Gusa, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY---The recently concluded 1st Regional Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), School for Practical Agriculture (SPA), and Private Agriculture and Fisheries-Extension Service Providers (PAF-ESP) was a success as it convened the center’s farmer partners, extension workers, MAOs and PAOs of the municipalities and provinces in the region, resource persons, and other invited guests at the Harbor Lights Hotel and Restaurant on May 30-31, this city.
"This is an opportune time to recognize the contributions of our local agri-fishery partners especially as we celebrate the Farmers' and Fisherfolks' Month this May, and I commend the efforts of Ati Northern Mindanao for organizing this regional summit for our partners in the field. Not only this event can give you provision of farming technologies but you can learn based on the showcased best practices of the learning sites of agriculture attending here. To our LSA partners in the field, kamo ang hinungdan nga aduna kami pagkaon sa among lamesa, ug ma-enjoy namo ang mga lamian nga mga pagkaon. Saludo kami sa inyong mga magsasakang Pilipino. Padayon, mabuhay kayong lahat", ATI National Director Remelyn R. Recoter said in her keynote message to the summit participants.
Senior Agriculturist Javier Pacuribot Andalan presented the overview of activity of the summit. He emphasized the objective of the event which is the sharing of best farming practices, effective marketing techniques, and farming innovations among the farm owners and cooperators.
The summit also intends to provide opportunity among the farmers to share good agricultural practices, innovations and breakthroughs, identify issues and concerns, as well as provide recommendations regarding their farming experiences, and help update the revised guidelines on the establishment of LSAs and private ESPs.
"Through this regional summit, we hope that you will learn from each other's expertise and innovations, ug mga best farming practices nga makatabang sa inyong mga farms. The number of farmer partners we have now here is a strong indication nga we are headed in the right direction of making our learning sites as our partners in the field. This may be the first, but definitely not the last", Center Director Maria Lydia Adviento Echavez said in her welcome message.
Moriah Farms owner, Jose Feron "Dodong" Cacanando discussed about farming as business and shared business tips and principles rooted from the Bible with the hopes to help others become fruitful and successful as well. His foundation Semilya sa Kinabuhi reaches out to people from all walks of life with the vision of teaching entrepreneurship through stewardship.
Amparitas Farm owner Engineer Ramon R. Barbosa of Caraga Region shared his farming experience and farming success story emphasizing integrated natural farming and marketing. Mr. Barbosa attributed the success of his farming from his personal experience in entrepreneurship and deliberate farm business planning.
Outstanding learning sites were recognized and awarded through Leaders in the Service of Agriculture Awards 2022 with the following winners; Margeuries House of Goodies for Agri Guru Award, Alomah's Place and Nature Farm for Farmer Influencer Award, Green Minds Incorporated for Community Catalyst Award, and Alman God's Gift Foundation Incorporated for Money Maker Award.
The recognition and award were meant for the LS owner’s efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, and engagement in terms of rural and agricultural development, and for their contribution in making the country food-secure.
Meanwhile, various learning site farm products were on display for sale at the LSA Bazaar which was launched with a ribbon cutting, led by ATI National Director Remelyn R. Recoter, Regional Technical Director Carlota Madriaga of DA-RFO 10, City Agriculturist Paterno Gonzales Jr. (on behalf of Honorable City Mayor Rolando A. Uy), Center Director Maria Lydia Adviento Echavez, and Assistant Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario.
"Today's summit underscores the contribution of our farmers here in the region to the agri-fisheries sector. Our farmers have worked hard, and so are our extension workers through various ATI extension programs for expanding services to empower our farmers. Nalipay sad ko ug dako nga nakita nako ang kaanindot sa mga farms ug akong mga kaila sauna nga successful farmers na karon", said DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director Carlota Madriaga. RTD Madriaga graced the summit on behalf of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.
During the day 2 of the summit, a breakout session transpired with noteworthy topics discussed such as Digital Marketing and Technology: A Game Changer in Agriculture (with Mushroom City’s Edzel James O. Quemado as the resource person), Soil Food Web-Soil Microbiology (with Engr. Gerry R. Burdas as resource person), and Packaging, Labelling, and Branding (with Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist Greenly Batucan of DTI-10 as resource person).
An open forum transpired later in the afternoon with invited government agencies like DTI-10, ACPC, PCA-10, DOST-10, Landbank of the Philippines and PCIC. The forum served as an avenue among the summit participants to inquire their respective programs and interventions where they can avail their services.
"We hope that you have learned a lot from this summit and look at the bigger picture and possibilities of reaching out to a wider market and establish networks. In terms of capability development, naa ra ang ATI magpaluyo sa inyo. We also hope to come up with a bigger summit next year, thank you for coming over, thank you very much, said Assistant Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario in her closing message. (with reports from Cristine A. Galupo / photo layout provided by Cassandra Camille Rosos-Sabasaje)
