San Mateo, Isabela - The Local Government Units (LGUs) and extension partners from Isabela fully commit to support the programs and services of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 2 (ATI-RTC 2).

This is after the recently concluded Briefing on ATI Programs and Services held at ATI-RTC 02 Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela on March 29, 2023.

“It is very important that you attend this event so that you will know the programs of the Department of Agriculture in your area. The ATI cannot fulfill its mandates without the support of the LGUs, partner agencies, and stakeholders,” Center Director Imelda M. Guillermo said in her opening remarks.

Meanwhile, Planning Officer II, Ms. Mayflor C. Macmac, mentioned in her presentation of the ATI manadates and thematic programs that the activity will serve as a platform to brief the LGUs and extension portals on the programs and services of ATI and make them aware of ATI’s mandates as well as its Work and Financial Plan (WFP) for FY 2023.

Assistant Center Director, Claris M. Alaska, DPA presented the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan-Extension Component in which CFIDP aims to increase the income and productivity of the 2.5 million coconut farmers in the country; promote poverty alleviation, education, and social equity; and rehabilitate and modernize the Philippine coconut industry.

Anna Liza S. Claveron, PhD, Chief of the Partnership and Accreditation Section, presented the Learning Site for Agriculture and Organic Agriculture Scholarship. The Institute manages and develops initiatives to support the professionalization of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) by providing degree and non-degree scholarships. She also presented the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) on which its aim is to provide guidance and basis for the proper implementation of INSPIRE’ Component 1, calibrated repopulation and expansion of production.

Mr. Jhimcelle V. Salvador of ATI-RTC 02 presented the RCEF-Rice Extension Services Program and Scholarship Program on which ATI currently implements two international exchange programs: Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ) and the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIP).

A discussion on Techno Gabay Program (TGP) was also held by Information Officer III, Mr. Vladimir B. Caliguiran of ATI-RTC 02. He pointed out that the TGP is an extension modality intended to bring science- or technology-based information and services closer to end-users in the agriculture and fisheries sector through the establishment of FITS Centers, appointment of Magsasaka Siyentista and distribution of IEC materials.

After the presentation, participants raised their questions, suggestions, and recommendations. Representative of LGU Alicia raised the needs of permanent Municipal Agriculturist in their LGU. This is to effectively agricultural laws, policies and ordinances especially the Executive Order 138 or the Full Devolution of Certain Functions to LGUs.

Meanwhile, Mayor Bernardo "Panyong" A. Garcia Jr. of Cabatuan, Isabela, advised all the Municipal Agriculturists who attended the briefing the importance of enjoying their job as head of the Agriculture office in their respective LGUs. “If you are happy with what you are doing, work will not be difficult for you,” said Mayor Garcia.