BANGA, Aklan - ATI Region 6 and the community celebrated the first Farmers and Fisherfolks Day last June 1-2, 2023, highlighting the theme, "Pagbubuklod-buklod ng Bawat Pamilyang Magsasaka at Mangingisda tungo sa Matatag na Ekonomiya". Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, ATI National Director, was present to welcome the honored guests during the celebration.
Several ceremonies took place as part of the festivities. On June 1, 2023, ATI Region 6 recognized two new Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) from Iloilo, the USWAG Nursery of the City Government of Iloilo and the AgriAqua Research and Technology (ART) Center of the Provincial Government of Iloilo. On the same day, the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz received financial grants under the Province-led AgriFishery Extension System (PAFES). Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City, Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. of Iloilo Province, and Governor Fredenil Castro of Capiz personally received the grants and certificates.
The ceremony took off with ceremonial launchings on June 2, including the inauguration of the 4-H Hub's Maria Y. Orosa Hall. Named in honor of the Filipina food scientist, pharmaceutical chemist, and war heroine, the hall will serve as the home for capability building of Rural-Based Organizations in the region.
The celebration launched the Bugna it Mangunguma food exhibit on the second day. The Center welcomes Learning Sites for Agriculture, farmers, fisherfolks, the women in the community, and other stakeholders to showcase their products in the showroom. In the same room, the Center opened the 4-H Handumanan, a memorabilia showcase, and the newly furnished 4-H office. "I am happy that our office was re-opened to the public as a knowledge-sharing area for RBOs, LSAs, and other ATI clientele," expressed Aldren Fuentes, 4-H Western Visayas Regional Federation President.
A trade fair showcasing fresh farm products also run throughout the day.
Engr. Eleazar Carmen, a young farmer entrepreneur and founder of Ripples Ice Cream, gave an inspirational talk on achieving goals through hard work, determination, spirituality, and resilience.
Furthermore, launched was the Search for the 2023 Exemplary LSA Performance Award (ELSAPA) and Exemplary RBO Performance Award (ERBOPA), forwarding ATI's strategy and initiative to recognize LSAs and RBOs who have exemplary performance in the field of agriculture and community development. The awards serve as a breakthrough program of the Partnerships and Accreditation Section.
PAFES also awarded a grant for the Province of Aklan during the ceremony.
"Today is important because region six lined up a series of events to maximize the use of the 4-H Hub facility, and launched programs to help address the industry's aging population and encourage rural women and the youth to get involved in agriculture. This activity is a recognition of the stakeholders, especially the farm families' contribution to food security. Congratulations on this all-in-one activity" expressed Recoter in her message.
Mary Ann A. Ramos, ATI Region 6 Center Director, recognized ATI's partners during the activity, giving credit to their unwavering support in forwarding agricultural productivity in the region.
The Farmers and Fisherfolks Day honored the farm families and their contribution to the nation's food security.
