This was learned from Director Raul F. Dones of NSO-Region 8 who said this is the sixth in a series of decennial agriculture census and the fifth in the decennial census of fisheries in the country.

According to Director Dones, the 2012 CAF is a large–scale government undertaking that is geared towards the collection and compilation of basic information on the agricultural and fishery sectors in the Philippines.

It provides basic information on the kind of crops planted in various parts of the country, area planted to each crop, kind and number of livestock and poultry raised, kind of species cultured in aqua farms, and information on fishing activities which are useful to investors, farmers, and fishermen in planning the quantity and types of commodities to be produced.

The data collected in this census shall constitute the bases from which policymakers and planners formulate their plans and programs for the socio-economic development of the country.

Over the years, the CAF has been a source of comprehensive statistics on agriculture and fisheries for use of the general public, government, business, industry, research and academic institutions.

In Eastern Visayas, about 3,704 enumerators and 1,814 team supervisors were hired to augment the field personnel of NSO for this undertaking.

Levels of training were conducted for all the personnel who were involved in order for them to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for the operation.

The hired enumerators are currently conducting actual house to house visit and interview of the households, persons who were engaged and operators in agricultural, aquafarm and fishing operation activities during the year 2012.

NSO calls for the support and cooperation of the Barangay constituents, partner agencies, Local Chief Executives, and other stakeholders for the successful conduct of this nationwide undertaking.