Regional Chapters Attend 1st PAA Mindanao-wide Cluster Meeting, PAA Davao Eagle Chapter Oath Taking
The 1st PAA Mindanao Cluster Meeting was convened on 07 February 2024 at the Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City. Representatives from the PAA National Office - Dr. Roberto F. Ranola, Jr., Dr. Karen S. Bautista, and Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr.; and PAA Executive Secretary Ms. Teza Carpio - together with the officers from PAA Regional Chapters X, XI, XII, CARAGA, and BARRM gathered at the meeting to discuss the PAA programs at the regional level and challenges encountered in the provision of support to our PAA members in the region.
Dr. Purificacion O. Cahatian, PAA Mindanao Cluster Head, explained the rationale of the activity, while Dr. Anastacia G. Notarte, Regional XI Chapter President, provided the welcome remarks. Dr. Bautista, PAA National President, presented the updates on the implementation of programs on policy advocacy, information and education campaigns, membership and continuing professional development (CPD) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Likewise, she discussed the salient points of the Philippine Agriculturists Bill (House Bill 9725 or An Act to Regulate the Practice of Agriculture as a Profession in the Philippines). In addition, she encouraged the regional chapter presidents to coordinate with the House Representative in their respective region/province and present the PA Bill to solicit legislative support.
Changes on the PAA governance were highlighted during the meeting. To facilitate a more proactive implementation of CPD and CSR activities at the regional level, 50% of annual dues will be given to each regional chapter, following the submission of their annual work and financial plan (WFP). To ensure accountability and transparency, subsequent releases will depend on the submission of annual accomplishment report, audited financial report, and photocopy of bank statements.
Another key agenda item was the election of regional representatives. It was noted that elections in each regional chapter will be held online with assistance from the PAA National Office. The term of office for each elected chapter officer will be co-terminus as the National officers for two years.
Dr. Rañola, Chairperson of PAA, suggested conducting consultative meetings to reach a consensus on the election process. To facilitate this, parallel cluster meetings should be held with the Luzon and the Visayas clusters’ regional representatives to draft a Board resolution outlining the electoral process.
The first PAA Mindanao Cluster Meeting laid the groundwork for strengthened regional participation and cooperation in the upcoming year. Each regional representative presented updates on their upcoming activities. For Region 10, Ma. Lilit M. Turan reported that PAA Pineapple Chapter is planning to schedule an oath taking ceremony for Agriculturists Licensure Examination (ALE) passers on 22 Feb 2024 in Cagayan de Oro, although they are still waiting for confirmation from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Davao Eagle Chapter president Anastacia G. Notarte reported that they will hold a “CPD Training on Increased Productivity in Changing Environment” on 25-26 April 2024 in Davao del Norte Sport and Tourism Complex, Mankilam, Tagum City; while Joseph S. Quisado presented the Region 12 SOCCSKSARGEN report on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Sarangani where they provided vegetable seeds and seedlings for reforestation.
The productive meeting ended with a consensus on building more projects and activities to provide vast opportunities for employment for agriculture graduates.
The following day, the Philippine Regulatory Board (PRB) of Agriculture, the PRC Region XI, and the PAA Davao Eagle Chapter organized a Regional Oath Taking ceremony at the Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City, 08 February 2024. More than 500 Passers of the Agriculturists Licensure Exam from 31 schools in various parts of Mindanao took the Oath of Professional. PRB Agriculture Chair Dr. Emma K. Sales led the induction of newly Registered Agriculturists. Meanwhile, Dr. Bautista discussed the PAA programs and activities to newly Registered Agriculturists and facilitated the Oath of Membership.
