SAN ISIDRO, Naga City — The Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center V (ATI Bicol) recently completed a 4-day training program titled "GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER: The Agroenterprise Clustering Approach (AECA) for Successful TOP 555 Agricultural Value Chain." The training was held at Asog Vineyard & Agri Resort, Inc. in San Isidro, Naga City from April 23 to 26, 2024.
The main objective of the training was to empower LSAs as key players in farmer-centric agricultural development by transforming farmers from practicing subsistence agriculture to entrepreneurial agriculture. The graduates of the training will play vital roles in implementing AECA and TOP 555 in their respective provinces. The training focused on the production and consolidation of five key commodities: Taro, Arrowroot, Cassava, Purple Yam, and Moringa, chosen for their competitive markets, climate resilience, abundance in the Bicol Region, and low production costs. These commodities are preferred for cultivation in the local condition of Bicol Region.
AECA, a market-driven and pro-small farmer approach, involves step-by-step clustering and consolidation activities to guide both implementing agencies and farmers in the clustering and consolidation journey. Throughout the training, LSA participants actively engaged in lectures and workshops, making a fruitful and meaningful outcome.
On the last day, a Holy Mass was conducted by Fr. Efren “Momoy” Borromeo, the LSA Cooperator of Laudato Si Farm in Sto. Domingo, Albay to bless the trainees and the training management team. Fr. Momoy emphasized the importance of divine providence in every government efforts, particularly in AECA and TOP 555. Fr. Momoy also emphasized a two-pronged approach to environmental stewardship and economic progress, encapsulated in the motto "Sulong Kalikasan, Sulong Kabuhayan."
Ms. Lolita Salvamante, the owner and LSA Cooperator of Asog Vineyard & Agri Resort, Inc., complements the motivational atmosphere by sharing her core beliefs as a business owner, she emphasized the values of fairness, integrity, and mutual respect in dealings with others. "Mahalin natin ang kapwa natin, maging fair tayo sa kanila, Huwag tayong manlalamang, at huwag tayong magpapalamang," this serves as a principle for ethical business practices.
Center Director Elsa A. Parot expressed pride in the LSAs and envisioned them as beacons of light in communities, emphasizing their role as conduits of learning and service to the community. She ended her speech with this statement “Magpakayaman kayo hanggang gusto nyu!”
As part of the LSA culture, LSAs shared their native vegetable seeds as a symbol of camaraderie and native variety preservation. The training concluded with a strong hope of changing the lives of Filipino Farmers, turning passion into a mission. ATI Bicol and LSAs are committed to making this transformation a reality. The collaborative efforts of ATI Bicol and LSAs across the region underscore a collective commitment to driving positive change in the agricultural landscape, promoting success, resilience, innovation, and community development.
