The Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) in Bicol confirms five (5) new members.

Bernadette delos Santos, RAFC 5 Chairperson and Farmer Regional Director swears in the new members, namely: Santiago K. Cervantes, President of Carmel Agri-Learning Farm, Inc. in Pili, Camarines Sur; Dr. Georgina J. Bordado, former President of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) main campus; Mr. Granwell Pitapit, Chief Executive Officer, Oragon Farmers Agriculture Cooperative in Libmanan, Camarines Sur; Rossini M. Obligacion, Proprietor of Joross Farm in Ligao City, Albay; Marilyn A. Haya, proprietor of M.A. Haya’s Delights.

The oath taking was held at the PMED Conference Room on May 30, 2023. Witnesses to the occasion were the officers and sectoral committee chairpersons of the RAFC, PAFC and ICCAFC chairpersons and RAFC Executive Officer Aloha Gigi I. Banaria. Also present were DA Bicol Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Luz R. Marcelino; RTD for Research and Regulations Dr. Edgar R. Madrid; and chiefs of the different divisions of DA Bicol.

The RAFC is a group of volunteer-leaders serving as an advisory body of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that is tasked to provide inputs on DA’s major programs, projects and policy directions with an established region-wide network of Agriculture and Fishery Councils. The RAFC also serves as bridges and voices of the farmers and fisherfolk. With the oath taking of the new members the total number of RAFC members working as volunteers increased to 23. (Lovella P. Guarin with reports from Jessa Mae Siano)