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.
In its third year of embracing the new normal, DA-ATI CALABARZON, under the direction of Training Center Superintendent II, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, continues to enhance extension delivery, utilizing new approaches to reach the remote areas in the region. With the combined strengths and resources of the region, the dream of becoming one of the leading agricultural resource hubs in the entire country will be achievable.
In adherence to its goal, the team led by Dr. Maningas, successfully carried out a series of trainings and activities in several communities in the Polillo Group of Islands in the province of Quezon. Last June 20, 2023, with the active assistance of the Municipal Agriculturist Office, DA-ATI CALABARZON successfully conducted the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Briefing and provided RCM recommendations for 30 registered farmers in the town of Polillo, Quezon. In addition, 30 farmers from the municipalities of Burdeos and Patnanungan also received RCM recommendations. The objective of the activity is to educate rice farmers on the importance of applying the appropriate type and amount of fertilizer at the proper time.
During the aforementioned activities, Dr. Maningas made a courtesy call to Hon. Angelique E. Bosque, Municipal Mayor of Polillo, and Hon. Freddie C. Aman, Burdeos' Municipal Mayor. He emphasized the objective of DA-ATI CALABARZON to further stabilize the agricultural industry in their towns by disseminating modern farming knowledge and techniques.
To make the most of the opportunity, a re-evaluation of the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center in Polillo and Patnanungan was carried out. Also present during the activity were the Municipal Agriculturists, Ms. Milagros A. Lalaguna, from Polillo and Mr. Eugene Luces from Patnanungan. FITS Center serves as a hub that provides information to farmers, fishers, and agri-enthusiasts interested in learning agri-fishery technologies. An initial visit in potential Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) for coconut and diversified farming was also conducted in the above-mentioned towns. Dr. Maningas briefly presented to the owners the objectives, features, requirements, and opportunities of becoming a certified LSA of ATI.
Meanwhile, in partnership with the Office of Senator Grace Poe (OSGP), the Municipal Training for Binhi ng Pag-asa Program for 20 young farmers was conducted at Tejada’s Beach Resort, Jomalig, Quezon,. Through leadership development and training in values formation, the program aims to inspire and empower young people to become capable agripreneurs. Additionally, the training also aims to improve their abilities in entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management, preparing them to play a significant role in the agricultural sector.
Still part of the delivery of extension interventions in the island municipalities of Quezon, the preliminary assessment of Jomalig Integrated Farm in Brgy. Talisoy, Jomalig, Quezon as another potential LSA of DA-ATI CALABARZON was conducted and supervised by Dr. Maningas. The farm practices diversified farming system comprised of cacao, various types of vegetables, poultry, and livestock production.
In conclusion, delivery of extension services must remain evolving to be relevant. The Center, will keep discovering new strategies to strengthen the support for the agricultural industry. Challenges will become opportunities with the concerted efforts of various stakeholders in the agricultural industry. Through the initiatives of Dr. Maningas, DA-ATI CALABARZON continues to stand, more dedicated to providing top-notch extension services beyond boundaries.