CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)—Giving the farmers the opportunity to exchange ideas on successful farming methods, scientific discoveries, and concerns, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-10 held the Regional Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA), School for Practical Agriculture (SPA), and Private Agriculture and Fisheries-Extension Service Providers (PAF-ESP) Summit, May 30-31, here.
“We hope that this first summit will be an avenue for sharing and for learning also some of the services and interventions provided by the Department of Agriculture, kasi nakita ko ‘yung (because I’ve seen the) schedules and there are sharing of information coming from the agencies,” ATI National Director Remelyn Recoter said.
The Agricultural Training Institute-10 holds the Regional Learning Sites for Agriculture, School for Practical Agriculture, and Private Agriculture and Fisheries-Extension Service Providers Summit, May 30-31, 2023, at Cagayan de Oro City. (RTP/PIA-10)
She also hopes that the information shared by the representatives of the national government agencies will provide farmers with the information they need on upgrading their respective farms and legacies in agriculture.
As for the farmers’ role in nation-building, Recoter reminded the participants that during the pandemic, the sector also served as one of the frontliners.
“Of course kamo dinha, ang mga farmers, fisherfolk bisan sa kahadlok nga mamakuha og COVID-19, matakdan og COVID-19 (despite the fear of getting infected with COVID-19, you, our farmers and fisherfolk), really continued the planting, you continued the farming and fishing just to provide for every household in the country,” Recoter said.
Agricultural Training Institute Director Remelyn Recoter (3rd from right), together with Department of Agriculture-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota Madriaga (3rd from left), leads the opening of the LSA Bazaar that features the products of the farmers, May 30-31, 2023, at Harbor Lights Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. (RTP/PIA-10)
For her part, ATI-10 Center Director Maria Lydia Echavez said northern Mindanao is one of the regions with the highest number of learning sites across the country, and as of May 22, the region already has 131 regular LSAs from the various commodity banner programs.
“You are among our strong partners to be able to continue providing or delivering our services, projects, and activties. With you, ATI has delivered extension services beyond boundaries,” she added.
Empowering agricultural sector
Aside from sharing best farm practices and experiences, the summit also highlighted financial literacy through Engr. Jose Feron Cacanando, Moriah Farms Incorporated owner, who also shared about the essence of farming.
“Alagaan mo ang lupa mo kasi aalagaan ka rin niya (take care of your land, and your land will also take care of you). Serve and you will be served,” Cacanando said, as he cited ways farmers could develop their farmlands.
He also shared that in business, the greatest control is savings. Thus, he urged the farmers to refrain from making debts, control their spending, especially on vices and wants, and “be fruitful” in the sense of maximizing whatever it is that they have.
Agricultural Training Institute National Director Remelyn Recoter hopes that the information shared by the representatives of the national government agencies in the regional summit will provide farmers with the information they need on upgrading their respective farms and legacies for agriculture, May 30-31, 2023, at Cagayan de Oro City. (RTP/PIA-10)
“Hard labor does not make you poor, bad spending can,” Cacanando said.
In the said activity, ATI-10 also recognized the LSAs, SPAs, and PESPS for their contributions to rural and agricultural development. They gave the Agri Guru Award to Margeuries House of Goodies; the Farmer Influencer Award to Alomah’s Nature Farm; the Community Catalyst Award to Greenminds Incorporated; and the Money Maker Award to Alman God’s Gift Foundation Inc.
In the regional summit, the Agricultural Training Institute recognizes the LSAs, SPAs, and PESPS for their contributions to rural and agricultural development. The awardees include Margeuries House of Goodies, Alomah’s Nature Farm, Greenminds Incorporated, and Alman God’s Gift Foundation Inc. (RTP/PIA-10)
The farmer participants from all over the region were also able to showcase their products through the LSA Bazaar placed in the summit vicinity.
ATI-10 organizes, certifies, and accredits LSAs, SPAs, and PAF-ESPs. The latter are expected to be partners with ATI for a farmer-led extension. (RTP/PIA-10)
Agricultural Training Institute National Director Remelyn Recoter administers the oath taking of the newly promoted and appointed staff of the agency during the Regional LSA, SPA, and PAF-ESP Summit, May 30, 2023, at Cagayan de Oro City. (RTP/PIA-10)
####
