DEPARTMENT-OF-AGRICULTURE
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Farmer Director Mondejar outlines agenda for agri-fishery sector development in WV

Posted by: RAFIS DA6 | Posted at: May 6, 2024

Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairperson, Buen S. Mondejar, has assumed the role of Farmer Director for Western Visayas for the month of May as part of the celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, outlining a comprehensive agenda aimed at advancing the region’s agricultural and fishery sector. Mondejar’s appointment comes with a clear vision to harness the potential of Department of Agriculture (DA) programs and engage stakeholders to drive policy recommendations crucial for sectoral development. With a solid framework of advisory, consultative, and recommendatory functions, the RAFC under Mondejar’s leadership seeks to enhance the delivery system of various interventions and projects across Western Visayas.

Central to Mondejar’s agenda is the optimization of idle State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and government-owned lands for agricultural utilization. He emphasizes the need for a regional food terminal utilization policy to streamline distribution channels and ensure food security. Additionally, Mondejar advocates for the integration of corn silage production within the corn and livestock banner program, aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability in livestock farming. Recognizing the importance of biosecurity, Mondejar aims to fortify checkpoints at provincial borders and entryways to regulate the influx of livestock and its by-products, safeguarding against potential diseases such as African Swine Fever.
Furthermore, he plans to tap into the coastal municipalities of Western Visayas to revitalize salt production, unlocking economic opportunities while preserving traditional livelihoods. Mondejar’s agenda extends to exploring market avenues for cassava and promoting the adoption of the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) in sloping corn areas, enhancing resilience and diversification in agricultural practices. In his capacity as Farmer Director, Mondejar seeks collaboration and support from all stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in driving sectoral growth.
“I will be closely working with you for the development of the agri-fishery sector in Western Visayas,” Mondejar affirmed, underlining his commitment to inclusive and participatory development. He also pledges to represent Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia in regional programs commemorating Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month, showcasing the vital contributions of farming communities to the region’s prosperity. ###(CFLauresta & VNQuimpo/DA-RAFIS 6)