Sunday, November 22, 2015

Baras MAFC now officially reactivated

Sealing the agreement. Baras MAFC Chairperson Manuel Gallo, Mayor Katherine Robles, DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano and PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan sign the Memorandum of Agreement to formalize the reactivation of the Baras MAFC.

The Philippine Council for Agricultural and Fisheries (PCAF), Baras Local Government Unit together with Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 4-A, and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) 4-A inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last October 19 to formalize the reactivation of the Baras Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC).

The MOA summarized the duties and commitments agreed by the Sanguniang Bayan of Baras and the concerned Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFC) members during the oath taking ceremony last May 25, 2015. Present in signing were Mayor Katherine Robles, DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano, PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan, with the representatives from PCAF, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baras, DA-RFO 4A, and RAFC–4A.

Also present in the ceremony were other Baras officials, and Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) Maria Cribe, who represented the Regional Executive Director Vilma Dimaculangan. This landmark event aims to reinstitutionalize the MAFC as a venue for consultative and continuing discussions among partners in the government and stakeholders, particularly in Baras, Rizal.

DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano and PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan listen to Mayor Katherine Robles as she explains how they are helping their farmers in growing organic production. Also listening were representatives from PCAF, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baras, DA-RFO 4A and RAFC–4A.

The Baras MAFC is the first MAFC to be formally reactivated since the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) was rationalized as PCAF.

“There is a great need for the AFC’s involvement in the Local Development Councils (LDC). The role of the AFC, whose members are from the private sector, is vital. The private sector may assist and influence in the agri- fishery sectors and has an essential contribution in generating employment and investment opportunities,” said Undersecretary Serrano during the MOA signing.

Meanwhile, Executive Director Cayanan briefly explained the roles and responsibilities of the LGU and the Baras MAFC officials.

Under the agreement, PCAF will provide financial, logistical and technical support for the activities needed for the reactivation of the Baras MAFC and for the conduct of continuous consultations for the agriculture and fisheries stakeholders.


Photo shows Baras Mayor Katherine Robles, DA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano and PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan with the representatives from Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baras, DA-RFO 4A and RAFC–4A post for a photo-op after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement.

The DA-RFO 4-A will ensure the attainment of the thrusts and mandates of the AFC on consultation, integration, networking and advocacy in the local community. It will also supervise the reactivation activities and operations, and the MAFC project coordination and monitoring activities.

The RAFC 4-A, on the other hand, will provide direct assistance and oversee the activities regarding the reactivation of the Baras MAFC, and ensure the continuous conduct of AFC-related activities in the said town. It will also serve as channel for livelihood assistance and establishment of institutional development projects in the municipality through endorsement of projects proposals of the MAFC.

For its part, the Baras LGU will provide financial and logistical support for the strengthening and continuous conduct of activities of the Baras MAFC on top of the operational funds provided by PCAF. Also, LGU officials will attend Baras MAFC meetings, consultations and other activities, and provide assistance in the conduct of agricultural and fishery programs and projects in Baras and give advice to the MAFC members on matters and issues related to DILG.


Mayor Katherine Robles with the rest of the local government unit and Baras MAFC representatives, pay attention to PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan as he discusses the major roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders.

“The Baras local government is committed to support the agricultural development of our municipality. At present, we are aiming to get an Organic Certification in support to the growing organic production here,” said Baras Mayor Robles in her message.


Source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/MAFC-Baras.php