ATI Bicol officers and staff flash the 'progress sign' as they pose for a group photo during the commitment signing.

PILI, Camarines Sur – The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center V (ATI Bicol) marked its 38th Anniversary and Kick-Off Celebration with a dynamic program that honored its decades of service, highlighted key accomplishments, and set forth new initiatives for FY 2025. Held at the ATI Bicol compound, the celebration emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping the future of agriculture while also focusing on the health and well-being of its employees through learning sessions.

The event began with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. John Robert M. Banal, Parochial Vicar of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. During the opening program, Ms. Ma. Techie Lizaso, Training Specialist II, welcomed the guests and participants, followed by a message from ATI Bicol Center Director Elsa A. Parot. DA Regional Technical Director Lorenzo Alvina, representing Regional Director Rodel P. Tornilla, delivered an inspirational message, underscoring the continuing partnership between ATI and DA in advancing agricultural extension services.

Recognizing Excellence and Youth Success Stories

Mr. Matt D. Monserate, Corn Internship Program Beneficiaries (Batch 1) shares his testimonies as a Young Agripreneur.

The event also paid tribute to ATI Bicol’s dedicated personnel. Mr. Edgardo Nacario, Agriculturist II, was honored with a plaque and token of appreciation for his years of service, while Ms. Joy O. Rodriguez, Administrative Officer II and Budget Officer, received a loyalty award for her 20 years in government service.

A highlight of the celebration was the testimonies from youth beneficiaries of various ATI Bicol programs, including:

• Francis Toltol – EASY Agri Scholarship Program (Batch 1)
• Agustin A. Caro – Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (Batch 3)
• Leo A. Galgal – Youth Internship Program in Organic Agriculture (Batch 1)
• Matt D. Monserate – Corn Internship Program (Batch 1)

These young agripreneurs shared their experiences and success stories, serving as inspirations to fellow young farmers.

P1.5M Awarded to Young Agripreneurs for Business Proposals

Fifteen (15) Youth Internship Program in Organic Agriculture (YIPOA) interns were awarded P150,000.00 each for their business proposals. ATI Center Director Elsa A. Parot, Assistant Center Director Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo, and Dr. Maria Cristina Campita of DA-RFO 5 led the awarding ceremony. The beneficiaries hailed from various provinces in Bicol, including Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes.

Boosting the Swine Industry Through the National Livestock Program

MOA Signing Ceremony for the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP). The ceremony is led by Center Director Elsa A. Parot, along with representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs) and SIRP beneficiaries.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was also signed for the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP) under the National Livestock Program (NLP). Each beneficiary organization received P800,000.00 to support the recovery and sustainability of swine farming in the region. Representatives from LGU partners, including municipal agriculturists, witnessed the signing.

The beneficiary associations and farms spanned across Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes, underscoring the widespread impact of the project. Additionally, a separate MOA signing and turnover ceremony took place for the digital farm tech package, granted to San Antonio Farmers Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFIMCO) in Buhi, Camarines Sur.

Promoting Employee Well-Being and Mental Health

Recognizing the importance of employee well-being, the afternoon session focused on mental health and nutrition. Ms. Mary Porteria H. Ancheta, a Registered Guidance Counselor from Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Naga City, discussed the Mental Health Continuum Model and provided strategies for self-care, emotional balance, and resilience. She encouraged participants to cultivate healthy relationships, gratitude, and mindfulness, emphasizing the power of kindness in professional and personal life.

Meanwhile, Ms. Michelle A. Bertillo, a Registered Nutritionist-Dietician from Naga City, delivered a session on health and nutrition essentials. She emphasized the principles of a balanced diet, recommending an intake of 33% carbohydrates, 33% vegetables, 17% proteins, and 17% fruits.

Continuing ATI Bicol’s Legacy

The celebration concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo, Assistant Center Director, who reaffirmed ATI Bicol’s commitment to empowering farmers, youth, and agricultural stakeholders.