The National Tobacco Administration gathered major stakeholders in the tobacco industry for a two-day virtual consultation for the National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP) 2020-2030.
The consultative workshop, spearheaded by the Corporate Planning Department on February 17 and 18, saw the participation of farmer leaders of different organizations, representatives from local government units (LGUs), and representatives from the private sector.
The workshop aimed to present the development plans for the modernization and industrialization of the tobacco industry, aligned in the OneDA reform agenda of Secretary William D. Dar and the NTA Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program, and identify the challenges the sectors face in major tobacco-growing provinces.
In his message, Administrator/CEO Robert Victor G. Seares Jr. said that while the NTA held conferences like this in the past, it was a different case from now.
“This NAFMIP Consultative Workshop, however, is the first time in a long while that we gather on one occasion all our major stakeholders for a planning consultation by the agency,” said Seares.
“All of your contributions here in the workshop will serve as inputs for a roadmap or a development plan, not only for the tobacco industry, but for the Philippine Agriculture in general,” he said.
He added that the result of the consultation will serve as a guide, and inspire our stakeholders in taking cohesive action and to galvanize sector-wide public and private funds and other resources to support action.
“Kasama kayo sa pagpaplano sa simula pa lang, na hindi tulad ng dati na we only consult you para hingiinang inyong approval para sa ginawa naming plano dito sa NTA,” Admin Seares stressed.
Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Cesario G. Sambrana, on the other hand, shared his gratitude to everyone who took the time to join the consultation, despite their hectic schedules.
“It is very rare that all sectors of tobacco are here with us, enjoining us as we discuss and develop plans, for the benefit of Philippine agriculture,” said Sambrana.“
This activity will address the concerns of the tobacco industry in the most efficient manner and maintain the volume of tobacco that we produce so that the gross value-added money will not be totally affected,” added the Deputy Administrator for Operations.
Deputy Administrator for Support Services Benedicto M. Savellano said that every stakeholder has a responsibility not just in the tobacco industry but in the agriculture sector in general.“
Making sure that every stakeholder in this workshop is heard is one of our responsibilities. As we share common goals, we are confident with your contributions and together we’ll be able to reach our desired transformations for the sector together,” Savellano added.
Corporate Planning Manager Fortuna C. Benosa presented the industry update, NTA current programs aligned with OneDA Reform Agenda and Strategies, and the Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program.
Warlie V. Oribello, Supervising TPRO of NTA La Union, Noralyn I. Idica, acting Chief Agriculturist of NTA Vigan, and Felisa R. Aurellano, officer in charge of the Farm Technology and Services Department presented various topics on the NAFMIP, as provided by the Department of Agriculture, for stakeholders’ consultations.
All the consolidated inputs from the two-day consultation will be presented to the National Consultation of NAFMIP for Attached Corporations on March 2-4.
NAFMIP is a sector-wide development plan of the Department of Agriculture that will serve as a directional plan and link to other sectors such as commodity system roadmaps and provincial commodity investment plan. It is expected to launch transformative actions that will accelerate agro-industrialization and modernization and mobilize a whole-of-nation resources for recovery and sustainable growth.
(Kathleen Bulquerin / Photo credit: NTA La Union, Central Office]