Director's Node
Director's Node
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN BOOSTING ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN THE REGION

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippine population is expected to reach 142 million by 2045, in accordance with 2010 Census-based population projections. As the nation's population increases, so does the demand for food production, this is precisely why learning about agriculture is so significant. This allows future generations to have a thorough understanding of where the food they consume comes from, and a greater number of people might be motivated to work in the agricultural sector in order to meet the demands of a rising population.
YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE, ITS VITALITY AND PROSPECTIVES
In spite of the fact that the Philippines is primarily an agricultural country, fewer Filipinos are venturing into the sector. Though farming is the second-highest labour force in the nation, there is a steep fall in the number of people who have a desire in working in this industry, as seen by the average age of farmers, which is from 55 to 59 years old.
ENTHUSIASM NATURALLY LEADS TO INNOVATION

The positive transformation of agriculture and fishery into a strong sector is the Department of Agriculture's (DA) top priority considering the continuous opening and expansion of opportunities for our country's farmers and fishermen. The pandemic still poses uncertainty, but like any other battle, progress must be made.
Advancing Collectively Toward a Common Goal
In terms of wealth of resources, industrial and agricultural development, the Southern Tagalog Region exemplifies its potential for expansion and advancement. With a large number of researchers and technicians with expertise in the farming industry, environmental issues, and natural assets as well as various corporate and public institutions, including universities and state colleges and R&D agencies are also situated throughout the region.
SOLID ALLIANCE: STRATEGY FOR OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a transboundary, high-impact animal disease that continues to have a 36% negative impact on the Philippine swine industry (Department of Agriculture, 2021). As the Department of Agriculture (DA) first identified ASF cases in Luzon and Mindanao last 2019, there has not been a vaccine or treatment for the viral illness. Therefore, ASF has proven challenging to completely eradicate and has since had a detrimental effect on the swine industry and local livelihoods.
A Drive to Keep Winning
The most effective way to produce a good value of service at a balanced flow to accomplish a specific output rate is precisely defined in standard work. It divides the task into sections that are ordered, sequenced, and repeatedly followed. While productivity can be raised by process optimization, proficiency can be increased by implementing best practices as well as using efficient technologies...
Private Partners' Contributions to Agricultural Development

One of the most important components in boosting farm productivity in light of today's growing threat to food security is the private sector's participation in providing extension services.
Commitment: A Powerful Sign of Willpower, Resilience and Perseverance
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) keeps betting on the opportunities and potential of ongoing technological breakthroughs. Having assumed complete leadership of DA-ATI CALABARZON, the Training Center Superintendent II/Center Director Dr. Rolando V. Maningas participated on the 36th anniversary of ATI which was commemorated last January 23–27, 2023 at the Central Office with the theme “ATI LEADS: Innovate, Transform, Empower—Embracing Extension Modernization for a Progressive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries”.
SANGUINE OF HOPE
Apart from the challenges in the agriculture sector such as the continuous fight against ASF, the devastation caused by typhoon Paeng, there was also a change in the leaders of our country, as well as in the DA-ATI directorate.
Techno-Gabay Program (TGP): Strengthening Partnership to Achieve Mutual Success
One of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development’s (PCARRD) flagship programs that aims to provide science-based information and technology services to end-users in the agriculture, forestry, and natural resources (AFNR) sectors thru TGP. Its overarching goal is to accelerate the modernization of agriculture and natural resource sectors by improving extension agents', farmers', and entrepreneurs' access to knowledge and technologies.
The Future of Agriculture Rests with The Next Generation

The Department of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), in collaboration with the Office of Senator Grace Poe (OSGP), expands its program for young farmers and fishers through the "Binhi ng Pag-asa Program (BPP)". The BPP aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to succeed as agricultural leaders and agripreneurs.
Last 2017, the BPP was implemented by the DA-ATI CALABARZON through 72 batches of trainings from April to November.
Attaining a Diverse and Dynamic System for Agricultural and Fisheries Extension

The agriculture and fishery sector has faced difficulties and situations that have affected its performance during the past few years. One of the challenges being encountered by the sector is the decentralization of provision of agricultural extension services.
To address this issue, the Department of Agriculture (DA) developed several programs, and one of those integrative and convergence strategies is the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES).
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Developing the Philippines' Coconut Industry: “A Promise Fulfilled to Coconut Farmers”

On June 24, 2022, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), officially launched the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) held at the Quezon Convention Hall, Lucena City, Quezon Province.
The proposal, which was approved and signed on June 2, 2022 by Executive Order 172, aims to increase the income and productivity of coconut farmers in the country by 2.5 million.
Turning Opportunities into Fuel in Chasing Dreams

All aspirations and dreams can truly be achieved simply through patience and perseverance in life. Indeed, nothing is impossible, as long as you believe in your own ability and you become a good influence on the people around you.
On May 16, 2022, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas was designated as the new Office-In-Charge (OIC), Center Director of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region IV-A upon the appointment of the ATI Director, Ms. Rosana P. Mula under Special Order No. 83.