Pangasinan gov’t gets PAFES greenlight

PAFES will utilized the province as an extension hub that synchronizes agricultural plans and programs

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The provincial government board here has approved the authority of Governor Amado Espino III to enter into an agreement with the Department of Agriculture (DA), DA-Regional Field Office 1 and the Pangasinan State University (PSU) in the rapid appraisal for the establishing of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES).

In a statement, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Provincial Resolution 2292-2021, authorizing Espino to sign a memorandum of agreement with the agencies to provide innovative model to strengthen the linkages, research and extension services of the agency through sharing of sciencebased knowledge and technologies with the farmers, fishersfolk, individuals and families, rural communities and agricultural fishery enterprises.

The resolution also states that the Local Government Code of 1991 devolved agricultural extension to local government units, serving as foot-soldiers at the provincial, municipal and city levels in the delivery of extension works through its municipal and city agriculture office.

“Local government unites are vested with the power under the Local Government Code, to apply their resources and assets for productive, developmental, or welfare purposes, in the exercise or furtherance of their governmental or propriety powers and functions and thereby ensure their development and self-reliant communities and active participants in the attainment of national goals,” it cited.

It also said that the PAFES of the DA will strengthen the collaboration between the national agency, local government units of Pangasinan, the PSU and the private sector in providing extension services to grassroots level of the province.