The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) MIMAROPA launched eight (8) Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Kiosks in the Provinces of Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan.
The FITS Kiosks were established in the Extension Service Provider (ESP) and Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) of the ATI, namely: Lanuton Agricultural Farm, Brgy. Tan-agan, San Andres; Mary Help of Christians School (Mindoro), Inc., Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Janiva Organic Farm, Brgy. Malinao, Narra, Palawan; Dungo’s Farmville, Brgy. Princess Urduja, Narra, Palawan; DosFourDos Farm, Brgy. Magsaysay, Aborlan, Palawan; Green Gate Nature Farm, Brgy. Dumaran, Roxas, Palawan; Victoria Nature Park, Brgy. Bambanin, Oriental Mindoro; and Faith Paradise Agri-Tourism Farm, Brgy. Pasi 1, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro with its launching on October 13, 2022; October 14, 2022; October 24, 2022; October 25, 2022; October 26, 2022; and November 4, 2022, respectively.
During the launching, Mr. Erlan D. Pasana, Information Officer II/TGP Point Person, briefed the said ESP/LSAs on their responsibilities as the established FITS Kiosks in the MIMAROPA Region.
Highlights of the activity were the turnover of ICT equipment such as laptops, printers, and desktop computers, among others which form part of the catalytic funds for the FITS Kiosk establishment; and awarding of a cheque worth Php 50,000 to cover expenses for the display of IEC materials; access and promotion of e-Extension services and other online agricultural tools; and documentation and development of technology-based information and success stories.
Also, the newly established FITS Kiosks were provided with assorted Information, Education and Communication materials, and agriculture magazine for display and distribution to the beneficiaries.
The said series of FITS Kiosk launchings were attended by Provincial Agriculturist; Municipal Agriculture Officers, FITS Center staff, Brgy. Councilors Committee on Agriculture, ESP/LSA cooperators, and farmer leaders of the abovementioned municipalities.
Mr. Perfecto H. Diaz, LSA cooperator/owner of DosFourDos Farm and one of the recipients of the project shared, "Napakahalaga ng information dissemination. Sa pamamagitan ng ating mga programs and services kailangan ma-inspire natin ang ating mga magsasaka. Ang FITS Kiosk ay isang programa ng ATI na libo-libo ang makikinabang.”
The FITS Kiosk will serve as a satellite office of the FITS Centers in the region wherein its main function is to provide ready access to IEC materials and services for farmers and youth, among others.
To date, the ATI-MIMAROPA has a total of 18 FITS Kiosks starting its establishment in 2020.
