STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan - The Samahang Itataguyod ang Kaunlaran ng Agri-Turismo (1 SIKAT) sa Rehiyon Uno or the association of farmer-cooperators of Learning Sites (LS), Schools for Practical Agriculture (SPA), Farm Tourisms (FT) and Private Extension Service Providers (PESP) of Region 1 held its 2nd Assembly on July 7, 2017 at ATI-RTC I, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.
The activity mainly acquainted the farmer-cooperators on salient updates and procedures, specifically on the accreditation process, value adding and online marketing of products as well as in readying their farms and services for visitors and tourists.
Various experts were invited to discuss on the said updates and procedures to include 1). Ms. Mariel D. Dacapias, ISS Section Chief of ATI-RTC 1 who presented the Introduction to FilFarm where she emphasized on Online Trading System; 2) Mr. Michael Putulan, Accreditation Officer of the Department of Tourism-Region I shared about the accreditation guidelines and requirements for farm tourism site where he highlighted that safety and peacefulness of the location is one of them; 3) Ms. Rhoda A. Galban of Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance (DA-AMAS) talked about value adding to farm products and services to gear up for farm tourism; and 4) Ms. Lorellie G. Mercado, President of Travvy International gave insights on how to prepare farms for visitors and tourists.
On the other hand, this gathering was an opportune time to plan for the two (2) upcoming activities 1 SIKAT is concerned, specifically in their preparation for the 1st Regional Herbs and Farm Tourism Summit as well as their participation in the 4th Symposium of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Extension Network 1 (RAFEN 1).
Preparations including roles and responsibilities of each of the farmer-cooperator were given in details by Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista, Center Director of ATI-RTC 1 and Ms. Lea Astrude Santiago, President of 1 SIKAT. They spearheaded this activity with the support and assistance of Ms. Almera Montano, Agriculturist II, assigned at the Partnership and Accreditation Services Section. She is the Focal Person for LS, SPA, FT and PESP.