ALLEN, Northern Samar - The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8), in collaboration with the dedicated efforts of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Allen, celebrated the opening of the Farmers' Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center on August 29, 2023. The ceremony, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including the Municipal Mayor of Allen, Northern Samar, Hon. Joey Suan, and the Department of Agriculture Region Regional Field Office VIII Agriculturist, Dr. Al M. Obinguar.
The FITS Center, a testament to Allen's commitment to strengthen the Techno Gabay Program's mission, aims to support local farmers and fisherfolk by providing information services through print and other digital media. Spearheaded by Ms. Judy Morado, the Municipal Agriculture Office of Allen exhausted its efforts in revitalizing this platform in the municipality to addresses the needs of its farming community.
The newly inaugurated center will serve as an information hub, offering valuable resources and educational programs on the latest farming technologies, while also acting as a liaison with government and non-government institutions. With a wide array of resources, the FITS Center aspires to empower not only farmers but local agriculture enthusiasts as well.
Representing ATI-RTC 8 was Ms. Melinda Petalcorin, TGP Point Person and Information Officer III. As she gave her message, she assures that ATI to provide support to the TGP implementers in the region citing there are also opportunities for TGP through the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP). ViCARP is a leading consortium of SUCs, LGUs and NGAs, including ATI RTC 8, that catalyzes agriculture, aquatic and natural resources research and development for Eastern Visayas. She also encouraged the FITS staff, headed by their Municipal Agriculturist, Ms. Judy Morado, to participate in the activities the TGP Summit has in store for 2024.
Consequently, Allen Mayor, Hon. Joey Suan, thanked ATI for its unwavering support not only for the FITS center but also for its assistance for their youth intern in Taiwan. He looks forward to the continuous collaboration and unending support for their municipality. Hon. Suan also hopes that the FITS center and its services shall be maximized and that farmers shall use it to their advantage.
The inauguration event garnered unwavering support from various agencies within the Local Government Unit of Allen. In addition to Hon. Joey Suan, the Municipal Mayor, attendees included Vice Mayor Hon. Christian Lao, Municipal Councilor Marc Aragon, and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Tourism Office, and dedicated LGU employees.
The establishment of the FITS Center stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Allen community, local government officials, and ATI-RTC 8. It embodies the spirit of progress, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, serving as a significant milestone in the quest to uplift the local agricultural sector.
