QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES โ The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) celebrated its 39th founding anniversary on January 29, 2026, at the ATI Compound, reiterating its role as the primary extension and training service of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
With the theme โLoyalty in Action: Driving Agricultural Excellence through Service and Accountability,โ the one-day celebration included the groundbreaking ceremony of new infrastructure, the unveiling of key knowledge products, and the recognition of outstanding performance and long years of service within the network.
Dir. Remelyn R. Recoter, MNSA, CESO III, delivered her welcome message.
The morning celebration began with a Thanksgiving Mass, followed by a formal program led by ATI Director Remelyn R. Recoter, MNSA, CESO III. In her speech, Dir. Recoter said, โAs todayโs program unfolds, we invite you to see these initiatives as part of a larger, deliberate effortโone that strengthens service delivery, upholds accountability, and advances excellence in agriculture and fisheries.โ
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of ATI personnel across its network for their unwavering dedication to serving the public in the agricultural sector, as well as the groundbreaking ceremony of a new two-storey dormitory and multipurpose building. The infrastructure development aims to improve the Instituteโs capability to accommodate stakeholders and provide modernized facilities for extension work.
Usec. Roger V. Navarro, as he delivered his message of support.
USEC. Roger V. Navarro, DA Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit, emphasized the significance of the development of the Institute, โATI initiatives are more than just technical guides and physical facilities. They form part of a living tradition of passing down what is useful, what is proven, and what sustains life for the good of the community,โ he said.
Dir. Antonieta J. Arseo,ย led the unveiling of four (4)ย new Knowledge Products (KP).
Meanwhile, Dir. Antonieta J. Arceo, ATI Deputy Director, introduced four knowledge products developed in collaboration with the Regional Training Centers (RTCs):
โ The Extension and Training Roadmap for Priority Commodities 2026 2030, a strategic guide for priority commodities;
โ Compendium of Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Policies (2022 2025), a policy reference for the sector;
โ Organic Roots, Rising Shoots, a collection of success stories from the Youth Internship on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA); and
โ EASY Agri Journeys Story Book, a documentation of transformative agricultural experiences.
Furthermore, the Institute also announced plans to develop the Smart Agriculture component of ATIng TeknoHardin. This innovative demonstration area is envisioned to transform urban agriculture through the integration of smart production systems and climate-resilient technologies.
Asst. Dir. Antonieta J. Arceo also noted that the component adopts a learning-driven approach to agricultural innovation, laying the groundwork for hands-on technology demonstrations and capacity-building activities among learners, partners, and stakeholders. โThe smart agriculture component brings together intelligent production management systems, climate-responsive technologies, and practical design to support efficient food production, responsible resource use, and adaptive farming practices,โ she added.
Moreover, the anniversary culminated with the Loyalty and Kagalingan Awards, which honored the human capital that fuels the agency. Employees with 10 to 40 years of service were awarded for their loyalty, while the best-performing units received recognition for their efficiency in operations and stakeholder engagement.
Top Regional Training Centers (RTCs):
1. ATI Central Luzon
2. ATI Cordillera
3. ATI Ilocos Region
4. ATI Eastern Visayas
5. ATI Caraga
Top Central Office Divisions:
1. Policy and Planning Division (PPD)
2. Administrative and Finance Unit (AFU)
3. Career Development and Management Division (CDMD)
By advancing future-ready technologies, ATI reinforces its role as a catalyst for innovation and a trusted knowledge bank and capacity builder for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
Published by: Angel D. Bala
