BICOL - To champion excellence and innovation in agricultural training and extension services, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) embarked on its annual Global Responsiveness thru Empowerment of the Agri-trainers (GREAT). This year’s activity highlighted the theme, “GREATness Refined through Routes and Roots.” This year’s destination: the rich and resilient lands of the Bicol Region, a vibrant hub of agricultural development in Southern Luzon.
The benchmarking and exposure visit aimed to discover best practices in sustainable farming, extension services, and agri-tourism by exploring ATI-RTC 5’s top learning sites and regional partners in the Bicol Region. The initiative served as an avenue for mutual learning and professional development among ATI staff. ATI-RTC 8 staff also showcased their skills in vlogging and news writing as outputs for the activity. The team visited various local and renowned Learning Sites recognized by ATI-RTC 5 and even the Department of Tourism on May 14-17, 2025.
ATIng UMA: A Living Showcase of Learning and Innovation
The team began their journey with a visit to ATIng UMA (Unlimited Mentoring in Agriculture), ATI-RTC 5’s integrated techno-demo and agri-tourism site located at Diversion Road, Pili, Camarines Sur. The ATI-RTC 8 staff were warmly welcomed by Ms. Techie M. Lizaso, OIC-CDMS Chief of ATI-Bicol, who shared insights on their office operations and emphasized that benchmarking is a two-way exchange of ideas and innovations.
Representing ATI-RTC 8 Center Director Ms. Hazel Grace T. Taganas, Information Services Section Chief Ms. Melinda P. Petalcorin expressed gratitude to the ATI-Bicol team, highlighting the value of such visits in boosting operational efficiency and staff development.
,The ATI-RTC 8 staff toured the ATIng UMA site with Mr. Alexander O. Vargas, ATI Biocl staff. ATIng UMA is composed of twelve unique components—from edible landscaping to vermicast and aquaponics production—designed to be both educational and visually appealing. The site also gained recognition from the Department of Tourism as a certified agri-tourism farm site.
CBSUA Agriville and Learning Hub: Technology and Education in Action
The team visited the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Brgy. San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur. The CBSUA Agriville is a 4.5-hectare learning site accredited by ATI-RTC 5 that integrates agricultural education, research, and extension services.
Mr. Frangis Leo M. Loberanes, Farm Manager and Unit Head, gave an overview of the Agriville’s demonstration farms and knowledge-sharing spaces. The site is a model for youth engagement in agriculture, offering free training and access to matured technologies that support farmer productivity and innovation. The visit underscored the importance of merging research with practical application in the field.
Sonrisa Farm: Growing Smiles and Organic Success
The team also visited Sonrisa Farm, one of ATI-RTC 5’s pioneering accredited farm tourism sites. Owned by cancer survivor, Ms. Cherry Lo, the 4.5-hectare farm in Bicol is a serene, soul-refreshing site that champions natural organic farming.
“Sonrisa,” meaning “smile” in Spanish, truly lives up to its name by offering not just agricultural produce like vegetables, herbs, organic rice, and spices, but also catering services and accommodations for agri-related events. As a service provider and model for sustainable agri-tourism, Sonrisa Farm inspires a holistic view of farming that nurtures both land and life.
Deloverges AgriFarm: Taro and the Business of Laing
In another insightful stop, the team explored Deloverges AgriFarm where Mr. Rey and Mrs. Raquel Deloverges personally led the ATI-RTC 8 staff on a tour of his thriving agrifarm. Special focus was given to the planting and processing of taro leaves—the key ingredient for Bicol’s iconic dish, Laing.
They shared how their production of taro has grown into a lucrative enterprise, with products now reaching international markets through export. The visit illustrated the potential of indigenous crops to fuel both cultural preservation and economic growth.
Albay PAO: One-Stop Hub for Farmers’ Growth
On their descent to Albay, the team visited the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office’s Learning Site, also known as the Albay Farmers Bounty Village (AFB Ville), located in Brgy. Camalig with a stunning view of the majestic Mayon Volcano.
The 15-hectare agricultural complex serves as a central hub for training, production, and support services for local farmers. Guided by the Albay PAO team, the ATI-RTC 8 staff explored various facilities including a cacao and pili processing center, a bee farm, soil laboratory, and the FITS Center. The site is also an ATI-certified Learning Site for Agriculture and a shining example of integrated and sustainable farming supported by the local government.
A courtesy visit with Provincial Agriculturist Ms. Cheryll O. Rebeta strengthened the camaraderie between the two regional offices and highlighted opportunities for future collaboration.
Cultivating Ideas, Fostering Growth
The GREAT benchmarking initiative provided ATI-RTC 8 staff with immersive learning experiences that bridged theory and practice. From innovative demo sites to hands-on farming technologies, each visit underscored the importance of partnerships and knowledge-sharing in advancing agricultural development.
One Bicolano phrase says, “Kun karayan, pasigiyon” which means, “If it is good, continue.” This journey to Bicol truly embodied that vision. Enriched and inspired, the ATI-RTC 8 team returns to Eastern Visayas ready to cultivate new ideas, empowered to continue serving the Filipino farming community with passion, purpose, and GREATness.
