The PCC’s Knowledge Management Division staff and representatives from various agencies and local government units all over the Philippines broaden view on various efforts on Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) last October 3-4 in the annual Philippine Extension and Advisory Services Network Inc. (PhilEASNet) Extension Policy Symposium at the Heritage Hotel Manila, Pasay City.
With the theme “Strengthening the Harmonization of the Philippine Extension and Advisory Services for Sustainable Development”, the symposium was anchored on engaging EAS practitioners in discourse, raise awareness on expanding EAS, render policy recommendations and explore strategic alliances.
“We hope to enhance our competencies in doing extension through a conversation with experts who will be sharing challenges and opportunities towards harmonizing extension” said Dr. Karen Eloisa Barroga, PhilEASNet president.
The explored cases as discussed by practitioners at the national level delved on the fields of Fisheries, Livestock, Agrarian Reform, Food and Nutrition, Trade and Industry, Community Development (NGO), Forestry and Natural Resources, and Technical and Vocational Education.
“In the nitty-gritty world of extension and advisory services, we put premium on people who can integrate everything” Dr. Segfredo Serrano, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Planning, underscored in his keynote speech.
He further challenged participants to “catch (engage) the youth” and be bolder in addressing new resolutions and recommendations by the invited field experts as well as practitioners who are willing to listen and interact to make initiatives happen.
In this regard, the attendees participated in a workshop aimed at rendering policy recommendations. They were subdivided into four groups, each of which was assigned specific topics namely capability building, knowledge management, partnership, and governance and enabling environment.
The two-day symposium was spearheaded by PhilEASNet national and its MIMAROPA chapter officers. PhilEASNet’s primary mission is to enhance competency and promote ethical standards among professionals engaged in the practice, research, instruction and policy advocacy on EAS.
Co-sponsors of the event are PCC, Agricultural Training Institute, Bureau of Agricultural Research, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, PhilRice-Philippine Rice Information System, and Asia Pacific Islands Rural Advisory Services Network.
