The Agricultural Training Institute MIMAROPA thru the Local Government Unit of Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro launched its newly established Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center on October 25, 2022.
FITS Center aims to bridge the gap between information and technology, and the farmers and other stakeholders by providing fast and easy access to information and technology services in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and natural resources.
Vice Mayor Mark Francis Galsim graced the launching of the Center. In his message, he said that the continuous increase of demand in agriculture requires appropriate information and technology that needs to be transferred, and that’s where FITS Center will be of help. He also said that FITS Center is indeed needed in the community to increase production thru innovative technologies and best practices to farmers and fishers.
In addition, SB Alex T. Aquino, Committee Chair on Agriculture expressed their gratitude to ATI for always supporting LGUs in the delivery of extension services to farmers and fishers. He said that thru FITS Center, new information and technologies will be easily transferred to clients especially to farmers and fishers to further improve farm productivity and increase farmers' income.
During the launching, Jezell dT. dela Cruz, Information Officer II discussed the Techno Gabay Program (TFP) and its legal basis which the FITS Center is anchored to. She also presented the roles and responsibilities of FITS Center as well as the designated FITS Staff. Afterwards, Mr. Johnnie V. Ramos, Municipal Agriculturist named their designated FITS staff who will man the Center on its operations.
Highlights of the ceremony were the ceremonial ribbon cutting and the awarding of the ICT equipment which form part of the catalytic fund worth P100,000.00.
FITS – Sta. Cruz is the 8th FITS Center established in Occidental Mindoro and 41st in the MIMAROPA.
