The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) joined the Farmerโs Field Day and Forum, known as Lakbay Palay 2024, held at the Farmer's Multi-purpose Hall, DA-PhilRice Central Experiment Station, today, March 20, 2024.
With the theme "Bida ang Sama-Sama para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas," the event highlighted new rice farming technologies under the projects and programs implemented by the DA-PhilRice.
The event commenced with a tour for nearly 600 participants across nine stations, including Breeder Seed Production, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Measurement, Mechanized Model Farm, FutureRice Farm, Seed Production of Drought-Resistant Varieties, REMD Machine Display Area, Techno-Tiannge, Palayamanan, and Farmerโs Bazaar.
Mrs. Laarnie Lopez-Mandia, PhilRice Head, Community Relations Office at Overall Lakbay Palay Coordinator, initiated the event by recognizing the esteemed guests, participants, and partner agencies present.
Dr. Karen Eloisa T. Barroga, PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Development, provided an overview of the program, discussing the overall educational journey.
Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, also shared inspirational remarks with the participants through a video message.
Dr. John C. De Leon, PhilRice Executive Director, highlighted the significant accomplishments of DA-PhilRice and introduced the guest speaker.
Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit, Regional Technical Director for Operation and Extension of DA-RFO III, acting as the spokesperson for Honorable Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, expressed his delight, stating, "Akoโy natutuwa dahil makaraaan ang ilang buwan, ating naitala ang 20.06 million metric tons na pinakamataas sa ani ng ating bansa."
He also expressed gratitude to PhilRice for their support in revitalizing agriculture through the introduction of new rice varieties and technologies, as well as programs like the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which they spearheaded.
The activity concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, PhilRice OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Research.
Meanwhile, the said event will run until tomorrow, March 21, 2024, and it is conducted twice a year during the dry and wet season.
