CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - In support of the various research for development (R4D) efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) participated in the 2nd National Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Exhibition (NAFTE), organized by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).
With the theme: “Makabago at Angkop na Teknolohiya: Tulong sa Patuloy na Pag-unlad ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event aimed to showcase cutting-edge technologies and foster knowledge-sharing within the agri-fisheries sector.
The DA Regional Field Offices (RFO) from all over the country were able to showcase raw and processed products in their respective regions. Meanwhile, several educational institutions and partners from the private sector introduced their technologies and products during the exhibition.
Senator Mark A. Villar, Senate Committee Chairperson on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises and Banks, Financial Institutions, and Currencies, was present during the event and delivered the keynote speech.
“Congratulations to all the exhibitors for being here today and for your dedication in developing new technology and solutions that will bring help to our farmers and fisherfolk. I hope that this exhibit would be an eye-opener to all of your potential to contribute to something bigger,” he stated.
The senator lauded all the participating agencies, institutions, and organizations for their determination and dedication to research and development for the agriculture and fisheries sector.
Likewise, during the opening ceremony, DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, representing Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., expressed appreciation in the conduct of R4D activities.
“I commend the bureau’s conduct of NAFTE, a showcase of R4D-generated technologies and products aimed at bridging information and bringing awareness to both the private and public sector on the efforts and interventions that the DA continuously implements to support and boost the sector,” she said.
For its part, the ATI provided free educational materials and displayed products for sale from its different accredited Learning Sites for Agriculture in the region.
This year's event offered a forum for researchers, farmers, students, and industry experts and key players which enables them to interact with cutting-edge techniques in the agri-fisheries sector in partnership with DA-RFO X.
The activity was held last June 4-6, 2024 at The Atrium, Lim Ket Kai Center in Northern Mindanao.
