Lanao del Norte’s Provincial Government marked the culmination of 2024 with the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW) Congress and Year-End Assessment on December 18, 2024, at the Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium. The event gathered agricultural workers, Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs), and other stakeholders to celebrate achievements and evaluate contributions to the province’s thriving agricultural sector.
Prominent figures graced the occasion, including Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Reinario Bihag. He was joined by leaders from various provincial offices, such as Engr. Jalandoni Piti-ilan of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Dr. Fritzie Provido of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), and Engr. Abdulharis Paporo of the Provincial Operations Center (POC). Representatives from the Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council (PAFC) and retired MAOs and AEWs also participated, underscoring the event’s significance.
Board Member Bihag, in his address, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the agricultural workers. “Daghan kaayong salamat sa inyong padayun nga pagtuman sa inyong misyon nga gitahas kaninyo para matabangan nato ang atong mga mag-uuma. I hope that our aspirations, our Vision 2040, ato gyud nang makab-ot,” he said. His remarks highlighted the shared vision of achieving sustainable agricultural progress in Lanao del Norte.
Celebrating Accomplishments and Recognizing Excellence
A central part of the event was the presentation of accomplishments for Calendar Year 2024. The Department of Agriculture-10 (DA-10), PAO, and PVO detailed key initiatives and progress, including advancements in agricultural practices, enhanced support for farmers, and strengthened food security measures.
The awarding ceremony honored outstanding contributions, recognizing retired MAOs and AEWs for their unwavering service to the agricultural community. Local Government Units (LGUs) excelling in agricultural development were also celebrated for their efforts in fostering innovation and sustainability in their municipalities.
AEWs Got Talent: Showcasing Creativity
The congress wasn’t all work and no play. The AEWs Got Talent segment showcased the creativity and spirit of Lanao del Norte’s agricultural workers. The Municipality of Tubod successfully defended its title as the champions of the talent competition, earning applause for their remarkable performance.
Adding a layer of excitement, a Raffle Draw concluded the event. Participants won prizes such as kitchen essentials and garden tools—a fitting tribute to the agricultural workers’ dedication.
A Look Ahead
The 2024 AEW Congress and Year-End Assessment served as a platform to reflect on past accomplishments while charting a course for the future. It reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to empowering agricultural workers and enhancing the sector’s development.
As Lanao del Norte moves forward, the efforts of its agricultural community, backed by steadfast government support, promise a vibrant future for the province’s agricultural landscape.