ATI Region 6 and LSA’s representatives sign the Memorandum of Agreement that seals the enhancement of farm production and training facilities.
CAPIZ, Western Visayas - “Our dream is to help our fellow farmers. This assistance means a lot to us. Thanks, ATI, you are always there to support us,” said Johiakim F. Deondo, co-owner of Deondo’s Integrated Farm during the awarding of financial support worth Php100,000 for the enhancement of their farm production and training facilities on September 2, 2022. Along with them were Paro’s Integrated Farm and DC Integrated Farm.
Mary Ann A. Ramos, Officer-In-Charge, emphasized during her message the goal of the LSA program, that is, to bring information and technologies closer to farmers. With the presence of LSAs in various areas of the province, farmers have access to successful farms and capture adaptable technologies. She further expressed, “the farmer’s mantra is to see is to believe that is why we bring them to successful farms that model innovative technologies. When they prove that these technologies are working, they are convinced to adopt.” She was also glad that these three LSAs are inspiring not only the farmer parents but their sons and daughters as well to go into agriculture. They are implementing training programs intended for these young farmers. “We are campaigning agriculture to our youth because our farmers are aging. With your initiatives, we are assured that there will be younger generations involved in agriculture. Thank you for partnering with us,” Ramos added.
Vianney T. Ojerio, OIC-Chief of PASS also highlighted the big brother-small brother concept wherein these LSAs are being trained and supported by ATI so that they will also train their fellow farmers through their farms and the technologies that they have. He challenged them to innovate further and create unique brands for their farms because sooner or later they will also become extension service providers and farm tourism sites in the province of Capiz.
As of writing, there are more than 60 farms that are already certified LSAs in Western Visayas and the agency is continuously monitoring their programs and activities.
