BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance establishing a Farmers Information and Technology Services or Techno Pinoy Center in the city.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr. stated the Techno Pinoy Center aims to serve as a tool to facilitate access to information that fastrack the delivery of services to clients in agriculture, forestry and natural resources and puts in place data available on technologies whether from local, regional and other sources, provide an up-to-date inventory of agriculture-related publications and video materials that are available in the Techno Pinoy Centetr and make information and communication technology-based services available to clients.
The FITS information system was developed as a web-based system and is composed of six major databases, namely, technology, exports profile, farmers profile, contact firms, publication, and technology video materials.
Under the ordinance, the center shall provide clients appropriate technology information in various formats; allows access to global information through the internet; produce and disseminate information, education, and communication materials; conduct technology clinic and training; provide technical advisory and consultancy and link clients to agricultural experts.
For its effective and efficient functioning, the FITS shall have facilities at the Slaughterhouse Compound under the supervision of the City Agriculturist who shall serve as the site manager and that it shall also have computers/laptops with internet connectivity, a photocopier, print knowledge products and video materials.
The ordinance proposes the amount of P500,000 appropriated from the general fund of the local government every year for the successful operation of the center and the implementation of the local legislative measure.
The 1987 Constitution mandates the State to encourage the widest participation of local government units, private groups and community-based organizations in the generation and utilization of science and technology as well as regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation of technology from all sources for national benefit.
Yangot claimed in adhering to the said mandates, local governments are tasked to provide extension delivery services, particularly in terms of food production extension plans and budget.
Republic Act (RA) No. 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 was enacted prescribing urgent related measures to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors of the country in order to enhance their profitability, and prepare said sectors for the challenges of globalization through an adequate, focused and rational delivery of necessary support services.
Subsequently, Executive Order No. 801 dated May 14, 2009, was issued encouraging local government units to adopt the Techno Gabay in their agricultural extension programs and the concerned government agencies to provide the required assistance for the purpose.
By Dexter A. See
