DAR HOLDS FARM SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP IN SIBUYAN
By Bienvenido "Boy" Montana, Jr.
Amidst the bad weather, the Department of Agrarian Reform headed by Atty. Pacifico Bantang, Jr., and Mr. Edmundo Manzala, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer I & II respectively of Romblon, braved the storm and conducted the first Training on Farm Systems Development (FSD) in San Fernando, Sibuyan Island last August 15-16, 2001, at the Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) of Taclobo, Pili, and Espana, this municipality. FAO Expert and Gender Specialist Virginia Verora with Miss Rose de Leon of Reg. 1V, FSD Trainer acted as principal lecturers. The Training Seminar was attended by representatives from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Kabang Kabuhayan ng Pilipinas (KKP), NGO leaders, officials from provincial and municipal government and farmer participants. San Fernando Mayor Nannette Tansingco, the host of the program also attended the workshop in Taclobo.The topics that were discussed in the forum were the framework, processes, as well as how to form the FSD team in the area.The Farm Systems Development program aims to assist DAR in the analysis of relevant issues and policies necessary for implementing the program as well as helping the Department and Farmer Beneficiaries to strengthen its management capabilities to effectively coordinate with the foreign assisted projects in support of the program.