Via Facebook link, I read the news, "Solon Wants Local Agricultural Functions Reverted To DA" by Jose Cielito Reganit (29 August 2019, Philippine News Agency, pna.gov.ph). I surf the Web for
philippines "municipal agriculturist"
exactly like that line, and the first to come up is the "Office of the Municipal Agriculturist" of Candelaria, Quezon (above image, candelaria.gov.ph). They look like active, busy people when not posing for a photograph; so I choose them as my reference image.
exactly like that line, and the first to come up is the "Office of the Municipal Agriculturist" of Candelaria, Quezon (above image, candelaria.gov.ph). They look like active, busy people when not posing for a photograph; so I choose them as my reference image.
In the news, Mr Reganit says it is Party-List Representative Sharon Garin who has filed a Bill to revert back to the Department of Agriculture, DA, the functions of the Municipal Agriculturist Offices, MAgOs, because "the devolution of agricultural extension services to LGUs has resulted in low agricultural productivity, hampered agricultural development, and food insecurity."
No need. I have a much better idea!
But first, let us make some things clear:
One, "low agricultural productivity" is national, and agri-extensionists can only train a few farmers at a time, if the latter are willing!
Two, "agricultural development" is even bigger and wider, and cannot and does not depend on agri-extension alone.
Three, "food insecurity" has never been a proper subject for agri-extension.
Now, to my idea:
Let them stay where they are! Let the DA work with extensionists like those in Candelaria in true collaborative manner in carrying out The DA's New Mandate For Goodness (my term).
Why?
(1) Familiarity – Since devolution in 1991, the Municipal Agriculturist Offices, MAgOs, have been in close contact with farmers in their towns of assignment. Ask the Candelaria people! They are now familiar with the agricultural scenes in their municipalities – and should prove indispensable in coming out with new or following up of old initiatives.
(2) Location-specific – Those MAgOs are already in place and ready for action if the DA properly coordinates with them in any initiative. Mobilization and territoriality are minor concerns, while collaboration is a major factor for success.
(3) In-built Collaboration – With the locals in place, the DA can simply call for collaboration with the appropriate projects & budgets. The provincial and/or municipal LGUs may or may not have the funds for the purpose, but the DA should have.
And in which of The Eight Paradigms of Secretary of Agriculture William Dar does all of the above fit? I have produced a literal-literary ebook on applying those paradigms – Paradigms Lost, Paradigms Regained (image above, bottom) – and I say, into all 8! (Email me if you wish, frankahilario@gmail.com; your last chance for a free copy is midnight today.) Their advice and/or caution will be considered in all those paradigms. What more can be more important than that? They are in place to answer questions, or give advice, such as:
Who of the locals are ready to accept agri-modernization?
In what priority areas do we industrialize local agriculture?
Which product can be promoted for exports?
Who are the leaders to promote farm consolidation?
Whom do we call to develop roadmaps?
Where is infrastructure urgent?
And of course, higher budgets are always welcome!@517
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