New DA-6 regional director pushes science-based programs for Western Visayas agri-fisheries
By Tara Yap
*Newly-installed Western Visayas Regional Director Dennis Arpia of the Department of Agriculture. (DA-6 PIO)*
ILOILO CITY -- The newly-installed regional director of the Department of Agriculture (DA-6) is pushing for science-based programs to improve the agricultural and fisheries industry of Western Visayas region. “Our main job is to give technical support to boost the capabilities of farmers and fisher folks so that their produce will increase,” said Dennis Arpia, who was formally installed Regional Director of DA-6 in a ceremony on Monday, July 3. Arpia urged DA-6 sub-departments to upscale working technologies and research results that can be implemented for wide-spread commercialization in the region. Region six is composed of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental provinces as well as the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod. Arpia said that the farmers and fisherfolks must be considered partners in community development and not merely as beneficiaries. Arpia emphasized that DA-6 must set targets within the community-based framework, wherein each member of organizations of farmers and fisherfolks understand their responsibility. Western Visayas is often considered as the food-producing region outside of Luzon. The region is where a high volume of rice and corn are grown as well as a big livestock industry. Arpia replaced Jose Albert Barrogo, who previously served as officer-in-charge of DA-6 and is now the full-pledge regional technical director for operations and extension.