The Provincial Local Government of Camarines Norte through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, spearheaded by Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Almirante A. Abad, hosted the Farmers and Fisherfolks Summit last May 2, 2024 at Agro Sports Center, Daet, Camarines Norte, underscoring the pivotal role that farmers and fisherfolk play in driving the provincial economy. This significant event, held as part of the 2024 Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Week Celebration, drew 785 participants, including farmers, fisherfolk, and representatives from key government agencies such as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Food Authority (NFA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Agriculture (DA-RFO5), Porivincial Local Government Unit – Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (PLGU-OPAg), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and Land Bank of the Philippines.
Governor Padilla emphasized the critical importance of rebuilding food security through a robust approach centered on modernization and mechanization. In his vision, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the province requires the integration of advanced technologies and practices that improve efficiency across all sectors of farming. Governor Dong Padilla, assured full support from the provincial government for the necessary agricultural programs.
Provincial Agriculturist Almirante A. Abad underscored the importance of modernizing and mechanizing agriculture to enhance productivity and efficiency, ensuring competitiveness and meeting the needs of a growing population.
The summit featured several activities, including the distribution of starter kits for vegetable and corn production, and motorized bancas for fisherfolk under the “Banca Mo Gawa Mo” initiative. Government officials and agency representatives stressed the need for collaboration and support from both the government and private sector to improve farming conditions and ensure food security despite challenges face by the agricultural sector. An open forum, initiated by
Governor Padilla, allowed participants to raise issues concerning agriculture and fishery sectors along the value chain which were answered by concerned agencies.
More photos here >> Farmers and Fisherfolk Summit Album