Through the continuing effort of Coalition for Bicol Development under Strengthening Decentralized Governance Project (S-DG) on realizing the identified Regional Poverty Reduction Development Agenda (RPRDA) for 2017-2020, partnership with Department of Agriculture (DA) and its training arm, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) was made possible.

Last June 11, 2017, this CBD-DA-ATI partnership formal launching and MOU signing was conducted at Lanuza Hall, DA Regional office V, San Jose Pili, Camarines Sur. It was attended and actively participated by the CBD farmer’s organization members from all over the region. Representatives from DA and ATI expressed their support and cooperation for CBD as partner in promoting growth of agricultural and fisheries sector in the region. They also applauded the CSO network initiative for forging this partnership in the said government offices.

The 1-day activity involved scanning of the farmers current gaps and capabilities and crafting a way forward plan that will be jointly realized by CBD-ATI-DA partnerships.  Among the plans and activities common to the provinces include capacity building of farmers, provision of farm inputs and equipment.

Truly, development doesn’t happen overnight. It has to be worked out continuously and nurtured. Complementation among the various stakeholders as a strategy must be maximized to achieve common goals. Farmers and fishers are among of those challenged sectors in the country but undeniably they are the backbone of our economy. Without them, there will be no food on our tables. Thus, they should be given enough support and provided wider opportunities to improve their lives, their families and become a more productive sector of our society.

Jessica F. Capricho is the Regional Project Coordinator of the SD-G Project.