The consultative dialogue highlighted the program’s major achievements in the province and fostered in-depth discussions among program partners, who worked collaboratively to align and enhance both existing and new interventions.

Key program partners from the province—including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Caraga, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)—actively participated and contributed valuable insights. They provided practical guidance on technical support, product innovation, and association development, all aimed at improving the sustainability and competitiveness of local livelihood initiatives.

“It would be more effective to create a centralized database for all participants, making it easier to identify their specific needs and match them with appropriate interventions. This ensures that support is tailored, targeted, and reaches those who need it most,” suggested Annette Anduyan, DTI Agusan del Norte Senior Trade and Industry Specialist.

Further enriching the dialogue was the presence of representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), who contributed critical expertise in agricultural development. Their insights covered advanced crop management, sustainable aquaculture practices, and innovations in coconut production.

“As the training arm of the Department of Agriculture, we are committed to sharing our expertise in agriculture-related skills training and development for your program participants. In addition, we will provide a comprehensive list of available learning sites across the region to ensure broader access and participation,” said Gerald Domingo of ATI.

Moreover, SLP Caraga Regional Partnership Officer (RPO) Antonio Semporios Jr. shared his perspectives, emphasizing the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration and data-driven planning to ensure more responsive and sustainable livelihood interventions.

“With these strategic inputs, we’re able to better guide and support the program’s overall direction. Imparting your expertise helps ensure the program’s initiatives are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs of the participants we serve,” RPO Semporios underscored.

The second leg of this consultative dialogue series is scheduled to commence in the next semester. It will focus on updating and reviewing ongoing interventions provided by program partners to ensure their continued relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with the evolving needs of the participants.