DA Eyes More Agri Extension Workers to Boost Data Gathering

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said he supports rebuilding the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) pool of extension workers to improve the collection of on-the-ground farm data, thereby improving the DA’s responsiveness to issues confronting farmers and fisherfolk. Mr. Laurel said deploying DA personnel would improve forecasting, and shorten response times should constituents report any issues. “Data should not simply tell us what happened,” Mr. Laurel said in a statement issued by the DA. “They should help us anticipate what comes next so the DA can be proactive, not reactive, in protecting the food supply,” he added. The DA has strengthened its partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) by employing satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to improve agricultural data collection. Claire Dennis S. Mapa, PSA undersecretary, national statistician, and civil registrar general, said discussions with the DA include plans to strengthen the capacity of local government units and DA-attached agencies to improve the quality of agricultural data and to validate satellite-generated information through on-the-ground verification. Mr. Mapa said agriculture and fisheries remain key drivers of economic growth, employment, and food security. “We want to assure the DA that we are generating reliable and accurate statistics,” Mr. Mapa said. “The accuracy of data is critical in supporting sound policymaking,” he added. Mr. Laurel said improved data sharing would allow policymakers to make more accurate decisions and legislation on agricultural production, logistics, and food security, while ensuring government resources are directed where they are needed most. “Accurate and timely data will ensure that our food security objectives are met,” Mr. Laurel said. “It tells us where production is strong, where it is weak, and where government intervention is needed,” he added. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza