PIDDIG, Ilocos Norte, CABUGAO and SAN JUAN, Ilocos Sur - The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) accredited Piddig Food Factory School and Agro-Tourism Farm in Piddig, Ilocos Norte; Lusong Agri-Tourism Farm and Malakas Farm in Cabugao and San Juan, Ilocos Sur respectively, as learning sites on October 2 and 3, 2017.
Funds amounting to eighty thousand pesos (PhP 80, 000) were awarded to owners during the launching programs as support to improvements of their farms.
ATI-RTC I Director Rogelio C. Evangelista said that learning sites are established to promote sustainable development initiatives amongst the poor and small scale farmers through participatory and innovative practices.
“These farms that will turn into Learning Sites and later on become Schools for Practical Agriculture shall offer experiential learning environment showcasing agricultural advancements to farmers, students and tourists”, Director Evangelista emphasized.
According to Mr. Robert Viloria, owner of Malakas Farm, this kind of initiative empowers farmers like him to provide healthy produce to their communities and help facilitate in the provision of livelihood to poor families in their municipality.
The launching event held at Malakas Farm was hosted by Mr. Robert Viloria and family, and was graced by Cabugao Municipal Mayor Hon. Benjamin Sarmiento; Cabugao Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Romel Hilario; San Juan LGU representatives; Senator Cynthia Villar representative, Ms. Ruby Ann Matutino; Farm Volunteers, and Organic Agriculture advocates and enthusiasts.
Piddig Food Factory School Launching and awarding program on the other hand, was hosted by Mr. Cresencio Figuracion, president of Piddig Organic Practitioners Association and was attended by their former Municipal Mayor and currently the Municipal Administration and Economic Development Consultant Hon. Engr. Eduardo Guillen; Ms. Sally Figuracion, Municipal Agriculturist; and staff of the Municipal Agriculture office.
Lusong Agri-Tourism Farm’s program was hosted by Hon. Deogracias Jose Victorino Savellano, the farm owner and Vice Mayor of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. The activity was attended by Mr. Arnel Gallarde, TESDA Ilocos Sur representative; Ms. Ruby Ann Matutino, Senator Cynthia Villar representative, and other staff of LGU- Cabugao.