WINNING FIELDS: RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIELD OF AGRI-FISHERY EXTENSION

One of the key drivers of the country's economy is the effectiveness of agricultural training facilities, which are essential for improving farmers' productivity, knowledge, and abilities, which in turn supports the expansion and sustainability of the agricultural sector. The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is one of the government institutions that is essential in offering agricultural stakeholders around the nation pertinent and easily accessible training programs and opportunities as well.

In keeping up its role as the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System's catalyst, knowledge bank, and capacity builder at the regional level, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, Training Center Superintendent II/Center Director, and Ms. Sherylou C. Alfaro, OIC-Training Center Superintendent II/OIC-Assistant Center Director of the DA-ATI CALABARZON, received the awards for attaining the Top 2 Best Performing ATI Regional Training Center (RTC) and the Best Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Practices during the 37th Founding Anniversary celebration of the Agricultural Training Institute, with the theme “Innovate, Collaborate, Succeed: Growing Together for a Sustainable Future”, held last February 2, 2024, at the Rural Development Education Center (RDEC).

Furthermore, ATI Bicol came in third place, while ATI Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was recognized as the best-performing center. Funding of Php450,000, Php300,000, and Php150,000 will be granted to the most outstanding three (3) training centers for team-building and learning and development exercises. The award follows the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) as provided for in the Civil Service Commission Policies on Employees Suggestions and Incentive Awards System.

The 15 Regional Training Centers (RTCs) and International Training Center for Pig Husbandry were evaluated based on ATI Performance Standards of Effectiveness and Efficiency. The following are the criteria for effectiveness: Field Monitoring Results, Physical Accomplishments, Degree of Continuing Development (CPD) Certification, Innovation, Quality of Services as perceived by Clients, and Adoption Rate of Clients. On the other hand, the training center's efficiency was evaluated according to their Financial Performance, Compliances to Government Accounting and Auditing Rules, Government Procurement, ISO, and Timelines to target completion, and submission of mandatory and unintended reports.

The aforementioned activity was attended by Hon. Mark A. Villar - Chair, Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, USec. Roger V. Navarro - Undersecretary for Operation, Department of Agriculture, all officials and ATI Central Office personnel, Center Directors/Officers-in-Charge, the Training Center’s Information Services Section Chiefs, and Agricultural Training Institute Employees Association (ATIEA) Regional Presidents.

Also, part of the celebration was the recognition of service loyalty awardees and retirees. As loyalty honorees, Dr. Maningas and Ms. Alfaro were awarded with a plaque of recognition for their outstanding 20 years of providing excellent extension services.

To sum up, providing great service in the agriculture sector necessitates dedication to creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Through addressing the needs of farmers, adopting sustainable methods, and making good use of technological advances, DA-ATI CALABARZON will continue to build a successful agricultural industry that supports both natural resources and livelihoods.

With optimism, under Dr. Maningas' direction, DA-ATI CALABARZON will continue strengthening partnerships and provide encouragement to agricultural extension workers to share the most up-to-date learnings and capabilities acquired from the institution to improve the agriculture and fisheries extension system in the region.