PALO, Leyte – The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) convened key partners for iCONNECT: Mapping Out Agri Info Services in Eastern Visayas on February 6, 2025, at the 4-H Hub, Palo, Leyte. The initiative aimed to explore collaboration opportunities in information-related training and services to improve agricultural communication in the region.
In the morning session, Ms. Jonalyn Saulan, Information Officer II, presented an overview of ATI-RTC 8 and its services. Mr. Bethel John Sinon, Media Production Specialist II, followed with a report on the accomplishments of the Information Services Section (ISS) in 2024. Ms. Melinda P. Petalcorin, ISS Chief, then outlined the ISS’s plans, including targeted training and activities for 2025.
The afternoon session focused on identifying points of collaboration with partner agencies. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) - RO 8, represented by Engr. Gracely Joseph Carson and Mr. Ian Conan B. Juanico, offered to provide free training on digital skills, including basic graphic design, video editing, AI tools, Canva, and KOBO Toolbox. They also informed attendees that agencies could request free internet installation for their activities under the Broadband ng Masa (BBM) Program by submitting a letter of intent at least one to two months in advance.
Smart Inc., through Ms. Tiarra Cabilla, committed to donating one FarmTech Package and expressed willingness to serve as a resource speaker on Maya, AI for Pinoy SMEs, and cybersecurity. The company also offered to provide free internet access for special activities and expressed interest in being part of ATI-RTC 8's e-Learn Zone.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office VIII (DA-RFO 8), represented by Ms. Mrose Lim and Mr. Nigel Custodio, committed to mobilizing participants for Digital Farmers Program (DFP) training. The initial agreement included two batches of DFP 101 and 102 training for farmers' associations in Calbayog, Samar, and Dolores, Eastern Samar. Additionally, a DFP training with drone technology was scheduled for McArthur, Leyte. Mr. Custodio also highlighted the need for training farmcasters to address vacancies in areas with retiring farmcasters. He further confirmed that Usapang Agrikultura, a radio program, would resume this year, with ATI-RTC 8 handling episodes in March.
The Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP), represented by Dr. Pauline S. Caintic, expressed willingness to assist in selecting subject matter specialists (SMS) for information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on jackfruit, cassava, and abaca. She assured that experts from the academe and partner agencies are available to contribute to this effort.
Through iCONNECT, ATI-RTC 8 and its partners reinforced their commitment to advancing agricultural information services in Eastern Visayas, ensuring that farmers and stakeholders gain access to innovative training, digital tools, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
