TANTANGAN, South Cotabato – The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center XII (DA-ATI-RTC XII) celebrated the graduation of the Season-Long Training of Trainers on Integrated Crop Management for Corn on November 15, 2024, at Brgy. San Felipe.
The four-month training, which began on July 15, 2024, aimed to improve corn production, empower farmers, and enhance their livelihoods. The program brought together 23 trainers from various Local Government Units (LGUs), including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), ATI-RTC XII, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office XII, along with 103 local farmers from several barangays in Koronadal City. The training focused on equipping participants with essential knowledge, tools, and strategies to increase corn productivity.
OIC-Center Director Dr. Jessie V. Beldia welcomed the graduates, guests, and visitors and congratulated the graduates, highlighting their important role in advancing agricultural development. The ceremony was also attended by Hon. Atty. Eliordo U. Ogena, City Mayor of Koronadal, and other local dignitaries, who expressed strong support for agricultural initiatives in the region.
The event recognized the achievements of the graduates, with Ms. Gladys Hazel E. Café of ATI-RTC XII being named batch valedictorian. Ms. Café delivered an inspiring speech, expressing her gratitude to her mentors and fellow participants for their dedication throughout the training. Other awardees included:
• Salutatorian: Mr. Mohamed M. Sandad
• First Honorable Mention: Mr. Eraph Gade C. Flores
• Second Honorable Mention: Ms. Nil March Friend N. Abag
• Third Honorable Mention: Engr. Cyrell Jen V. Legarda
• Top 6: Ms. Jamila-Eden C. Ledesma
• Top 7: Ms. Wendelyn C. Nebreja
• Top 8: Ms. Jizle Kaye G. Ringor
• Top 9: Mr. Ricky C. Laureano
• Top 10: Mr. Shamin B. Camlian
Other special awards included:
• Best in Microteaching (Top 1): Ms. Gladys Hazel E. Café
• Best in Microteaching (Top 2): Mr. Ericson S. Corpuz
• Best in Microteaching (Top 3): Ms. Rosalie D. Sahidsahid
• Leadership Award: Mr. Shamin B. Camlian
• Highest in Pre-test (individual): Ms. Gladys Hazel E. Café
• Highest in Post-test (individual): Ms. Gladys Hazel E. Café
• Highest Increment (individual): Mr. Elmer D. Sotelo
• Best in Herbarium (Top 1): Ms. Reizel C. Geca
• Best in Herbarium (Top 2): Ms. Jizle Kaye G. Ringor
• Best in Herbarium (Top 3): Ms. Luchen R. Demonteverde
• Best in Insect Collection: Group 3
• Best in AESA: Group 2
• Best FFS Report: Group 1
• Best PTD Report: Group 4
The following recipients were awarded for Perfect Attendance:
• Mr. Ricky C. Laureano
• Mr. Eraph Gade C. Flores
• Mr. Ericson S. Corpuz
• Ms. Rosalie D. Sahidsahid
• Ms. Nil March Friend N. Abag
• Engr. Winston Von L. Repollo
• Mr. Mohamed M. Sandad
The ceremony was graced by Ms. Julie Belongan, Regional Corn Focal, representing Regional Executive Director Roberto T. Perales of DA-RFO XII, Hon. Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu (represented by Engr. Jedhani U. Ulangkaya, Provincial Agriculturist of Maguindanao del Sur), and Hon. Timee Joy T. Gonzales, Municipal Mayor of Tantangan (represented by Executive Secretary Mr. Rodel Dela Cruz). Other notable attendees included the Municipal Agriculturist of Tantangan, Ms. Analie Castillo, and Ms. Mylene Delos Santos from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of South Cotabato.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt closing message from Ms. Alma G. Camales, the outgoing Corn Program Focal Person of ATI-RTC XII, who expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in making the training and the event a success.
