The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE), in partnership with the Office of Congressman John Tracy F. Cagas of Davao Del Sur, conducted a Mechanization and Infrastructure Forum with Local Government Units (LGUs) on March 28 in Digos City.

The activity is focused on the coordination of Local Chief Executives and technical staff of the Province, Cities, and Municipalities of Davao Del Sur on the implementation of devolved agricultural engineering services and the establishment and strengthening of an agricultural engineering office in the LGU.

It also highlighted the development of Farm-to-Market Road Network Plan (FMRNP), Geographic Information System for Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Infrastructure (GEOAGRI), and the infrastructure component of the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP).

On his part, Cagas has emphasized the significance of the efforts and dedication of DA in developing and bolstering agriculture in the region.

“To make all this initiatives to work, we need our LGUs down to the grassroot to be proactive in listing and identifying road connectivity from Farm-to-Market to postharvest facilities, infrastructure, and distributing equipment that will aid in the advancement of our agriculture in the city,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the technical and engineering experts in DA-BAFE for envisioning this plans to come to fruition.

In his message, Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo noted the significance of the continued development of the agency in terms of technologies and infrastructures that would benefit our local farmers.

“With this mechanization and road infrastructure program, we will achieve an efficient and secured Masaganang Agrikultura, Masaganang Bansa for our local farmers-beneficiaries and eventually become sustainable communities,” he said.

Furthermore, DA-BAFE Director Engr. Ariodear C. Rico pointed out that in enhancing and strengthening the agri-fishery sector, there must be close coordination and partnership between the BAFE, DA-RFO, and LGUs.

“We encourage our partners in LGUs, the DA-RFO and BAFE to strengthen its ties with each agency for a progressive and advanced agriculture in the Region,” Rico said. | via Rhea Mingming and Kim Royo, RAFIS 11