SEARCA and UPLBFI are commissioned by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strengthen its capacity in providing highly responsive and climate resilient agriculture and fishery services through AMIA Project 1.
The scope of the said project includes (a) the review and reformulation of policies and guidelines related to research and development, agricultural extension and regulations and Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM); (b) the review and reformulation of planning, monitoring and evaluation system including a review of Yolanda strategic plan; (c) the establishment of Integrated Climate Change Geographic Information System (ICCGIS); (d) initial management and technical capacity building; and (e) the requisite project management.
The project started in April 2015 and expected to be completed by April 2016. In general, the project is on track in terms of target deliverables of various components. Likewise, comments of the DA on the interim report are being integrated, which shall also guide the Project Consulting Team in finalizing the Mid-Term Report. The review provides a venue for integration, complementation, and coherence of all project components.
Dr. Casiano Abrigo, Co-Project Director and Executive Director of UPLBFI presided the Mid-Term Review. Dr. Lope B. Santos III, PDTS Program Specialist, represented SEARCA Director Dr. Gil C. Saguigut who also serves as the Project Director.
Mr. Johnson P. Mercader is leading the team composed of Dr. Cecilio R. Arboleda, R&D Study Team Leader and Livestock Policy cum Agricultural Policy and Research Specialist; Dr. Domingo Angeles; Dr. Rafael Guerrero, Agricultural Policy and Research Specialist (Fisheries); Dr. Jose Molina, Livestock Industry Specialist; Dr. Severino Capitan, Bio-Gas Specialist; Dr. Rowena Baconguis, Agricultural Extension Specialist; Engr. Tolentino B. Moya, Irrigation Engineer; Engr. Nathaniel B. Diola, Roads/Civil Engineer; Dr. Esteban C. Godilano, Senior GIS Specialist; Mr. Joel B. Abunda, GIS cum Vulnerability Assessment Specialist; Mr. Jayvee F. Macaraeg, Remote Sensing Specialist; Dr. Saturnina C. Halos, Disaster Policy and Management Specialist; Prof. Abraham Manalo, Climate Change Specialist; Dr. Florencia Chato Sebastian, Disaster Communication Specialist; Dr. Nenita M. Dayrit, Knowledge Management Specialist; Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, Drone and Disaster Management Specialist; Dr. Eliseo R. Ponce, Strategic Planning Specialist; Dr. Arlene B. Inocencio, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist; Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, Disaster Assessment Specialist; Dr. Victoria O. Espaldon, Program Development Specialist; Dr. Pastor B. Garcia, Regional Expert – Region 6; Dr. Paterno I. Rebuelta, Regional Expert – Region 6; Buenaventura R. Dargantes, Regional Expert – Region 7; Antonio P. Abamo, Regional Expert – Region 7; Prof. Efren B. Saz, Regional Expert – Region 8; Dr. Fe M. Gabunada, Regional Expert – Region 8; Dr. Maria Celeste H. Cadiz, Training Specialist; Dr. Daylinda B. Cabanilla, Module Development Specialist; and Ms. Rosario B. Bantayan, Program Specialist.
Ms. Imelda Batangantang, PDTS Project Associate; Ms. Gabrielle Marie C. Lagrimas, Project Coordinator; Mr. Jerrel Mallari, Project Assistant, and the UPLBFI project support staff provided administrative and technical support in the documentation of the review. (Gabrielle Marie C. Lagrimas)