AFC leaders complete training course on social mobilization

In its pursuit to enhance the competencies of the secretariat and the overall operations of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs), the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) held a series of area-wide Facilitation Skills Training for AFC Coordinators starting this March.

The first batch that received training last March 16-18 in Pampanga was composed of 24 AFC Coordinators from the regional and provincial levels and staff from some RAFC Offices from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B and the Cordilleras.

A total of 103 AFC volunteer-leaders from the 16 regions learned the necessary skills on mobilizing their respective communities during the four-part series of the Training Course on Social Mobilization cum AFC Orientation.

“Social mobilization is an essential key of community development and people empowerment,” Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Executive Director Ariel Cayanan emphasized as he closed the series of Training on the Basics of Social Mobilization cum Orientation for Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) leaders.

Participated by a total of 103 AFC leaders from the 16 regions, the training series was conducted in Cagayan de Oro City for the Mindanao cluster last June 8-12; Dauis, Bohol for the Visayas cluster last June 16-20; Batangas City for the Luzon B cluster last June 29-July 3; and, Baguio City for the Luzon A cluster last July 7-11.

The training aimed to enable AFC leaders and members to recognize the importance of social mobilization in building stronger and more sustainable AFCs and to mobilize support from key stakeholders.

It also envisioned to enhance their commitment, build team spirit and increase appreciation for social mobilization, networking and alliance-building.

In her opening message in Cagayan de Oro City, PCAF Deputy Executive Director Florabelle Uy-Yap explained that “the training is designed especially to revitalize, nurture and maximize the community of AFCs nationwide, particularly your commitment towards development and the spirit of volunteerism that you imbibe.”

Gracing the four-part series of training for the AFC volunteer leaders, PCAF Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan welcomes the participants of the training series and thanked them for their commitment to help champion the needs of the Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, Exec. Dir. Cayanan, said in his closing message that he is “deeply glad that this training has truly re-energized your dedication and fervor to be of service to your fellow farmers and fishers who are, sadly, considered the poorest sectors in our society today.”

The training focused on the following approaches: (1) Promoting Choice and Voice; (2) Discovering Champions; (3) Building High Performing AFC Teams; (4) Making Change Happen; (5) Building Social Capital; and (6) Leveraging for Success.

The participants were also oriented on the AFC Volunteer’s Manual to enable them to perform their task and responsibilities affiliated to their positions as volunteers and carry out their functions competently. A commitment-setting activity for the AFC leaders was also conducted.

Facilitators during the series of training were the PCAF SocMob Core Team who attended the Customized Training on Strengthening the Capability of the then National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) and its AFC to Effectively Conduct Social Mobilization in 2003 through the assistance of the Philippine-Australia Short-Term Training Facility.

Source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/mobilization.html

Dir. Cayanan swears in PCAFEA officials

Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Executive Director Ariel Cayanan administered the oath of office of the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Officers of the PCAF Employees’ Association (PCAFEA) last July 13, 2015 in a simple ceremony at the executive director’s office. The oath-taking ceremony of the officers of the PCAFEA Governing Body was witnessed by Deputy Executive Director Florabelle Uy-Yap and the members of the electoral board. PCAFEA is an organization of rank-and-file employees of PCAF created pursuant to Executive Order 180, Series of 1987 for the furtherance and protection of the interests of its members. PCAF’s Budget Section Chief Redentor Besenio leads the five-member Board of Directors as chairperson while PCAF Area Coordinator for ARMM Benjamin Donor serves as the president of the eight Executive Officers, all of whom were duly elected last June 29. To officially put its creation into effect, PCAFEA is set to register with the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Labor and Employment and formulate terms of reference for its Governing Body.

PCAF congratulates employee for completing doctorate degree

Photo shows Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Development Management Officer III Pedro Dumaraos, Jr. and family during his graduation at the University of the Philippines – Diliman last June 28 at the College of Social Work and Community Development. Supported by his PCAF family, Dumaraos earned his doctorate degree on Social Development in his personal capacity with a dissertation entitled Images and Voices of Citizen’s Participation in Local Governance: Potentials and Challenges of Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) as Participatory Mechanisms. The study documented the lives, experiences and struggles of the Provincial and Municipal AFCs in Benguet and Iloilo. (Photo courtesy of UP College of Social Work and Community Development)