STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- In line with the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), its Regional Training Center (RTC) in Ilocos recognized its partners and stakeholders in appreciation to their support in the delivery of agricultural extension services in the region on Tuesday.
Rogelio Evangelista, center director of ATI-RTC 1, said the recognition dubbed as Sambayanang Itinataguyod ang Kaalamang Agrikultura at Pangisdaan(SIKAP) Awards aims to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of ATI partners and encourages them to maintain a harmonized and productive extension services for the agricultural and fishery sectors.

Rogelio Evangelista, center director of ATI-RTC 1, expresses his gratitude to all the partner of ATI in the delivery of excellent extension services in the region in line with agriculture and fisheries development program of the government.

“With the support and assistance of our partners and stakeholders, we can be more effective in delivering our services. Tulong-tulong, magagawa nating isang maunlad na pamayanan at maunlad sa agrikultura ang Rehiyon Uno,” Evangelista said during the awarding ceremony held at the ATI-RTC 1 Multi-Purpose Hall in this town.
Some 70 awardees from local government units, national government agencies, media, state universities and colleges, as well as private entities in Region 1 who supported the agricultural and fishery extension services of ATI were given recognition.
Aside from the SIKAP Awards, the celebration was highlighted with fun activities for ATI employees that included “laro ng lahi,” friendly sports activities, zumba and Holy Mass while graduates of the “Programang Angat Buhay para sa Magsasakang Pamilyang Pilipino (PAMPP)” were also given certificates of recognition for completing the program.
Meanwhile, Lea Astrude Santiago, magsasaka siyentista and president of the Samahang Itinataguyod ang Kaunlaran sa Agri-Turismo sa Rehiyon Uno (1-SIKAT), surprised the ATI family with a video presentation commending the efforts of the government and ATI employees for their support to agricultural workers.
“ATI plays a major role in the farming community. Sino bang mag-aakala na ang isang katulad ko na walang kamuwang-muwang o kaalaman sa pagtatanim at pagsasaka, dahil hinubog ako ng ATI ay magiging isang presidente ng isang samahan na sinusulong ang kaunlaran ng agri-turismo,” said Santiago.
“I was nobody, until ATI has become part of my life. Maraming naituro sa akin lalong-lalo na sa agrikultura and I was able to help people in our community,” stated Angel Padron, 1-SIKAT member. (JNPD/EMS/PIA Pangasinan)