Recognizing the central role of the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center, Magsasaka Siyentista (MS), and Partner Agency (PA) to strengthen the promotion and utilization of digital technology in the agriculture sector, the ATI-MIMAROPA conducted the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) Summit 2022 with the theme “Strengthening the Agricultural Extension through Digital Innovation” on October 3-7, 2022 at Ala Amid Bed and Breakfast, San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
On the first day, OIC-Assistant Center Director Norberto C. Maur graced the opening program of the activity. In his message, he emphasized the role and responsibilities of the FITS Centers and MS in the promotion of digital technologies in agriculture.
The morning session started with a discussion of topics of e-Commerce, digital marketing, social media marketing, and Facebook facilitated by the Co-Founder and Chairman of a Technology Company at Project Zacchaeus Mitchell Acosta Gimena. Also, the participants were able to know the features of the Farm Konek Application which was discussed by Mr. Mark Floyd Fernandez, Agriculturist of Project Zacchaeus.
In the afternoon, the participants learned the importance and features of the Canva Application, Rice-related Agriculture Applications, and e-Learning in farming.
Then, ATI-MIMAROPA elected newly set of MS officers during the breakout sessions, namely: President – Eduardo G. Jopson, Jr.; Vice President – Alejandre G. Solis, Jr.; Secretary – Jodelyn Reyes; Assistant Secretary – Josephine Estares; Treasurer – Herasmo M. Abelong; Auditor – Ramiro Evangelista PRO – Randy V. Balderas (Mindoro and Marinduque); Claro A. Madrilejos (Romblon) and Jessie P. Sabanal (Palawan).
The second day focused on the briefing on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy which was discussed by the Chief Science Research Specialist of the PhilRice - Los Baños and Mindoro Satellite Station Wilfredo B. Collado. In his lecture discussion, Mr. Collado emphasized the use of combined organic and inorganic inputs (combo 1-4).
Moreover, Career Development and Management Services Chief Cristina G. Magnaye of ATI-MIMAROPA virtually briefed the participants on the ATI’s various interventions under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
In addition, the participants enjoyed the team-building activities facilitated by the Training Management Team on the third day of the activity. The collaborative learning experience is expected to strengthen the camaraderie among the FITS staff and boost their efforts in delivering quality extension services in their respective localities.
Further, during the last day of the activity, the ATI-MIMAROPA has given three (3) major awards and 12 minor awards to the FITS Centers and MSs for their exemplary performance in the implementation of the TGP in the region. For the major awards, the winners were: Best Techno Gabay Program Implementer (FITS OPAg-Marinduque); Outstanding Magsasaka Siyentista (MS Jessie P. Sabanal, FITS DA-PRES); and Most Improved FITS Center (FITS-Boac, Marinduque).
As to minor awards, eight (8) FITS Centers and two (2) MSs bagged the awards, namely: Top Performing FITS Social Media Account (FITS OPAg-Marinduque); Highest Number in Rice Crop Manager Dissemination (FITS-Mogpog, Marinduque); Highest Number in Knowledge Products Development and Dissemination (FITS OPAg-Marinduque); Best e-Learning Promoter (FITS-Mogpog, Marinduque); Highest Number of Success Story Documented (FITS OPAg-Marinduque); Highest Number of Appointed Magsasaka Siyentista (FITS-Odiongan, Romblon); Highest Number of FITS Kiosk Established (FITS-Calatrava, Romblon); Highest Number of FITS Kiosk Maintained (FITS-Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro); Highest Number of ATI’s Training Assisted (FITS DA-Integrated Laboratory, Oriental Mindoro); Most Innovative FITS Center (FITS-Calatrava, Romblon); FITS Center Complete Reports Award (FITS-Romblon, Romblon; FITS OPAg-Marinduque; and FITS DA-Integrated Laboratory, Oriental Mindoro); and MS Compliance Award (MS Jessie P. Sabanal, FITS DA-PRES; and MS Eduardo G. Jopson, Jr., FITS-Quezon, Palawan).
Likewise, three (3) FITS Center’s staff and PAs were also given recognition for their selfless assistance and commitment to the implementation of the TGP in their respective municipalities and provinces, as follows: Unmatched Dedication Award (Ms. Grace F. Culpa of FITS-Calatrava; Ms. Eleanor Lotivo of FITS DA-PRES; and Mr. Reynaldo A. Factor of FITS-Sablayan); and Active Partner Agency Award (Marinduque State College; Occidental Mindoro State College; and Western Philippines University).
Lastly, all FITS Centers and MSs who attended the activity were able to submit their physical and financial target related to TGP activities as the final output of the TGP Summit. These targets will serve as one of the bases for the selection of winners of the TGP Achievers Awards in 2023.
The said activity was attended by 46 FITS Staff, MS, and PA of the MIMAROPA Region.
