The Agricultural Training Institute XII actively participated in the annual celebration of High-Value Crops (HVC) Week on April 23, 2026. Centered on the timely theme, “Future-Proofing High-Value Crop Diversity: Gearing Towards Agro-Industrialization and the Bio-Economy,” the event underscored the critical role that a diverse crop sector plays in expanding the income streams of local farmers and reinforcing regional food security. By shifting focus toward higher-value commodities, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to transform traditional farming setups into competitive, sustainable, and industrial-scale operations.

The celebration at the center featured an array of interactive community-building activities designed to foster camaraderie and knowledge-sharing among institutional personnel. Staff members showcased their culinary creativity in a cooking competition that challenged teams to create innovative, ASEAN-inspired dishes utilizing local crops, while a specialized agricultural quiz bee tested participants' technical awareness of crop management and industry trends. These activities highlighted how local farm produce can be seamlessly integrated into broader commercial and culinary markets.

To directly support immediate field application, both farmers and institute personnel received an assortment of agricultural inputs. The center distributed high-quality, fruit-bearing seedlings—including marang, lanzones, guyabano, and rambutan—to encourage crop diversification and perennial fruit production. Additionally, organic Pinakbet vegetable seeds were provided through the cooperation of the Department of Agriculture-Tupi Research Station. This strategic distribution ensures that local growers are equipped with the diverse planting materials necessary to cultivate resilient, high-yield home and commercial gardens across the region.