The National Director of the Agricultural Training Institute, Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter paid visit in Ilocos Region on June 14-15, 2023 to meet the workforce of the ATI-Regional Training Center 1 and farmer cooperators of different learning sites for agriculture (LSAs) and to attend various activities.
On June 14, the Centerโs staff welcomed the ATI Director for a meeting. Among the matters discussed during this gathering were operational policies and directions. Engr. Recoter emphasized the significant role of ATI as the capacity builder in agriculture and fisheries services.
โWe have to strengthen the capacities of the local government units (LGUs), not only in terms of production but also in the areas of postharvest, processing, marketing, social and digital technologies, and across the entire value chain sector.โ, said by the Director as she relayed directives from the Office of the Department of Agriculture Secretary.
Engr. Recoter also directed the Center to review the winning commodities of each province in Region 1 for effective and strategized planning and alignment of extension interventions. In addition, she encouraged the staff to develop and enhance their expertise and be a subject matter specialist during the conduct of trainings. She also reiterated the Instituteโs goal in striving for financial and physical targets.
On the same day, the ATI Head attended and witnessed the awarding of the certificate of accreditation to the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-Pangasinan Philippines Inc. as the first organic certifying body in Region 1. She expressed her commendation to the five awardees, who are also farmer cooperators of different certified LSAs and accredited Extension Service Providers (ESPs) in the province of Pangasinan. These LSAs are Abundance Agri-Tourism Farm in Dasol and Paraiso Del Valour in Alaminos City while the ESPs are Greentop Organixโ in San Fabian; Our Farm Republic in Mangatarem; and former ESP Teraoka Farms also in Mangatarem. She praised the group for taking the lead in advocating and promoting organic agriculture in the region.
In addition, she graced and delivered messages of support and encouragement to the participants of the two ongoing trainings in the Center, such as the Season-Long Training of Trainers on Rice-Based Integrated Farming System and Training on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification.
On June 15, Director Recoter led the inauguration of the Swine Artificial Insemination sa Barangay (SWAIB) Project Facility located at the Vaughnโs Farm-an ATI certified LSA in Rosario, La Union.
In her inaugural speech, she stressed out the importance of the project as it will complement the construction and establishment of Swine Multiplier Farms in Region 1. She further committed to supporting the sustainability of the SWAIB project by providing trainings and disseminating information and technology. Meanwhile, the beneficiaries of the project and the concerned local government unit pledged to ensure intensive biosecurity in their areas to avoid any events that will disrupt the recovery and repopulation of swine in the province.
During her stay in the region, Engr. Recoter also explored the different LSAs and ESPs, such as Jopat Integrated Farm in Mangaldan; Roheim Inc. and Greentop Organixโ Farm both in San Fabian; Aringay LGU Demo Farm in Aringay, La Union; and Center for Bamboo Development, Inc. in Pugo, La Union.
Indeed, the visit of the ATI National Director in the region was productive and memorable as it showed wholesome support to ATI-RTC 1, especially to its staff, stakeholders, and operations, as a whole.
