The Agricultural Training Institute XI joined the Philippine Military Academy Retirees Association, Inc. (PMARAI) on its "Farming Assistance for Retired Military and Uniformed Personnel (FARMUP)" webinar on July 31, 2024 that aimed to provide retired military and uniformed personnel with valuable agricultural knowledge and practical guidance.
The webinar began with welcome remarks from Cav Ricardo A. David, Jr. '77, President of PMARAI, who set the tone for an informative session. Meanwhile, Cav Job Nolan Antonio '82, Chairman of the Professionalism and Development Committee, PMARAI, provided a brief background on the purpose and objectives of the webinar.
The first session of the webinar, titled "A Briefer on the Agricultural Training Institute," was presented by Ms. Yovina-Claire A. Pauig from the Information Services Division of ATI-DA. This session offered attendees a comprehensive overview of the Agricultural Training Institute’s programs and resources, designed to assist retirees interested in exploring agricultural ventures. Ms. Pauig’s presentation highlighted the various support mechanisms and training opportunities available through ATI, which are aimed at fostering agricultural development among retirees.
Following this, Mr. Richel E. Zamora from Regional Training Center XI, ATI-DA, took the stage for the session on "Farming High Value Crops: Cacao and Durian." Mr. Zamora’s session focused on the cultivation of high-value crops, providing practical advice on farming techniques, market trends, and best practices for growing cacao and durian. His insights were particularly valuable for attendees looking to engage in these lucrative agricultural pursuits.
The final session introduced Cav Salvador B. Calanoy IV '84, who shared his expertise on "Agarwood Farming & Required Permits and Certifications." This presentation was followed by a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker and seek further clarification on various topics.
The webinar concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the resource persons, a photo opportunity, and closing remarks from Cav Ramon T. Punzalan '76, Chairman of PMARAI. The event was met with positive feedback, with attendees praising the relevance and practicality of the webinar at the present.