On February 12, 2025, second day of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XII’s Benchmarking of Best Practices in Region VI: A Learning and Development Journey Batch 1, the team visited the ATI-RTC VI located at Aklan State University-Banga Campus, Kalibo, Aklan. The participants was warmly welcomed by Ms. Mary Ann A. Ramos, Center Director of ATI-RTC VI, who introduced her team and shared the rich history of their center, which has been serving the region for over four decades.
Leading the ATI-RTC XII team, Ms. Hannadi S. Guiamad-Pompong, OIC-Assistant Center Director, explained the rationale behind choosing ATI-RTC VI as their benchmarking site, citing its exemplary practices and operational strategies. She also introduced the ATI-RTC XII staff participating in the activity. The session featured key presentations, including Ms. Eligrace San Buenaventura, CDMS-Technical Staff IV of ATI-RTC VI, who highlighted the region’s geographic profile, local delicacies, and renowned tourist attractions across its six provinces.
A sharing of best practices followed, starting with Ms. Liezel Margie Lou S. Bastian-Ocheda, IQA Lead, who presented their impressive achievement of zero audit findings during last year’s third-party surveillance audit. Ms. Jona N. Ibea OIC-Chief of the Administrative and Finance Unit (AFU), highlighted the importance of their Data Hub and the spirit of cooperation within the center, which helped maintain operational efficiency despite staffing transitions. Additionally, Ms. Florepe M. Mortalla, ISS Chief, discussed their partnerships with state universities for e-Learning course integration and their strong collaboration with DA-RFO VI and UP Visayas to broadcast the School-on-the-Air (SOA) program.
The benchmarking activity in ATI-RTC VI concluded with ATI-RTC XII staff engaging in mentoring sessions and office tours, providing them more valuable insights into ATI-RTC VI’s systems and practices.
In the afternoon, the team visited two distinguished LSAs in Aklan. The first LSA was the Aklan Agri-Aqua Demonstration Farm and Training Center (AAADFTC), located in Brgy. Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan. The team was warmly welcomed by Mr. Emmanuel Soviet Russia Aguirre Dela Cruz, Executive Director of the LSA, who shared that their center is not only an ATI-accredited LSA but also a TESDA-certified training center and a partner of the Department of Tourism (DOT), various government agencies, and NGOs. He highlighted that the center offers a wide range of agriculture and aquaculture-related courses, even providing free training to Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) as part of their advocacy for inclusive development. The delegation was also given a comprehensive tour of the center’s facilities, showcasing their advanced greenhouses and freshwater aquaculture systems, emphasizing sustainable farming practices.
The second site visit was at the GLS Integrated Farm in Brgy. Mataphao, New Washington, Aklan. Managed by Ms. Grace S. Ruiz alongside her parents, Mrs. Lilibeth C. Sacapaño and Mr. Glenn Y. Sacapaño, this 4.2-hectare farm is an accredited RCEF-Farm School under TESDA. The farm works closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and DOT, offering a variety of agricultural training programs. Beyond farming, the GLS Integrated Farm also provides event venues, accommodations, and recreational facilities, including a pool, making it a versatile space for both agricultural learning and other gatherings.
To recognize their contributions to part of ATI-RTC XII’s learning experience in Iloilo, ATI-RTC VI and both LSAs received a Certificate and a Token of Appreciation from ATI-RTC XII.
The benchmarking experience provided ATI-RTC XII with valuable insights into effective training center operations and agricultural innovations, strengthening their commitment to enhancing services for farmers and fishers in SOCCSKSARGEN.
