LOS ANGELES, Butuan City– The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XIII (ATI-RTC XIII) celebrated its 35th anniversary, coinciding with the 38th founding anniversary of the ATI, with the theme “Impacting Youth in Agriculture through Innovative Extension Interventions.”

The celebration was attended by ATI-RTC XIII staff, guests, retired employees, Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) cooperators/owners, Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA) interns Batch 2, and On-the-Job trainees from Caraga State University – Main Campus.

A thanksgiving mass, officiated by Fr. Joseph Borja of San Isidro Labrador Parish, RTR, Agusan del Norte, marked the beginning of the event. Following the mass, OIC Director Noemi Beth G. Macario led the opening ceremony. In her welcome address, she highlighted the Institute's longstanding interventions and how innovations, through extension services, have supported stakeholders in developing their communities. She expressed gratitude for the stakeholders' continued support. Director Macario also emphasized the concerning trend of decreasing farmers in the country and its impact on the agriculture sector. She encouraged youth involvement in agriculture, promoting the Institute's various programs designed for them. She concluded her message by quoting Dr. Jose Rizal's famous words, "Nasa Kabataan, ang Pag-asa ng Bayan" (The youth are the hope of the nation).

Guest speaker Engr. John Wevin A. Tingas, a 4-H Club Focal and farmer, shared how the Institute has enhanced his skills and knowledge, and highlighted his agricultural innovations with the youth.

Engr. Tingas shared his experience as 4-H Club focal, “When worked in the City Agriculture and Veterinary Department (LGU-Butuan), I was given the privilege to serve as the focal person for the 4-H Club. This was a turning point in my career – it was no longer just about farming, but about empowering the next generation of farmers.” He also shared his involvement as young agripreneur, “One of the most fulfilling parts of my journey was sharing my experience in Hydroponics farming. I started small – with just two grape boxes for lettuce production. But through patience, continuous learning, and perseverance, I expanded my setup – first to eight grape boxes, then ten tuna boxes, and eventually to seventy tuna boxes.”

“To the young people out there: If you have questions, if you need guidance, or if you want to start your own journey in agriculture, I am here to help. I may no longer qualify as a youth member, but my heart will always be committed to serving you.” He inspires the youth to love the agriculture as bridge like them that can guide and assist their interest in agriculture. He conveys his parting words with, “Let us empower the youth through innovation, redefine agriculture as a profession of purpose and prosperity. Let us build a future where farming is not just seen as a necessity, but as a noble calling.”

Recognizing YIPOA interns

A key part of the celebration was recognizing the six interns under the Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA) Batch 2: Kervin Dave J. Labaniego, Russel Mejia Dela Cruz, Mark Solaña Estoria, Juan A. Estoria III, Omegapon O. Rañin, and Arnel F. Martinez, for completing the nine-month intensive on-farm training, along with the three farm partners—Faith Nature Farm, Guias Integrated Farm, and Countryfields Agri.

Each intern received ₱150,000 as start-up capital to launch their respective organic enterprises, putting into practice the experience, knowledge, and skills gained during the training. Each intern developed a Business Enterprise Plan, which was approved by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and ATI. Following the nine-month training, the interns will now implement their plans over a 12-month period, with oversight and monitoring provided by their respective farm partners.

According to Ms. Elena P. Madelo-Baquiano, the OA focal person, interns who successfully complete the 12-month implementation phase will receive an additional ₱120,000 incentive. The farm partners of these successful interns will also receive ₱60,000 per intern.

Inspiring students in AgriKids

In line with the theme, ATI-RTC XIII extended its outreach to Los Angeles Elementary School in the afternoon. The Center provided a feeding program for over 150 selected students from preschool to grade 6. Ms. Jocelyn Agmata, Master Teacher I, warmly welcomed the ATI-RTC XIII team on behalf of the school, expressing gratitude for the Center's innovative extension services. Hon. Kag. Celerina Calipes, Committee on Education, appreciated the Center's intervention in reaching out to the youth and introducing them to the agriculture sector.

The students also watched an AgriKids video about the importance of plants and their benefits to human health, followed by an interactive question and answer session.

AgriKids is a program jointly implemented by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. It received an Anak TV Seal Award for Best Educational Television Show on December 6, 2024. The program is also available on YouTube, where it introduces children to agriculture, teaching them about the importance of farming and inspiring a love for the field.

Extension Intervention

Led by OIC Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario and OIC Assistant Center Director Violeta T. Laguna, with the Partnership Accreditation Section (PAS), ICT equipment was awarded to six Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs): AMARBEMCO Techno Demo Farm, Libas Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative, Ihayas Farm, Casimero Integrated Agri-Tourism Farm, and Sahay Integrated Farm. These ICT tools will help the LSAs enhance their demonstrations of technological agricultural practices, thereby improving the skills and practices of local farmers. CJ Oazis Agricultural Learning Farm also received its LSA accreditation certificate, becoming the newest LSA in Butuan City.

Service Award

Moreover, the Institute awarded Mr. Noel C. Cuenza, Admin Aide I, a loyalty award for his 30 years of dedicated and passionate service. Mr. Cuenza started his service in year 1994, until the present he is devoted to his work.