BUTUAN CITY – The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII took part in the Usapang Agrikultura of Radyo Pilipinas Butuan to promote its programs and services through radio and social media platforms.

The 37th to 41st episodes, aired from August 5 - 6, 2024, 5:00 - 6:00 AM and streamed live on the Facebook pages of DA-Caraga and Radyo Pilipinas, featured the programs, services, and other updates of ATI.

The program was hosted by Himayan Veronica D. Huni of Radyo Pilipinas Butuan, with co-host Mary Grace B. Salve, MPS II of ATI.

The first episode had OIC-Assistant Director Violeta T. Laguna as the resource person who discussed the ATI’s background, programs, and services. She also highlighted the 2023 accomplishments and the number of clients who benefitted from the interventions.

Discussions in the second episode centered on the services and activities managed by the Information Services Section with Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac, OIC-Chief ISS. These include the IEC development, Techno Gabay Program (TGP), e-Extension and e-learning, Digital Farmers Program (DFP), and School-on-the-Air.

Mary Grace B. Salve was the resource person during day three, with Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac as program co-host. The topic focused on the TGP  components. On the other hand, Ressell Angelie S. Fetalsana, Information Officer II, introduced the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), its scope and components, and how farmers can avail of the program.

Neptali V. Madarimot, Training Specialist II and Corn Program point person, discussed about the Youth Internship Program for the Corn Young Farmers. He mentioned that the program is a collaborative effort between the National Corn Program, Regional Field Offices, and ATI designed to provide opportunities for the youth to acquire practical knowledge, skills, and practices, specifically on corn-based agri-entrepreneurship through a seven-month internship at the farm partners.’

Video documentation of notable stories of the success of Magsasaka Siyentista (MS), and Learning Site cooperators were also shared during the program to inspire others to venture into agriculture.

OIC-Center Director Jessie V. Beldia, in a video message, thanked Regional Executive Director Arlan Mangelen of the Department of Agriculture – Caraga Region and Radyo Pilipinas Butuan for the opportunity to share and promote via the radio and Facebook what ATI has been doing and continually offers to the various clientele.

Usapang Agrikultura is a radio program organized by the Presidential Communications Office to support the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and President Marcos’ agricultural transformation agenda, hosted by Radyo Pilipinas.