Dubbed “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN” and “Future-Proofing High-Value Crops Diversity: Gearing Towards Agro-Industrialization and Bio-Economy", the joint celebration of the Filipino Food Month and High-Value Crops Week officially commenced on April 15, 2026, through a Facebook Live, at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
In his opening message, Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos encouraged everyone to join the Center in these celebrations to show support for local products in the region and for the farmers and fisherfolk who sustain the region’s food supply and livelihoods.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga aktibidad na ito, layunin natin na hindi lamang maipakita ang pagmamahal sa pagkain at agrikultura, kundi pati na rin ang pagtangkilik sa ating mga lokal na produkto at suporta sa kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa rehiyon,” he said .
On the second day of the celebration, ATI-MIMAROPA staff attended an orientation on the significance of recognizing and appreciating the Filipino food heritage and high-value crops. This was followed by a cooking contest featuring local vegetables infused with ASEAN flavors, and a quiz bee on the HVCD Program and Filipino Food Month.
Meanwhile, in partnership with the Calapan City Agricultural Services Department, the “Seminar on Empowering Farmers Through HVCD” was also conducted on April 17. This aimed to intensify the awareness campaign for the HVCDP while highlighting the cultural and economic importance of local food systems.
Mr. Nahum S. Cupiado, a private practitioner from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, served as the resource person during the seminar. Through his discussion, the participants gained knowledge about the proper selection of high-quality seedlings, management practices, and open-pollinated rootstock varieties. He also led a hands-on activity on grafted seedling production to help them apply their learning.
Moreover, Mr. Allan S. Peradilla, Technical Support Staff from ATI- MIMAROPA, introduced the ATI e-Learning platform and provided a step-by-step guide on the enrollment process.
Through these activities, participants gained a deeper appreciation for Filipino food heritage while acquiring practical technical skills to enhance the productivity and sustainability of high-value crops in the MIMAROPA region.
