KABACAN, Cotabato—In support to the intensive promotion of organic agriculture (OA) and its critical role in achieving food availability and security, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) joined the 17th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC).
The ATI’s network joined the National Organic Agriculture Program in this activity with the theme “Maunlad na Pagsasaka, Garantisado sa Organikong Agrikulturang Sinaliksik.” This was held at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, Cotabato.
At the center of the event are products from the partner farms of the Department of Agriculture and ATI-Regional Training Center in SOCCSKSARGEN.
The ATI booth showcased the organically grown produce and products from Deo’s Integrated Farm, Manna's Alternative Products, Unified Dairy Products, GB Farms, and Sebul Farm. Also available were OA-related information, education, and communication materials such as bio-organic, natural pesticides and fertilizers, urban agriculture, among others.
Before the formal opening of the exhibit, a program was held at the University Auditorium where Undersecretary Joana Paula Domingo, of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President, represented President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and delivered his message.
“Our nation is grateful for the brilliance, expertise, and commitment being shown by our OA practitioners and innovators. You are not only our partners in combating the challenges in the agri-sector but also our champions in achieving our shared goals in various aspects of our society,” she added.
After the opening program, the officials finally launched the exhibit at the USM Commercial Building. A total of 20 exhibitors participated in the exhibit which include partner ATI Learning Sites and implementing agencies of the OA program.
Lastly, the delegates attended sessions on fertilizer, crops, rice, poultry, and livestock where experts discussed their studies followed by an open forum with the delegates and panelists.
