President Marcos has declared October of every year as National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services Month.
Marcos made the declaration through Proclamation No. 753 dated Nov. 22, 2024.
According to the President, the observance of National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services Month "seeks to accelerate the development and delivery of a unified and efficient AF Extension Services."
It also aims to promote nationwide awareness on the role of agriculture and fisheries extension services in the development of the agri-fisheries sector, and ensure the support of stakeholders in advancing the quality and standards of the sector in the country.
It likewise honors the contribution of agricultural extension workers as frontline actors in technology-transfer and facilitators in providing farmers and fisherfolk access to extension services.
Under the proclamation, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI), was directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services Month.
All other agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, were enjoined to actively participate and render the necessary support to DA and ATI for the effective implementation of the proclamation.
Local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations, professional associations, and the private sector, on the other hand, were encouraged to do the same.
Agriculture fisheries extension services refers to the provision of training, information, and support services by the government and non-government organizations to the agriculture and fisheries sectors to improve the technical, business, and social capabilities of farmers and fisherfolk.
It aims to improve productivity and competitiveness, and increase income and sustainability in the sector, thereby supporting farmers, fisherfolk, and farm workers in areas of production, post-harvest processing, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, community organizing, and institutional development.