In line with the regional celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (DA-ATI-RTC 1) conducted a webinar on Rice-based Farming Technologies via Zoom and Facebook Livestreaming on November 21, 2023.
The webinar activity aims to showcase and introduce various rice-based farming technologies aligned with the national call for responsible and efficient ways of rice production and consumption.
In her message, DA-ATI-RTC 1 Assistant Center Director Dr. Josephine K. Aben expressed her appreciation and words of encouragement to the 105 farmer leaders, agricultural and fisheries extension workers, youth, and other agri-enthusiasts who took part in the one-day online seminar. Dr. Aben mentioned that the webinar activity is one of the Centerโs approaches to reaching a wide range and diverse groups of audience.
Meanwhile, Information Officer II Ms. Junelyn S. Repancol presented the overview of NRAM celebration and the different topics to be discussed in the webinar, such as the PalayCheck System, Digital Farmers Program, Economic Opportunities of Rice-based Integrated Farming System (RBIFS), and the Best Practices on RBIFS.
Mr. Milo Cervantes, Technical Staff of ATI-RTC 1, explained the salient features of the PalayCheck System. In his presentation, Mr. Cervantes highlighted the importance of this technology, specifically in reducing production costs and achieving higher yields.
Afterward, ATI-RTC 1 Information Services Section Chief, Dr. Maricel D. Dacapias, talked about the Digital Farmers Program. Dr. Dacapias enumerated and discussed various decision-support tools and mobile applications that help farmers and fisherfolks to be introduced to efficient and modern ways of farming.
The Rice-based Integrated Farming System (RBIFS) is one of the rice-based farming technologies that the Center continuously advocates. The Rice Focal Person of ATI-RTC 1, Ms. Jeimeline C. Constantino, presented the different economic opportunities in integrating various crops and commodities in rice farming. Ms. Constantino emphasized that the integrated farming system is an effective strategy to achieve multiple sources of livelihood and income.
Mr. Jonathan A. Patawaran, owner of the Jopat Integrated Farm, shared his practices and testimonies in adopting rice-based integrated farming technology. He narrated their journey of being once a delegate of the PAlayTIMPALAK program of DA-ATI-RTC 1, until they became a certified Learning Site for Agriculture that showcases worth emulating practices.
Indeed, DA-ATI-RTC 1 will continue to create an avenue suited for all types of audiences who are interested in exploring a variety of rice-based farming technologies.
