The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) celebrated 36 years of commitment towards modernization and reformation of the Philippine agriculture and fishery (AF) extension system on January 30-31, 2023. With the theme "INNOVATE, TRANSFORM, EMPOWER: Embracing Extension Modernization for a Progressive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries," ATI-CL held a two-day event to celebrate the occasion with the staff, partners and stakeholders.
ATI-CL Center Director, Dr. Joey A. Belarmino, said that the celebration has become more special because of the presence of the Centerβs regional partners. βToday is a special day for us here at ATI-RTC III as we are having the local celebration of the 36th anniversary of the Agricultural Training Institute. It is more special because we are celebrating it with you our regional partners. Iβm excited to work with you para sa development ng ating region. Thank you for working with us, for the partnership and for celebrating with us,β said Dr. Belarmino.
Dr. Belarmino also extended his gratitude for the overwhelming support that the agency has been receiving. βFor the past 36 years, the ATI has been the forefront of agricultural development in the region. Central Luzon, being one of the premium regions in food production in the country, through the delivery of a quality agricultural and fishery extension programs and services. It would not have been possible without your collaboration, strong partnership, and support,β he quipped.
Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations of the DA-RFO III, thanked ATI and all the partner agencies in playing an important role in the agriculture sector. βATI plays the important role as the training and extension arm of the Department of Agriculture. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to ATI for your effort. The Department of Agriculture cannot do it alone, we need ATI, the help of the SUCs and LGUs. Kapag nagsama-sama po tayo, kahit gaano man kabigat at kahirap yung problem na nararanasan natin sa kasalukuyan sa sektor ng agrikultura at pangisdaan, kapag nagkaisa po tayo, lahat pong ito ay malalampasan po natin,βΒ Dr. Dayrit added.
During the first day, the Centerβs staff participated in a Color Fun Run and Zumba as part of the celebration. In addition, a planning workshop on the implementation of 2023 activities and a center-level Commitment Signing and Kick-off Presentation per Section/Unit took place in the afternoon.
The second day started with the launching of the Centerβs Meat Hub and re-launching of the Learning Site of Agriculture in ATI-CL Bataan accompanied with a farm tour. Also, part of the event was the Recognition of ATI regional partners, Ceremonial Presentation of 2023 Plans and Programs, and Commitment Signing among all stakeholders.
Further, ATI-CL honored the loyalty awardees of the Center during the said program. Ms. Lily D. Dela Cruz (35 years); Ms. Josefina T. Serrano (35 years), and Mr. Rolando P. Balbin (25 years) were recognized for their years of service to ATI.
All of the center's partners such as Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office III; Offices of the Provincial Agriculturist and Offices of the Provincial Veterinarian in Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales; Aurora State College of Technology; Bataan Peninsula State University, Bulacan Agricultural State College; Central Luzon State University; Pampanga State Agricultural University; Tarlac Agricultural University, and President Ramon Magsaysay State University; CLAARRDEC; Office of Senator Cynthia Villar; and Learning Sites for Agriculture in Central Luzon attended the event.
The event was capped off with Palaro ng Lahi or team-building activities participated by ATI-CL staff.
The ATI-Central Office hosted a nation-wide anniversary celebration for the whole ATI network on January 23-26, 2023 wherein ATI-CL was proclaimed as the champion in booth exhibit besting all of the regions in the country.
Since 2019, the anniversary celebration of ATI was brought to the centers from the Central Office so that the Centerβs staff and stakeholders can take part in the event.
