DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – During this week’s episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, Department of Agriculture (DA)-9 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Ms. Maria Melba B. Wee shared that she encourages constant and proper dialogue with stakeholders as a means of problem-identification and needs-assessment.
Wee clarified that their projects and programs are not “aid” per se, but responses to identified problems within the area that have either been reported or communicated to their department.
“This is not ‘ayuda.’ Our farmers and fisherfolk are our partners sa lahat ng bagay sa agricultural development,” she said.
She also encouraged stakeholders to join farmer associations, explaining that it will be easier for them to communicate with and receive support from the DA.
Wee continued to say that with regards to the El Niño and La Niña seasons, one of the biggest challenges is accurately communicating the needs on the ground and understanding the factors at play.
“Kasi hindi naman pwede na si Department of Agriculture lang, there should be agreement from both parties,” she said.
“Because we cannot impose, it should come from the farmers and the LGUs.”
Highlighting that the DA is simply there to support and facilitate La Niña preparations, Wee assured that the department is ready for the change of season, having prepared buffer seeds for farmers and the stakeholders will simply need to reach out. (EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
