Expect technical support from DA, says Director Arpia

Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas’ Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia underscored the agency’s role in ensuring success in the agriculture sector, which requires a shift in mindset—from dependency to proactive, science-based decisions and mere provision to partnership—during the Agricultural Technology Forum held on May 7 at Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC), Jaro, Iloilo City. 

“Expect technical support. Expect technology. Expect something that could help you manage your livelihood better. Expect something that could help you sustain your productivity or even raise your productivity,” Director Arpia told farmers who attended the techno forum as part of the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month 2025 themed “Makabagong Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Susi sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas!”  

The regional agri chief explained that the DA, as a technical agency, goes beyond providing interventions such as seeds, fertilizers, tractors, and other tangible support. The agency is more focused on equipping beneficiaries with modern, science-based farming technologies and approaches that directly contribute to improved productivity and higher income.

Director Arpia lauded the efforts of the local government unit partners, Agriculture and Fishery Councils, farmer cooperatives and associations, Civil Society Organizations, and State Universities and Colleges in helping the agency implement programs and advance the upscaling and adoption of agricultural technologies and innovations to benefit farmers and other stakeholders. 

“Kaya mas gusto namin buksan ang aming pintuan, mas gusto namin puntahan ang inyong mga lugar para tayo ay hindi lamang magkausap, kundi tayo ay magkaintindihan. Marami na pong bagong teknolohiya. Yakapin po natin ito. Pagtulung-tulungan natin na harapin. Huwag po tayong matakot sa pagbabago,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairperson Engr. Buen S. Mondejar presented his agenda for his month-long term as Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) of DA Western Visayas. He is also spearheading the launch of the Making Idle Lands Productive Project, a collaborative initiative with the Iloilo Provincial Government and West Visayas State University – Lambunao Campus. Another key priority is the conduct of the Farmers Congress, launched in conjunction with the agricultural technology forum in Iloilo City. Provincial legs of the congress will take place from May 20 to 24. During the congress, Farmer Director Mondejar and the DA Western Visayas team will directly engage with farmers across the region to gather their concerns, insights, and recommendations to improve the sector.

Director Mondejar also emphasized the need for farmers to move away from outdated practices inherited from previous generations and to adopt modern technologies, machinery, and improved seed varieties.

In addition, farmers from various municipalities in Iloilo and Sigma, Capiz participated in hands-on training and exposure activities and received comprehensive technical information on DA’s key projects and facilities at WESVIARC. These included vegetable gardening and smart greenhouse farming, banana tissue culture production, fall armyworm control strategies for green corn, farm mechanization, plant propagation techniques, the use of biological control agents, and goat and native chicken production.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Zarlina Cuello urged all stakeholders, especially farmers, to remain committed to sustainability, viability, and the transformation of mindsets—emphasizing that farming should now be viewed as a business. She also stressed the importance of adopting research technologies of the department in response to ongoing challenges in the sector that affect farmers’ productivity and income sustainability.### Text by Sheila Mae H. Toreno and Photos by Khrysma Dei C. Caldina/DA-RAFIS 6