QUEZON CITY— As the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services (NAFES) Month 2025 enters its final week, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) officially launched and turned over its ATIng Extension on Wheels (EOW) units to five regional training centers—Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
Inspired by Efren Peñaflorida’s “Kariton Klasrum,” these mobile learning hubs are equipped with ICT tools and knowledge products to deliver essential extension services and technology support directly to farming and fishing communities.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Engr. Christopher Morales graced the activity and underscored the project’s significance in addressing challenges faced by farmers.
"Alam nating maraming hamon ang kinakaharap ng ating mga magsasaka. Kaya’t napakahalaga na madala sa kanila ang mga bagong ideya, teknolohiya, at pagkakataong magpataas ng ani at kita. Tulad ng ating sinasabi natin sa Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka — ang tunay na pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa bukid, at ito ay maisasakatuparan lamang kung tayo ay magtutulungan," Usec. Morales stated.
Meanwhile, ATI Director Remelyn Recoter emphasized the Institute's commitment to building a more inclusive, accessible, and dynamic extension system.
“Ang Extension on Wheels ay isang mobile learning hub na idinisenyo upang direktang maihatid ang mga serbisyo at programa ng ATI sa mga komunidad. Sa pamamagitan nito, tayo na mismo ang lalapit sa kanila dala ang kaalaman, inspirasyon, at mga oportunidad para sa mas maunlad na agrikultura at ekonomiya ng ating bansa,” she said.
Local partners likewise expressed appreciation for the project, noting its potential to expand access to government programs and learning opportunities, especially in far-flung areas.
The turnover ceremony was attended by representatives from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Offices, ATI Regional Training Centers II, III, VI, X, and XII, section chiefs, Central Office staff, selected FITS Center Managers, Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) cooperators, and Magsasaka Siyentistas (MS).
