VALENCIA, Bohol – On the second day of the "Excellence Across Regions: Techno Gabay Program Year-End Review," participants visited the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center in Valencia, Bohol, where they were warmly welcomed by Mayor Dionisio Niel Balete and Municipal Agriculturist Ma. Corazon Bongolan, who also serves as the FITS Center Manager. The center, dedicated to supporting retired professionals transitioning into agriculture, has flourished with strong backing from the local government, which allots an annual budget for its development.
Originally a small initiative, the FITS Center in Valencia has expanded into an essential resource hub for local farmers. One of the center’s key strategies for success is its dedication to accessibility—translating Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials into local dialects to better serve the needs of the community. This localized approach ensures that valuable agricultural information is comprehensible and practical for farmers.
The center is also proactive in providing resources during training sessions, producing and distributing essential materials on-site immediately afterward. This practice ensures timely access to critical information for farmers and extends support even during field activities, with printed IEC materials readily available. While many centers shift to digital platforms, the Valencia FITS Center focuses on printed resources, aligning with the preferences of its primary clientele.
This approach highlights the center's commitment to delivering relevant, accessible, and timely information, reinforcing its role as a vital support for the farming community in Valencia, Bohol. Through these tailored services, the center has successfully fostered growth and resilience among local farmers, marking it as a model for agricultural support and innovation.