The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center IX (ATI-RTC IX) celebrated its 36th anniversary, with the theme "ATI LEADS: Innovate, Transform, Empower: Embracing Extension Modernization for a Progressive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries."
This celebration is anchored on the abolition of the Bureau of Agricultural Extension in 1987 and creates the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) which was mandated to train agricultural extension worker and its clienteles.
During the anniversary program, OIC-RED of Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office IX (DA-RFO IX), Mr. Dennis R. Arpia served as the keynote speaker on the said celebration. In his speech, he appreciated and recognized the significant efforts and contribution of the ATI network in delivering excellent extension services to its clients. He also pledged his commitment to continuously support the programs and services of ATI Nueve.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the ceremonial pledges of commitment and signing with partner agencies. Present during the signing of commitment were DA-RFO IX, PhilRice-Midsayap ES , DA-PhilMech, BPI-NSQCS IX, DA-PRRI, Landbank-ZDS, OPAG-Zamboanga Del Sur, Pagadian City Agriculture Office, Zamboanga City Agriculture Office, Dapitan City Agriculture Office, NIA -IX, PDEA IX and PCA IX.
The commitment signing marks the stronger partnership and collaboration of different agencies to smoothly implement the programs and services of the center for this year and beyond.
Part of the anniversary celebration of the center, the outgoing Center Director Ms.Alicia Rose D. Nebreja formally turned-over the key of responsibility of ATI-RTC IX to incoming OIC-Center Director Mr. Gerry R. Pagarigan, DVM.
In her message Dir. Nebreja ensures that she will continuously support the center. Moreover, Dr. Pagarigan is thankful for the trust and confidence of the management in choosing him as the OIC- Center Director. He commits to give his best for the betterment of the center's programs and services.
Another highlight of the 36th anniversary celebration is the free IEC materials and vegetable seeds. On display, were various products from our Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) in the region at a very reasonable price. Visitors and walk-in clients from neighboring agencies in the Regional Center was able to get assorted vegetable seeds and was able to buy products locally from ATI 9 LSAs.
In the second part of the celebration were series of activities in the afternoon. ATI 9 Center Director Ms. Alicia Rose Nebreja led the oath taking ceremony of Mr. Agustin Wagas and Ms. Jeanny Rodriguez Nabasca, as the newly appointed Planning Officer II and Information Officer II, respectively.
After that, ATI Nueve recognizes the significant efforts and contributions of its 2022 outstanding and top performing employees. The awardees were able to receive a plaque and certificate of recognition. Also, a plaque of Loyalty Award were given to Mr. Mario E. Saludar, 40 years in service, and Mr. Orlando B. Bayogos, 37 years in service.
The anniversary celebration was successfully conducted last January 27, 2023 at ATI Bldg, Pres. Corazon Aquino, Regional Office, Balintawak, Pagadian City.
By: Sittie Norjanna Pala, Chared Ladera
