The Department of Agriculture in Region 02 held their 2019 1st Quarter Business Meeting with the members of the Regional Management Committee (RMC) Region 02 to discuss DA’s milestones, salient accomplishments for 2018 and 2019 thrusts,  Republic Act (RA) No. 11203 rice tariffication law, and updates on Grand Farm Carnival that will showcase technologies on averting climate change effect to agriculture and fisheries, yesterday, Feb. 20,  at the DA Southern Cagayan Research Center- Cagayan Breeding Station (SCRC-CBS), Maguirig, Solana, Cagayan.

“Here we are again, harmonizing and collaborating to ensure a food secured Philippines,” said Officer-in-charge (OIC) Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulatory Rose Mary Aquino in behalf of Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo, in her welcome message extending her heartfelt thanks to attendees, adding that it’s the start of the year and we know that challenges are on our way, but  our team will defy all odds.

DA Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PMED) Chief Kay  S. Olivas presented the DA milestones and salient accomplishments for 2018 and 2019 thrusts.

She highlighted the consolidation of all credit funds of DA under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) that guarantees easy access and low interest with no collateral as one of the Agriculture and Fisheries Interventions under the Duterte Administration.

Though the Rice Tarrification Act takes effect on March 5 the committee had a glimpse on what the public will expect on this new law.

Also, the Grand Farm Carnival will take place here on March 27-29, the station is visioned to be an agro-tourism site that will be a viable area for passers-by going to a pilgrimage in Our Lady of Piat in Piat, Cagayan.

“Harmonization is the key that will result in synergy and when we work as a team in the Cagayan Valley region with an objective — to help the farmers and fisherfolk,” said Officer-in-charge (OIC) Regional Technical Director for Operations Dr. Roberto Busania.

He underscored the importance of closer collaboration since the department alone cannot solve the many issues affecting the agriculture sector.

Meanwhile, Engr. Leo Javier, manager of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), San Mateo, Isabela was elected as Vice Chairperson of RMC 2.

He was unanimously chosen by the committee as per suggestion of RED Edillo that RMC should elect a vice chairperson to preside meetings during his absence.

Edillo was in an emergency meeting with Secretary Piñol regarding the new Rice Tariffication law.