The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (DA-ATI-RTC 1) celebrated the Institute’s 37th Founding Anniversary on February 07, 2024, at the ATI-RTC 1 Multi-Purpose Hall, Tebag, Sta. Barbara.
With the theme “Innovate, Collaborate, and Succeed: Growing Together for Sustainable Future!”, the local celebration highlighted the Center’s milestones and innovations that transpired in the agriculture and fisheries extension landscape of the year 2023. The Sambayanang Itinataguyod Kaalamang Agrikultura at Pangisdaan (SIKAP) Awards and the PRAISE Awards were also remarkable parts of the one-day occasion.
In his welcome remarks, DA-ATI-RTC 1 Center Director Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista emphasized that the event is to recognize all the individuals from the public and private institutions who worked together in ensuring transformative AFE services in the region and to celebrate accomplishments, as a whole.
The National Director of the Institute, Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, served as one of the distinguished speakers. In her virtual message, Director Recoter encouraged all the stakeholders and partners in the service to continue being part of a driving force that helps farmers and fishers to become more productive and modern ways for a greener and sustainable future.
“This year let us keep the fire burning and keep on our tight gears towards Masaganang Agrikultura Maunlad na Ekonomiya”, the Director added.
Meanwhile, DA-ATI-RTC 1 Retired Assistant Center Director Dr. Melinda F. Mangabat acted as the honored speaker of the celebration. The core of her speech was marked with exceptional and inspiring experiences about her days as a public servant. Dr. Mangabat remembered the days how she earned learnings and turned them into career motivation.
“Let us continue to become an asset in government, continue to demonstrate the core values in government services such as ethics and professionalism,” said by Dr. Mangabat
The SIKAP Awards is a one-of-a-kind recognition conceptualized by the DA-ATI-RTC 1 to honor its public and private partner institutions and individuals in the delivery of extension services in the region. This award is given to provincial, city, and municipal local government units, national government agencies, state universities and colleges, learning sites for agriculture, private extension service providers, rural-based organizations, and media groups.
The PRAISE Awards, on the other hand, is an institutional recognition given to its employees, sections, and units with exemplary performance. The citations are the “Makabayan Award”, “All for One, One for All Award”, and the “Best Innovative Extension Strategies”.
Moreover, the anniversary celebration included the awarding of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) support or the Digital Farmers Program Farm Technology Package to the Our Farm Republic, being the partner in the implementation of various components of the DFP in the region.
The Center also launched the “Tanawin: LSA/PESP Directory Guide Book 2 Volume II”. This second edition of the book features salient attributes, products, and services offered by the LSAs and ESPs in Region 1. The book manifests the good crafts and worth-emulating farming innovation and strategies and captivating farm sceneries.
The activity concluded with cake slicing and goodwill toasting as a resemblance of commitment to excellence and sustained partnerships in transforming the farming and fishing community in the region.
