The Department of Agriculture (DA) has forged an agreement with the Sarangani provincial government to pilot the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (Pafes) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen), which will get an initial budget of P226 million.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar and Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon forged last February 5 the partnership to pilot Pafes, which is a flagship initiative of the DA to strengthen the research extension of farmer and fisherfolk linkages in the province; spearhead agricultural modernization and industrialization; and enhance rural livelihood through massive utilization of science-based innovations and establishments of agro-based enterprises.