DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) took to the airwaves through Usapang Agrikultura on Radyo Pilipinas last October 17, 2025, as part of the first-ever National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services (NAFES) Month celebration.
ATI Director Remelyn R. Recoter joined host Hero Robregado to talk about the significance of the newly declared observance under Proclamation No. 753, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in November 2024. During the interview, she emphasized that NAFES Month recognizes the hard work and dedication of agricultural and fishery extension workers—the bridge that connects government programs to farmers and fishers nationwide.
“Itong selebrasyon ay nagpapakita ng buong suporta ng ating gobyerno para sa agrikultura at pangisdaan. Patunay ito na tuloy-tuloy ang mga programa at tulong para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa buong bansa.”
She added, “Sila ang tulay ng gobyerno sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Sila rin ang katuwang sa pagbabahagi ng kaalaman at teknolohiya para sa mas episyente at masaganang ani at huli.”
Recoter shared that ATI and its network of training centers have lined up a series of nationwide activities for the month-long celebration of the NAFES Month. These include information caravans, exhibits, conferences and symposia held in the regions.
Part of the celebration are the school-based programs such as the AgriKids School Caravans held in Malabon and Pangasinan in partnership with World Vision Philippines, for the youth to appreciate and understand the relevance of agriculture in their daily lives. The celebration also features book launching of compilation of success stories that highlight the achievements of farmers and fisherfolk from the different regions. These compilations serve as testaments to the value of extension work and its impact on rural communities.
She also introduced Agri Extension on Wheels, a mobile learning platform that aims to bring agricultural extension services to the reach far-flung areas. “Ito ay makakapunta sa mga lugar na hindi madaling maabot. Magdadala ito ng mga impormasyon, video presentations, at pagsasanay mismo sa mga barangay.” A ceremonial turn-over of the first set of Agri Extension on Wheels to the selected ATI Regional Training Centers will be held on October 28, 2025.
Recoter further emphasized ATI’s strong collaboration with local government units (LGUs), which serve as frontliners in delivering extension services. “May mga hamon sa bawat LGU, pero ginagawa nila ang lahat para makarating ang tamang impormasyon at teknolohiya sa ating mga magsasaka.”
She also shared that ATI continues to strengthen its partnerships internationally, particularly with the ASEAN member-countries through the Sectoral Working Group on Agricultural Training and Extension. With the support of a South Korean agency, ATI helped develop a Smart Agriculture Curriculum and conducted trainers’ training to build the capacity of ATI staff and learning site operators.
When asked about ATI’s initiatives on organic farming, Recoter explained that the Institute continues to support the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) by training practitioners and forming groups that serve as advocates of organic agriculture. “Pangunahin nating interbensyon ang training at pagbuo ng mga grupo na magiging tagapagtaguyod ng organic agriculture.” She also mentioned that ATI complements the distribution of farm inputs and equipment handled by regional field offices through capability-building programs and field-based demonstrations.
Recoter also expressed her gratitude to the national government for continuing to provide funding support that allows ATI to expand its extension programs and services. She encouraged agriculture graduates to consider joining ATI as part of its growing workforce. “Malaki ang pasasalamat natin sa administrasyon sa patuloy na suporta at pondo para sa ating mga programa.”
The Director also underscored that its mission remains centered on empowering communities through education, innovation, and technology transfer. “Ang extension services ay hindi lamang programa. Isa itong pagkilos para sa masaganang agrikultura at maunlad na ekonomiya ng bawat Pilipino.”
