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Archives
May 16-31, 2001
CERDAF
approves network programs
by Thea Kristina M. Pabuayon
The Council for Extension, Research and
Development for Agriculture and Fisheries (CERDAF) on
May 28 five network agenda and programs were approved
for immediate implementation.However, it deferred the
approval of four resolutions and four guidelines made
during their first meeting last 28 November 2000.
According to Department of Agriculture
(DA) Sec. Leonardo Q. Montemayor, the resolutions and
guidelines need tightening and proper citation of the
proponents. The documents will be further evaluated
by the Council members for comments and final approval.
The four resolutions include recommendations
on: the provision of funds from the coconut levy fund
for the project “sequence of genes expressed during
coconut endosperm development”; the approval of
the process adopted in the planning and formulation
of National Integrated Research and Development, Extension
Agenda and Programs (NIRDEAPs); the approval of the
NIRDEAPs as presented during the first CERDAF meeting;
and the use of biotechnology to enhance agricultural
R&D and the industry.
On the other hand, the four guidelines
that have yet to be approved are the following: co-financing
agreements with local government units on the financing
of agriculture and fisheries extension programs; national
merit and promotion including incentives and award systems
for all extension personnel; preparation of collaborative
extension programs of state universities and colleges;
and accreditation of private sector institutions/providers
of extension services.
As the basic unit for operation, provinces
should be the focus of co-financing agreements as suggested
by one of the participants. This move will align the
extension efforts of State Colleges and Universities
with the provincial efforts. In line with this, Agriculture
Training Institute Assistant Director asked for private
sector involvement and market focus as a driving force
for extension. Montemayor asked the Council members
to integrate the guidelines on the co-financing schemes
with SCUs, provinces, and the private sector for more
coherence.
Secretary Montemayor also asked the CERDAF
to resolve the issue on the guidelines on the merit
and promotion for extension workers as each local government
unit has its own system. The challenge therefore, despite
this condition, is to ensure that equal opportunities
for promotion and a fair set of criteria for evaluation
is created and maintained.
Five NIRDEAPs Approved
Five national RDE networks will begin implementing their
five-year agenda and programs following their approval
by the CERDAF. Network Team Leaders Rogelio Concepcion
(Soil and Water Resources), Arsenio Resurreccion (Agricultural
Engineering), Eliseo Cadapan (Crop Protection), Wilfredo
David (Irrigation and Drainage), and Ricardo Cachuela
(Grains Postharvest) presented their respective National
Integrated RDE Agenda/Programs (NIRDEAPs). The NIRDEAPs
embody the integrated thrusts and directions of each
network for RDE, specifically containing programs and
activities for specific commodities.
Prior to the approval by the Council,
the NIRDEAPs underwent the regular review process by
the Farmer/Fisherfolk-Industry Advisory Committee and
the Senior Scientist Advisory Committee. 
May 16-31 2001 Articles: ::
CERDAF
approves network programs
::
GSDP
aims for sustainable growth
::: More May 2001 articles :::
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