BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - “An anniversary is a milestone,” shared Mr. Dalmacio Pajanustan, ATI-RTC 8 Assistant Center Director. During the region’s celebration of ATI’s 36th Anniversary on January 30, 2023, Mr. Pajanustan said that due to the fast-paced advances in technology, it was observed that some establishments and institutions have been abolished because they have lost their relevance. “Yet ATI, amidst these challenges, was able to cope up with the test of time and has proven its relevance.”
With the new programs, systems, and plans announced by the ATI Central Office during its 36th Anniversary, ATI-RTC 8 shall take on the challenges, but first, by looking back and recognizing the partners that have made a huge impact to the Center’s activities for the past year. As Mr. Pajanustan said, the second reason why anniversaries are celebrated is “to connect”. The celebration highlighted the awarding of best Agricultural Extension Workers, Learning Sites, and Local Government Units (LGU) that made it possible for ATI to achieve such success.
This year’s awardees for the Best AEW were: Rhea D. Tarrayo an FSTP implementor in Rosario, Northern Samar was awarded Best AEW partner for the Corn Program; Eunice Ugali, an SL-TOT alumna from Lawaan, Eastern Samar for the HVC Program; Dr. Francisco Cabarrubias, Provincial Veterinarian from PLGU of Southern Leyte was awarded as Best AEW partner for the Livestock Program; Joper Conarco, a PGS Pioneer Implementor from Gandara, Samar for the OA program; Marilyn Tan from Ormoc City was Best AEW for RCEF; Fe Maningo from Sta. Fe for RCM; Cherie Gil Tagana from Tabontabon, Leyte as Best AEW Alumna for the Rice Program, Ida Longakit from OPA Leyte wins Best AEW for Rice; Cristita Clava from PLGU-Southern Leyte wins Best AEW for the RBO Program.
For the Best Learning Site for Agriculture, Mr. Nicomedes Alde represented Alde Farm of Babatngon, Leyte in receiving the award. Moreover, for the Best Local Government Partner, the awardees were: the Provincial Veterinary Office of Samar for the Livestock Program; LGU Allen, Northern Samar for the RBO Program; and LGU Naval, Biliran for the SOA implementation.
“Anniversaries are also a time to reflect,” added Pajanustan to the list of reasons why anniversaries are celebrated. This year’s celebration appreciated the efforts of staff that have been with the Center for years and have ended their services through retirement. Ms. Annabelle Garciano served ATI-RTC 8 for the past 40 years as Administrative Officer III while Mr. Bonifacio Roca served the Center for 39 years as Security Guard. Their loyalty and dedication to the organization contributed much to the success of ATI-RTC 8 during the duration of their years in government service.
Among the guests during the anniversary were Dr. Elvira Torres, Director for Research and Regulations of the DA-RFO 8 representing the Regional Executive Director, Dir. Angel Enriquez; and Dr. Allen GlennieLambert, the Executive Secretary of the VSU President and representing Dr. Edgardo Tulin (VSU President). Both institutions continue to be great partners in ATI’s agricultural extension programs and activities. Dr. Vilma Patindol, former ATI Center Director was also an honored guest during the activity.
“Anniversaries give the time to look at the future”, reiterates Pajanustan as he completed the list of reasons why anniversaries are celebrated. He said that this is an opportune time to think about the plans, hopes, and dreams of the Center. During her virtual message, Dr. Remelyn Recoter, ATI Director, disclosed the innovations and initiatives that the ATI network has in store for 2023. Among the new initiatives are the Unified Extension Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Information System and the rebranded Digital Farmers Program (DFP) in partnership with PLDT and Smart Communications.
“This is a celebration of our wins and also our challenges,” shared Center Director, Ms. Hazel Grace Taganas as she closed the program. She thanked the staff for their continued commitment. She also assured the institute’s partners and stakeholders that ATI will continue in the professionalization of the agriculture and fisheries sector. “We will be there to help strengthen the capabilities of our agricultural extension workers. We will empower you so you will continue to empower our farmers, fisherfolks, the women, the youth, and other clients in the AF sector.” guaranteed Dir. Taganas.
Revisit the momentous event here:
