The Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Training Institute—Regional Training Center 1 (DA-ATI-RTC 1), in collaboration with the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), held the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) Stakeholders Forum and Techno Gabay Program (TGP) Summit at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan on October 10-11, 2024.
With the theme, "Empowering Communities through Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable, and Excellent (RISE) Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System", the event showcased various agricultural and fishery technologies, along with innovative extension practices and strategies.
The activity was attended by 180 key stakeholders from region 1, including State Universities and Colleges (SUCs); National Government Agencies (NGAs); provincial, city and municipal local government units; and private sectors (Learning Sites for Agriculture, Extension Service Providers, Magsasaka Siyentista, and other Rural-Based Organizations).
Among the event’s highlights featured a forum presenting various AF technologies aligned with the region's priority commodities, and a competition among LGUs showcasing their FITS Center’s best practices and innovative strategies through paper and oral presentations. Additionally, the summit included exhibits of agricultural products from LSAs, ESPs, MSs, and other Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers’ clients.
Expressions of Solidarity
Represented by Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, Chairperson of ILAARRDEC Regional Research and Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) and MMSU OIC President expressed in her message that the summit is an essential collaborative effort to push forward research, development, and extension activities aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security throughout the region.
The Regional Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Regional Fisheries Office 1 (BFAR-RFO 1) also shared her message of support through Ms. Jamille Anne D. Estolas. In her words, she emphasized the vital role of the AFE stakeholders in shaping the future of the agriculture and fisheries industry amidst how the environment is constantly changing and the challenges that test the resiliency of the agriculture and fisheries sector.
ATI National Director Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter served as the Keynote Speaker of the event. DA-ATI-RTC 1 OIC Center Director Dr. Jayvee Bryan G. Carillo extended her words, highlighting the Institute’s efforts in improving the knowledge, skills, and changes in behavior and mindset of extension clients toward advanced extension stakeholders. The Director also emphasized initiatives in leveraging platforms that allow the effective exchange of knowledge, particularly the transfer, and dissemination of agri-fishery information and technologies that are essential in improving extension services.
“As a way forward, let us be one in empowering the agriculture and fisheries sector, the farming and fishing communities, with resiliency, innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Let’s rejoice in the essence of partnerships and collaborations for the ATI alone cannot attain transformative extension services on its own,” Dr. Recoter concluded.
Leveraging Access to Agri-Fishery Breakthroughs
Among the AF technologies presented by the private sector are ‘Alternative Organic Feeds from Malungay (Moringa oleifera) and Coconut Dregs (Cocos nucifera) as Growth Enhancer for Chicken Broiler (Galus-galus domesticus)’, presented by Mr. Jectoffer Carrera from Feliz Academy, Inc., and ‘Green Revolution: Harnessing and Innovating Eco-friendly and Sustainable Farming Practices through Mokosaku Technology’, presented by Mr. Alexander R. Disu from Greentop Organix Farm.
Moreover, SUCs include technologies such as ‘From the Wild to the Table: Let’s Grow and Glow with Indigenous Food Plants’, presented by Dr. Menisa A. Antonio from MMSU; Development of Products (Jam, Chutney, Pastillas, Juice) from Indian Mango (Mangifera indica)’, presented by Ms. Pamela A. Austria from Pangasinan PSU; ‘Medicated Urea-Muscovado Mineral Block’, presented by Dr. Alicia G. Ellorin from Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC); and ‘Technology Transfer in the Production of Solar Sea Salt using HDPE Liner’, presented by Dr. Andie D. Tadeo from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU).
There were also presenters from the NGA which included, ‘Modified Intensive Tilapia Hatchery and Advance Nursery Rearing’, presented by Ms. Oliva O. Ledda from BFAR-RFO 1’; ‘Increasing Productivity in Ilocos Rainfed Rice Areas Through Mechanized Dry Direct-Seeding Technology’ presented by Engr. John Mark M. Bumanglag from PhilRice-Batac; ‘Digital Farmers Program’, presented by Dr. Maricel D. Dacapias from DA-ATI-RTC 1.
Furthermore, technologies from the LGU include the ‘Provincial Corporate Farming Program’ presented by Mr. Ramy P. Sison from the Provincial Agriculture Office of Pangasinan.
Race for Excellence in Innovation and Best Practices
The second day of the event was filled with exemplary extension approaches through the competition of best practices and innovative strategies among FITS Centers through paper and oral presentations.
Among the presentations include, ‘MAO’s Extension Linkage to Farmers & Fisherfolks from Production Support, Technology Familiarization, and Up-to-date Information Awareness’, presented by Mr. Erickson B. Biag of LGU – Currimao, Ilocos Norte FITS Center. On the other hand, Mr. Wilson Castro of San Carlos City, Pangasinan FITS Center presented ‘Intensifying Information Dissemination and Technology Application through IEC Distribution’. Also, LGU – Burgos, Ilocos Norte FITS Center represented by Ms. Karen Joy Racuyo presented ‘Sustaining the Delivery of Information and Technology Services: The Burgos FITS Center Experience’. In addition, Engr. Ranison D. Narciso representing LGU – Solsona FITS Center presented ‘Accelerating the Promotion of FITS Information and Technology Services through various platforms: FITS Solsona’s Journey’. Lastly, the information dissemination through the distribution of reading materials, and new agricultural apps using mobile phones, was presented by Ms. Lady Jane S. Ayap of FITS Center Mangatarem, Pangasinan.
Luckily, LGU-Solsona, Ilocos Norte placed first in the Competition on FITS Centers' Best Practices and Innovative Strategies in Region I, followed by LGU-San Carlos City, Pangasinan, and LGU-Currimao, Ilocos Norte. LGU-Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and LGU-Mangatarem were both recognized for participating in the said competition.
In addition to the competition, the second day of the summit featured dynamic plenary sessions, highlighting the best practices of Regions III and IVA in the implementation of TGP from their respective regions. Updates on the TGP National Directions and the current state of implementation in Region 1 were also presented.
As presented by Mr. Alladin C. Tabo, Information Officer II/TGP Focal Person of ATI-RTC I, the goal and directions of TGP are to organize program stakeholders; increase operational FITS Centers; strengthen operational FITS Centers; organize association of Magsasaka Siyentista; intensify the dissemination of scientifically and technology-based IEC; intensify the adoption of ICT-based tools and applications; and to increase information and technology hub.
Enhancing Capacities through Strategic Grants and Support
During the awarding ceremony, a total of 30 Farmers and Fisherfolks received their certificates of appointment, signifying their official designation as Magsasaka Siyentista in their respective FITS Centers.
Also, the graduates of the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ) Batch 2023 and Filipino Young Farmers in Taiwan (FYFIPT) Batch 2023 received financial assistance worth Php 50,000.00 each for the establishment of their proposed projects.
Moreover, three FITS Centers in Ilocos Norte received enhancement support including Currimao, Solsona, and Burgos. Each FITS Center received one unit laptop and printer with a complete set of ink, bond paper, IEC display racks, and various copies of IEC print materials. Meanwhile, San Jacinto, Pangasinan, received the same support and an additional speaker with a microphone to establish a FITS Center in their locality. The Reotutar Institute of Science Arts, and Trades Inc., an accredited National Private Extension Service Provider in Villasis, Pangasinan, also received support for the establishment of a FITS Kiosk.
Furthermore, the ATI Ilocos Region awarded the Quinit Integrated Farm and 4H Calasiao with the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) Farm Tech Package to support the goal of amplifying the promotion and adoption of digital tools in farming. The Digital Farmers Program (DFP) Package includes One Unit of Trainers Table; Ten Units of Smartphones; One Unit of Smart Bro Pocket Wifi with Smart Prepaid Load Cards; One Unit of Portable Daylight Projector; One Unit of Foldable Projector Screen; One Unit of Portable Sound System with Microphone and Speaker; Two Flashdrives; DFP Farm Learn 101, 102, and 103 Learning Modules; One Farm Tech Package Bag; and Various copies of IEC Materials.
Truly, the event brought diverse learnings and opportunities and opened new partnerships and collaborations among private and public institutions.
Ms. Vilma C. Gagni, Center Director of the Philippine Carabao Center at DMMMSU, shared her learnings and insights during the culmination program of the two-day event. She learned a shared vision for empowerment as the summit has put together a diverse group of stakeholders from various sectors from farmers, fisherfolk, Extension workers, researchers, and policymakers.
“Overall, the Summit was a truly inspiring and insightful experience, that provided the platform for valuable collaboration and learning and reinforced our commitment to work together to empower communities and build a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable agricultural and fisheries sector. This AFE stakeholder's forum and TGP Summit give us a renewed sense of purpose and a class of understanding of the vital role of agricultural and fisheries extension systems place in empowering communities and building resilient and sustainable future,” Chief Gagni added.
On the other hand, Engr. Ranison D. Narciso, Municipal Agriculturist of LGU-Solsona, Ilocos Norte, expressed his appreciation and hopes for more avenues that bring strong engagement among various stakeholders.
With the aim of empowering the agriculture and fisheries sector towards a modernized and responsive component of the country’s economy and society, the DA-ATI-RTC 1 will continue to lead and offer significant contributions that further improve competitiveness among Filipino farm families and consumers.
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