In accordance with Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative Order No. 9 of 2002, which designates the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as the National Secretariat and overall Coordinator for overseeing the 4-H Club and other Rural Based Organizations (RBOs) in DA programs, ATI MIMAROPA held a consultation and planning session for RBO coordinators and presidents on February 20-21, 2024 at ATI MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
During the session, the participants had the opportunity to review accomplishments from previous years as presented by the provincial coordinators. Challenges encountered in the implementation of activities were shared, encouraging mutual learning and understanding among them. Also, the plans for future activities including target objectives for the current year were discussed and submitted.
One significant aspect of the consultation was the validation of the ATI master list of RBOs. However, it was noted that many municipalities within each province lacked updated information; hence, they were advised to provide necessary updates upon returning to their respective organizations.
The urgent need for the election of new officers for various organizations including VLAP, RIC, P4MP, and the 4-H Club, was highlighted. While the election for the VLAP Regional Federation was successfully conducted, other elections were rescheduled for March 1, 2024 due to a lack of quorum.
Moreover, the contest guidelines and details for the upcoming Regional Youth Camp scheduled on March 19-21, 2024 were discussed. Winners of these contests are set to represent the MIMAROPA region in the National Youth Camp tentatively scheduled in May 2024.
In addition, Mr. Ricmel S. Falqueza, the former National President of the 4-H Club of the Philippines delivered a detailed presentation on RBOs, aimed at refreshing coordinators’ understanding and orienting newly assigned technicians from the LGUs for the program. Emphasizing the importance of organizational strengthening, Mr. Falqueza encouraged them to remain committed to their respective roles.
A total of 20 RBO coordinators and presidents from the five (5) provinces of the MIMAROPA Region and representatives from ATI MIMAROPA and DA MIMAROPA Region attended the said two-day activity.
