PAFC Aklan Elects New Officers

On the basis of Executive Order No. 116, Rule 113.1 of the Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Law of 1997, the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) must be organized in the regional, provincial, city, municipal and barangay levels.
This is organized to encourage people participation and empowerment of agricultural and fishery development through sectoral representation in agricultural policy making bodies so that its policies, plans and programs are formulated/executed to satisfy the needs of its clientele. It is also being done to use the bottom – up, self reliant farm systems approach to promote social justice, equity, productivity and sustainability in the use of agriculture and fishery resources.
The AFC is composed of representatives from the private sector especially organizations of stakeholders in agriculture and fisheries. As much as possible, the cross section of the population in the community, representatives of government concerned with fisheries and agriculture are members as well.
Since the term of office of the present officers of the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council is only until June 30, 2006, election was held on June 19, 2006 in the Conference Hall, ASU, Banga, Aklan. The election was jointly presided by Mr. Herminigildo Villanueva and Mr. Alfredo Feliciano. It was participated by the newly elected Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) chairmen from the 17 towns of Aklan, the Municipal Agricultural Officers, the sectoral representatives and other accredited voters.
After the canvassing of votes, the following are duly certified elected by the election board.
Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente – chairman; Mr. Jose Iligan – Vice Chairman; Mr. Delano Tefora – Vice Chairman (Govt. Sector); Ms. Mary Jane Allanza – Secretariat Coordinator; Ms. Hara R. Escalona – Treasurer; Mr. Keith Manares – Auditor; and Mr. Bethel Tumbukon – Public Relations Officer.
In order that the most suited sectoral chairmen will be elected, their election is differed until the next PAFC meeting. The Sectoral chairmen to be elected are for 1. food crops, 2. commercial crops, 3. agricultural mechanization, 4. fishery, 5. poultry and swine, and 6. rural women.
These new officers will serve a two year term: July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2008.
The PAFC is mandated to come out with resolutions and position papers on matters affecting development of agriculture and fishery. PAFC must also prepare the "Work and Financial Plan" for the activities every year. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com