The ManCom, which was attended by chiefs of the various divisions and sections, banner program focals and the component heads of the Special Area for Agricultural Division (SAAD) tackled important and recent updates on agriculture, as well as the transition of Siquijor and Negros Oriental as a Negros Island Region (NIR).

Topics discussed include the upcoming national ManCom, SAAD presentation of accomplishments and status of implementation, Native Cattle Research Updates, PRDP Mainstreaming, pest advisory for April to June and other rmatters.

Banner program focals were to submit issues and challenges encountered during the program implementations, which will form part in the presentation in the national ManCom.

In the SAAD presentation, Director Enriquez, suggested to go-over and review the Phase 1 terminal report. Notable accomplishments and success stories of SAAD beneficiaries be highlighted- how the projects able to change the way of life of these beneficiaries.

On Siquijor native cattle research update was presented by Dr. Fabio Enriquez, the chief of DA7’s Research Division, sharing that the said native cattle are suitable in the province.

On pest advisory, based on the historical data, pests that will occur in second quarter include rice black bug (RBB), rice stemborer, tungro virus and brown spot fungus for rice, while on corn pests include fall army work, fall leaf blight and leaf spot.

Director Enriquez, also presented and discussed the recent update on the P20kilo rice, which the ManCom must know.