COMPOSTELA, Davao de Oro— The ATI-RTC XI actively participated in the Harvest Festival and Farmers’ Forum, featuring the PalaySikatan 2.0 Technology under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program of the Philippine Rice Research Institute-Agusan Station in Barangay Lagab on March 13, 2025.
The activity was attended by representatives from the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, LGU-Municipal Agriculture Office, Compostela Valley Irrigators’ Producers Cooperative (CVIPCO), and farmers from the Lagab Farmers Irrigators’ Association (LFIA).
PalaySikatan 2.0 serves as a demonstration platform showcasing the benefits of using certified inbred rice seeds and mechanized farming practices. It introduces modern rice production technologies, including high-quality seeds, advanced farm mechanization, and digital solutions such as drone technology for seeding and fertilization, aimed at improving efficiency and productivity.
The event included a field tour of the 50-hectare contiguous PalaySikatan 2.0 demonstration farm in Barangay Lagab, led by personnel from PhilRice.
Ms. Ruby Jane Bentiroso, Information Officer II and RCEF Focal Person of ATI-RTC XI, presented ATI’s initiatives under the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP). She also emphasized the importance of farmer registration in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) to ensure access to essential government support services.
Moreover, Hon. Cynthia Villar delivered a video message commending the successful implementation of PalaySikatan 2.0 and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting ATI and PhilRice in advancing rice farming extension services.
Furthermore, Gerovelyn S. Hormigas, a farmer cooperator from LFIA, shared her experience with drone seeding, noting improved yield and reduced labor costs despite challenges posed by unpredictable weather and pest infestations. She emphasized that drone seeding enables synchronized planting, contributing to better crop management and efficiency.
The Harvest Festival and Farmers’ Forum underscored the commitment of ATI-RTC XI, PhilRice, and other stakeholders in equipping farmers with advanced agricultural technologies. By adopting these innovations, rice farmers can enhance productivity and competitiveness, supporting the country’s goal of rice self-sufficiency.
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Contributor: Ruby Jane P. Bentiroso
