DA-10 joins TESDA and DTI to boost support to mango farmers.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the tutelage of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado coordinated with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the conduct of capacity building activities for mango processing on February 20, at the agency compound.

The brief meeting focused on the endorsement of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables Resolution No. 09, Series of 2023, recommending TESDA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to prioritize the creation of capacity building program for farmers in upscaling mango processing, branding and packaging for more competitive and sustainable mango products.

Before the team from TESDA headed by Chief TESD Specialist Austolio V. Igot, the department through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) initially committed the provision of a list and profile of mango growers’ association, and ensuing this, the conduct of consultation meetings with the different mango stakeholders.

RED Collado added that there is a need to also coordinate with the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council – 10 (RAFC-10) with the pool of knowledge of the council of the issues and concerns of mango producers in Northern Mindanao that will also contribute to determining the best interventions to upscale the operations of mango farmers, catering to small-scale and large-scale producers.

Courses of action undertaken are geared toward empowering farmers to improve the quality and competitiveness of their mango products, leading to increased incomes and improved livelihoods, as cited by PCAF.

Also present in the meeting are Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, Supervising TESD Specialist Elisa May H. de Pedro and Technical Support Staff Louisse Diamond Phillip Macale.# (TJTL)