Baybay City, Leyte — A celebration of farmer-led innovation unfolded during the Farmlympics: Flexing LIT (LSAs Innovative Technologies) held on May 27–29, 2025 at Hall C, ATI-RTC 8, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte, showcasing the creativity and best practices of Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) across Eastern Visayas.
The three-day training, organized by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8), aimed to spotlight the unique technologies developed by LSAs to address farming challenges while enhancing their capacity for documentation, presentation, and collaboration.
A total of 11 LSAs participated in the event, presenting diverse farm-based innovations—from sustainable animal production and organic input creation to waste management systems and urban gardening solutions.
Ms. Jonalyn G. Saulan and Mr. Bethel John L. Sinon conducted workshops on technical writing and presentation skills, which equipped participants to effectively communicate the value and application of their innovations. The event also encouraged peer learning, interactive discussions, and knowledge-sharing among farmer-participants.
The Farmlympics culminated in the recognition of top-performing LSAs:
- 1st Place – SofTea Farm for “Pocket Garden”
- 2nd Place – Echo Integrated Farm for “Pig Power”
- 3rd Place – A.I. Integrated Farm for “Fermented Fig Fruit Juice”
Participants lauded the event. Ms. Ma. Patria Quilantang of Quilantang Farm Products and Agricultural Services shared, “I’ve learned so much from this training, not just about technology but also about teamwork, confidence, and innovation”. Likewise, Mr. Leopoldo Melendres Jr., a farmer-intern at Diko’s Integrated Farm, added, “It helped boost my confidence and allowed me to meet innovative farmers and exchange ideas with them.”
The experience was invaluable for many. “Even though we didn’t win, the experience was priceless,” said Mr. Joniel Roy Caballa of Cantongtong United Youth Organization. Other participating farms included: Cortijo Del Valle Agricultural Farm, Mike Pedroso Farms, Quilantang Farm Products and Agricultural Services, Diko's Integrated Farm, Cantongtong United Youth Organization, Colimargo Integrated Farm, Kan Dada Integrated Farm, and Chandria Integrated Farm.
More than a competition, Farmlympics 2025 served as a platform for LSA farmers to inspire, collaborate, and innovate together—reaffirming ATI’s commitment to advancing agriculture through community empowerment and sustainable technology.
