CHMSC forges 2010 plans with FITS centers

By Jethro B. Dagunan
Regional Applied Communications
Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC)

The Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC), partner member agency (PMA) of Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) based in Talisay City, Negros Occidental recently led the first consultative meeting with its Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) centers at the FITS Center Cadiz in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

Dr. Denesa Lamique, PMA’s team leader, along with CHMSC’s representatives of the regional management information system (RMIS) and regional applied communications (RAC), met with FITS managers Enrique A. Escares III of Cadiz City, Ferdinand V. Alico of Escalante City and Edna B. Garde of OPA Negros Occidental, who were joined by their respective information services specialists and technology services specialists.

Among others, the group presented and discussed the nitty-gritty required in preparing the Annual Accomplishment Reports at the FITS and PMA levels, 2010 work and financial plan, the Science and Technology Based Farm (STBF) proposal of FITS Cadiz and other similar concerns of the RMIS and RAC.

They also raised concerns on the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) including the difficulty of passing the STBF proposal and financial constraints in improving and enhancing their technology intervention. The group observed that MSs who are more “well-off” than others advance faster and are able to avail themselves of the benefits from PCARRD’s financial support.

The group also acknowledged difficulties that arise in following the system set by WESVARRDEC. For most of them, they still need to understand and get familiar with the process of “accepting and owning the system.”

The group finally agreed on the flow of needed documents and data for the CHMSC PMA. Subsequent tasks include information and documentation of all activities and uploading in the WESVARRDEC website at FITS centers levels.

Ending the meeting in high spirits, the team was inspired to continue improving and strategizing in implementing the projects and services given to them as the consortium's major stakeholders.