Tagbilaran City, Bohol – April 16, 2025 — Twelve (12) Bachelor of Science in Agriculture students from the College of Agricultural Sciences of the Bohol Island State University – Bilar Campus (BISU-Bilar) have successfully completed their 720-hour On-the-Job Training (OJT) at the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 7 (ATI-RTC 7). The OJT program was conducted from January 13 to April 16, 2025.

The culmination activity, held at the ATI-RTC 7 Training Complex in the Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, served as a fitting conclusion to the students’ three-month practical immersion. The trainees shared their reflections and impressions, highlighting how the experience enhanced their academic foundation through practical, real-world exposure to agricultural extension, training management, and community engagement.

In her inspirational message delivered on behalf of ATI-RTC 7 Center Director Dr. Gracia F. Arado, Dr. Merrian Piquero Soliva, Chief of Information Services, acknowledged the students’ contributions to the institute’s operations. She emphasized that the knowledge and experiences they gained during the training would significantly shape their future endeavors in the agriculture sector.

“You have become instrumental in the achievements of the center’s deliverables. Your learnings and insights will help you shape your aspirations and roles as future agricultural professionals,” said Dr. Soliva.

Representing the academic institution, Engr. Severino B. Salera, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at BISU-Bilar, also gave a short message of appreciation. He expressed gratitude to ATI-RTC 7 for providing a nurturing training ground where students were able to develop their technical skills, interpersonal abilities, and work ethic in a professional setting.

“We are grateful for this partnership that allows our students to grow through hands-on experience. ATI-RTC 7 continues to be an important collaborator in bridging the gap between theory and practice,” Engr. Salera stated.

Ms. Joemelyn A. Sumagang, Training Specialist II and OJT Focal at ATI-RTC 7, encouraged the students to carry forward the values and discipline they developed during the training. She thanked them for being part of the ATI-RTC 7 family and contributing to the team’s day-to-day accomplishments.

The OJT completers are as follows: Venhur C. Aray, Laryn Plient B. Bolaer, Julius Caesar B. Bulaga, Jonah T. Dalagan, Cathleen Kaye B. Dungog, Jelfha B. Gumapac, Jerald B. Halichic, Adelaine Evan C. Jaluag, Remuel P. Jumawan, Kenn Joseph Lomocso, Kara Marie O. Potane and Jonnah Haezel H. Tagayong.

To formally recognize their efforts, Certificates of Completion and small tokens of appreciation were awarded to the trainees during the program.

The activity was hosted by Ms. Hannah T. Cosicol, Training Support Staff of ATI-RTC 7.

This OJT collaboration between ATI-RTC 7 and BISU-Bilar highlights the importance of institutional partnerships in building the capacity of future agricultural leaders through experiential learning and exposure to the realities of the agricultural development landscape.