Province of Dinagat Islands – The Techno Gabay Program – Regional Technical Working Group (TGP-RTWG) conducted an evaluation of three farmer-nominees for Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) in the Farmers Information and Services (FITS) centers of the Local Government Units of San Jose and Cagdianao,  both of the Province of Dinagat Islands on February 21, 2024. 

Ms. Jo-ann M. Gonzales, Municipal Agriculturist of LGU-San Jose, nominated Reubenson S. Acabal as Magsasaka Siyentista for LGU-San Jose FITS center for his commitment to advancing doable agricultural technologies and strategies which focuses on integrated diversified organic farming system. Acabal is the owner/cooperator of Redfeet Agri-Fishery Tourism & Industries Technology Training Institute (RAFTITTI Inc.), a certified Learning Site for Agriculture in Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose, PDI. 

The RTWG also evaluated the MS nominees for LGU-Cagdianao FITS center, namely, Henrich Jardenil and Damaso P. Escatin. Mr. Hardenil shared good practices in his rice, vegetable, and swine and poultry production on his two-hectare farm in barangay Tigbao, Cagdianao. Meanwhile, Mr.  Escatin’s one-hectare farm is devoted to vegetable and corn production. 

After the deliberation, the TGP-RTWG endorsed Mr. Reubenson S. Acabal for LGU-San Jose and Mr. Hardenil for LGU-Cagdianao for passing the criteria set for Magsasaka Siyentista. 

Mr. Fil Victor A. Babanto, ISS Chief of ATI-RTC XIII, headed the team composed of Mr. Rodel Pasion of the Caraga State University, Mr. Everjoy Rabadan of the Commission on Higher Education, and Rowena S. Acabal of the Department of Interior and Local Government Unit.