The provincial government of Negros Occidental will replicate the implementation of banner programs of the Department of Agriculture, piloted by Ilocos Norte, Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said yesterday.

Decena, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino attended the two-day National Food Security Summit in Manila that ended yesterday.

He said the role of the provincial government in implementing the programs of the agency, specifically for farmers and fisherfolk, was underscored by DA Secretary William Dar in the summit.

Starting next year, the provincial government will start the agriculture extension works, making the governor the food czar, Decena said.

Previously, it was the DA regional office that directly implemented the banner programs of the agency, but now, it will involve the participation of the provincial government.

He added that the provincial government will craft its proposal that will complement the program of the DA, after which it will be forwarded to its regional office for harmonization.

Decena said the eight paradigms of the DA program are focused on modernization, legislative support, industrialization, higher budget and investment, export promotion, infrastructure development, farm consolidation, and roadmap development.

He said the provincial government, as an agriculture extension worker, will also help the farmers and fisherfolk with their production to increase their incomes.*