The 3rd Regional Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) Summit, organized by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-ATI-RTC-CAR) spearheaded by the Partnership and Accreditation Section (PAS) in collaboration with the Cordillera Association of Learning Sites for Agriculture (CALSA) Officers, took place on September 4-5, 2024, at the DA-ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compound, La Trinidad, Benguet. The event, which was attended by 105 Certified LSAs, Magsasakang Siyentesta (MS) and farmers across the region, focused on the theme βSynergizing for a Greener Future: Collaborative Paths towards Productivity and Sustainability,β highlighting its commitment to advancing agricultural practices and strengthening partnerships.
During the opening program, Training Center Director Charlie C. Sagudan commended the LSA Operators who attended despite the inclement weather. He noted that the summit serves as an excellent platform for LSAs to exchange knowledge and showcase their products at their respective booths.
Elmer Macalingay, entrepreneur and owner of Um-a Farm, Eco Lodge Hotel and Resto, and Health 100, served as the guest speaker. He shared his entrepreneurial journey, which took him from the classroom to the kitchen and eventually to the field. Macalingay emphasized that there is no secret recipe for success; rather, it involves starting small, dreaming big, believing in oneself, embracing failure, and maintaining a willingness to learn. He challenged LSA operators to distinguish themselves by being unique, likening their potential to a 'purple cow' that stands out from the rest. He also encouraged them to be innovative and to maintain a commitment to excellence.
Macalingay further challenged the LSA operators to evaluate their performance and ensure that they are maximizing whatever resources they have and their capabilities. βRather than focusing on what ATI can do for you, ask what you can do for ATI, ATI-RTC-CAR to be specific, that is, we will make them proud of us,β he stated.
The LSA operators were also briefed on various government programs, including those from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regarding Farm Business Registration and Regulations; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) concerning the LSA-TESDA Partnership on TVI Management and Scholarship Programs; the Department of Tourism (DOT) focusing on Agri-tourism; the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-CAR (DA-RFO-CAR) on High Value Crops and Organic Agriculture Programs; and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) on the Cotton Industry.
In addition to the program presentations and discussions, the summit featured a skills enhancement session on flower arrangement led by Joanne Marie Torres, Agriculturist II from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Benguet (OPAg-Benguet). This session provided LSA operators with hands-on experience in various flower arrangement techniques, further enriching their agricultural skill set.
The CALSA Officers led by Ivan D. Baguilat, CALSA President also conducted their 3rd quarter meeting and inaugural general assembly following the session, where they discussed various agenda items related to their association. A key topic of the meeting was outlining their strategic direction and future initiatives.
Awards at the summit recognized outstanding achievements in various categories. The Best Performing LSA award was based on several criteria, including completeness and punctuality of report submissions, active involvement in training programs, and innovation in farming practices. The Best Exhibit Booth award was based on product diversity, aesthetic view, team effort, and sales performance.
The Best Performing LSAs per program were as follows:
- Corn-Based Program: Ysha Mae Corn-Based Integrated Farm, owned by Estrelita P. Baga
- Livestock-Based Program: Macquera Integrated Farm, owned by Henry V. Macquera
- Organic Agriculture Program: 4L Integrated Organic Farm, owned by Ursula M. Sacley
- Rice-Based Program: J and E Integrated Farm, owned by by Eliza L. Sevilleja
- Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF): Bacayan Rice-Based Integrated Farm, owned by Michael W. Lumas-i
For the Best Exhibit Booth, Kalinga Association of Learning Site for Agriculture (KALSA) emerged as the winner, securing first place with a score of 88%. Benguet Learning Sites followed in second place with 80.33%, and Ifugao Association of Learning Sites achieved third place with 77.33%. Additionally, Abra and Apayao were recognized with consolation awards.
Part of the summit was the Cultural Night, showcasing the diverse cultures of the different provinces. These cultures can be incorporated in their farms as Agrifarm-tourism. This also aimed to strengthen partnerships among the LSAs. Kalinga, Benguet, and Ifugao took the top three spots with their impressive cultural presentations, while Abra, Apayao, and Mountain Province received consolation awards.
In the closing program, Maribeth M. Laduan, LSA focal person reviewed forum discussions, while Dr. Cristine B. Esnara, PAS Section head and Senior Agriculturist reiterated key agreements and reminders for all LSAs. Eden P. Alideg, owner of Clefrazet Coffee Preparation Services, and Harriet L. Tenda, owner of Indigenous Path Foundation Inc., reflected positively on their experiences and the summitβs impact.
βDuring this summit, I realized that as a young farmer just starting out, this path holds great promise, especially when I see my fellow LSAs who are already well-established. This summit has given me much to look forward to, and I am grateful for all the learnings. I hope to grow and expand my farm in the coming years. I also encourage our senior members to mentor younger generations like me to continue the legacy of success, so I can see other young faces at the next summit,β said Tenda, reflecting on her experience.
On his closing remarks, Director Sagudan expressed his agreement with Tenda's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of encouraging younger generations to engage in agriculture and challenged the LSA operators to encourage their children. He commended the summit's theme as a promising step toward transforming the agricultural sector and emphasized that achieving this requires a united effort from all stakeholders.
Director Sagudan also commended the team for their efforts in facilitating the summit, noting the evident improvements each year in the execution of the event. He expressed his anticipation for future summits, looking forward to continued progress and development.//Tiffanie Grace C. BeΓ±geg, Technical Support Staff
