TANTANGAN, South Cotabato- The Local Government Units (LGUs) and extension partners from SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM fully commit to support the programs and services of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII).

This is after the recently concluded activity on Forging Stronger Partnership: A Briefing on ATI Programs and Services held at Kadiwa Hall, ATI-RTC XII, San Felipe, Tantangan, South Cotabato on February 27, 2023.

“The ATI cannot fulfill its mandates without the support of the LGUs, partner agencies, and stakeholders. As part of our commitment to professionalize and modernize agriculture, we must continue to strengthen our partnership with the LGUs.”, Center Director Abdul I. Daya-an said in his opening remarks.

Meanwhile, Information Officer III, Ms Hannadi Guiamad-Pompong, mentioned during the activity overview that the activity will serve as a platform to brief the LGUs and extension on the programs and services of ATI and make them aware of ATI’s mandates as well as its Work and Financial Plan (WFP) for FY 2023, Updated Guidelines on the Learning Site for Agriculture and Techno Gabay Program.

Planning Officer II Engr. Teofilo T. Jumawan, Jr. presented the Work and Financial Plan (WFP) of ATI-RTC XII for 2023 and the institute’s Policies and Mandates. A total of more than 80M is allocated for ATI-RTC XII to implement its Projects, Programs, and Activities in 2023.

On the other hand, Senior Agriculturist, Ms Shirley Beldia, informed them of the New and Updated Guidelines of the Learning Site for Agriculture. She emphasized the important role of the LGUs and extension partners in disseminating these guidelines. She also encouraged them to help the institute accomplish the target number of certified LSAs for 2023.

A discussion on Techno Gabay Program (TGP) was also held, led by Information Officer II Mr. John Lord Auman, TGP Focal Person of the center. He pointed out that the TGP is an extension modality intended to bring science- or technology-based information and services closer to end-users in the agriculture and fisheries sector through the establishment of FITS Centers, appointment of Magsasaka Siyentista and distribution of IEC materials.

After the presentation, participants raised their questions, suggestions, and recommendations. Provincial Agriculturist of South Cotabato Raul D. Teves, DVM, suggested that a collaboration meeting should be held before crafting 2024 Plans and Programs of ATI to address the needs of each province on training and capacity building. He also recommended professionalizing and harmonizing the training and extension activities.

Meanwhile, SOCCSKSARGEN, Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC) Representative Mr. Jurhamid C. Imlan opened a door for a strengthened partnership between ATI and the consortium on their provision of technical assistance and expertise, especially on the conduct of School On-the-Air Programs. 

MAFAR-Maguindanao Chief of Operations Mr. Saudi Mangindra, on the other hand, suggested for a training on digital literacy among the personnel of MAFAR-BARMM. He explained that this training is highly needed in this time of technological advancements.

Ms Simona P. Dela Cruz, Training Specialist III and Chief of the Career Development and Management Section, delivered closing remarks. In her message, she mentioned that quality information is very essential and important. 

A total of twenty (20) participants composed of Provincial Agriculturists from Region XII and representatives from Philippine Coconut Authority Region XII and BARMM, MAFAR-Maguindanao, OPAG-Lanao del Sur, OPAG-Maguindanao, SOXAARRDEC and DA-RFO XII attended the activity.