The Institute recognizes the significant role of private sector in providing extension services. This is through showcasing need-based and location-specific farming technologies and agricultural enterprise. Hence, ATI-RTC 1 continues to accredit Private Extension Service Providers (PESPs) and certify Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) in the region.
In 2022, two among the Centerโs pool of Learnings Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) were qualified to be scaled-up as PESP and these are the Fistech Philippines located in Dagupan City and the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC) in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur.
Meanwhile, four (4) newly certified LSAs received enhancement support through financial grant and these are the following:
- Cardomโs Fruit Farm in Adams, Ilocos Norte received Php 150,000.00;
- OSHDAKAI Farm in Candon City, Ilocos Sur received Certification;
- Excellent Agro Farm Training and Assessment Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan received Php 150,000.00; and
- The Farmerโs Love Agricultural Farm in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan received Php 150,000.00.
In addition, selected existing LSAs also received calamity assistance and to include:
- Fer-Gie Farm in Sto. Tomas, La Union received Php 100,000.00;
- LG Agri-Tourism TVET and Assessment Center Inc. in Rosario, La Union received Php 100,000.00;
- Our Farm Republic in Mangatarem, Pangasinan received Php 50,000.00; and
- V&G Integrated Learning Farm in Dingras, Ilocos Norte received Php 80,000.00.
The support granted to these LSAs will be utilized in the rehabilitation of their respective farm due to the damages brought by Typhoon Paeng in October 26-November 3, 2022.
The awarding of certificates and cheque to these private partners was one of the highlights of the ATI anniversary celebration. It was mentioned during the event that one of their roles as Centerโs partners is to contribute to the improvement in productivity and profitability of the less developed farming and fishing communities.
