LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET: The ATI-Cordillera conducted its RBO Assembly entitled “Big Brother, Big Sister, Stronger Together Strengthening Success Through Mutual Support with the theme "Harvest through 4-H Milestone: Harnessing Agricultural Resilience through Vision, Education, Sustainability, and Technology” held on May 15-17, 2025 at the ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
The event brought together stakeholders from various RBOs to strengthen cooperation and promote agricultural development in the region. The parade of colors marked the official opening of the program.
Keynote speaker Mr. Mark Adriel Sison of Dome Garden Hydroponics underscored the value of taking initiative in agriculture. “If you have a plan, do it now, because along the way you will learn through experience,” he said, encouraging attendees to act on their ideas and adapt through continuous learning.
An input session on Digital Farmers Program (DFP) was also done. Mr. Adrian Chris P. Velasco, Information Officer II of ATI-RTC-CAR, delivered a presentation on the Digital Farmers Program 101 and 102, highlighting the importance of digital tools in modern farming practices.
The six competing provinces and two cities of CAR showed their talents, wits, and agricultural skills during the competition. There were nine events where participants showed their talents, either in teams/groups or as individuals. These were the: 1) 4H Regional Excellent Achievers Awards (REAA with 4 categories namely head, heart, health and hand; 2) 4H Harvest of Excellent: Most Outstanding 4H Coordinator; 3) 4H Harvest of Excellent: Most Outstanding 4H Coordinator; 4) 4H Pop-up Quiz Bee content; 5) Fruit Carving and Garnishing; 6) 4H Club Promotional Video Contest; 7) 4H Agri-Innovation Pitching; 8) 4H Song Con: Tinig ng Kabataan; and 9) Cultural Presentation.
By fostering relationships between experienced mentors and young leaders, this combined initiative seeks to enhance leadership skills, agricultural entrepreneurship, and community services.
The assembly marked another step in ATI-RTC-CAR’s commitment to empowering farmers and advancing sustainable agriculture in the region. // with Jomar Guerzon, PAFES Technical Support
