DILIMAN, Quezon City -ย The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) recently led the ceremonial launch of ATIng TeknoHardin, the new smart urban agriculture demonstration facility designed to showcase innovative, sustainable and technology-driven farming practices.ย
Funded under the Department of Agricultureโs National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) and High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), the facility will serve as a learning hub where farmers, agricultural extension workers, students, youth, and visitors can experience modern agricultural technologies and urban food production systems firsthand.ย More importantly, this is in support of the proposed Internship Program on Smart Agriculture for Young Filipinos funded by South Koreaโs Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and in collaboration with the Korean Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS).
ATI Director Remelyn R. Recoter welcomed the guests and expressed her appreciation on behalf of the Institute for their presence. She noted that โthe event is not only an opportunity to showcase a new initiative, but also a chance to bring together partners and stakeholders who share a common vision of a more progressive and resilient agricultural sector.โ
Representing DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Assistant Secretary for Logistics Daniel Alfonso N. Atayde emphasized in his message that โthrough ATIng TeknoHardin, we are planting the seeds of a more innovative, inclusive, smarter, and more resilient agricultural future for the Philippines.โ
In response, EPIS President Yoon Dong Jin shared during his message that through this project, they would be able to find a kind of solution for young farmers to master the smart agriculture technologies and start their own agribusiness. โToday's harvest is a symbolic step in our five-year journey. Just like the crops grown in this greenhouse, I sincerely hope that the young who will go through this program will take deep root and bear abundant fruit,โ said President Yoon.ย
Witnessing the launch were the training center directors of the ATI network of training centers. Recoter introduced them to the Korean delegation as the Instituteโs field personnel who are screening the young farmer applicants from their respective region for the internship program.ย
The guests were then guided to the facility to see the key features of the ATIng TeknoHardin, such as smart agriculture monitoring and control systems; enhanced screenhouses and nursery facilities; improved irrigation and crop production systems; edible landscaping showcasing food-producing ornamental spaces; demonstration plots for training and extension activities and interactive learning environment for urban agriculture education.ย
Also present in the ceremonial launch were distinguished officials from EPIS, namely Director Lee Jaeโeun, Senior Manager Yoon Juhyun, and Assistant Manager Jang Seonju. The event was held last July 23, 2026 at the ATI Central Office compound in Diliman, Quezon City.ย
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