - Agriculture Training Institute Director IV, Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter. She agreed with the statement of Dr. Bautista that we are facing enormous challenges in the agriculture sector which includes the aging population within the sector.
โFood security [is] still very important, but the agriculture sector [should be considered] as a bankable investment of the private sectorโฆWe wanted the private sector to invest in agriculture, [and promote it as] an alternative career option for the younger generation,โ she stressed.
The first day of the conference highlighted discussions and learning opportunities that sought to help farming communities. It featured plenary talks on emerging technologies in biotechnology, precision agriculture, and smart and vertical farming from Dr. Marjohn C. Niรฑo, Dr. Greata G. Gavinete, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon, and Dr. Rhea Joy D. Flora.
The second day of the plenary session focused on climate-resilient organic farming, soil health management, and pest control innovations where Dr. Carmenchita M. Tumaca, Dr. Ryan T. Sarimong, Dr. Evelyn P. Vedasto, and Dr. Ibisate were invited as speakers. Lastly, sessions on livestock health and production management; and agricultural extension delivery systems were included on the program.
The PAA headquarters is one with the PAA Darag Chapter in holding this regional conference that supports our mission to enhance food security, rural livelihoods, and safeguard our environment. We can help create a robust agricultural system that will support farmers and rural communities through initiatives like these.
