NUEVA ERA, Ilocos Norte – The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) headed by Director Rogelio C. Evangelista conducted a courtesy call with the local government officials of Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte about RAFEN I convergence initiative updates and concerns on October 2, 2017 at Nueva Era Municipal Hall.
RAFEN I Focal Person Dr. Melinda F. Mangabat, presented the accomplishments of existing ATI programs and projects in the community and put forward necessary actions on assuring effective implementation of the said activities through thorough monitoring. With this, Municipal Mayor Hon. Caroline A. Garvida expressed her commitment in the assisting of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of agricultural projects being conducted within their municipality.
Also, roles and responsibilities of each party were discussed and ideas on what to change, retain and improve on the implemented projects particularly on the convergence site were also taken into consideration during the said meeting.
Meanwhile, sheep were distributed to five selected farmers of Barangay Sto. Niño on the same day at the open gymnasium of the municipality. The brief turnover of livestock was conducted by ATI- RTC I and was witnessed by Hon. Mayor Caroline A. Garvida, Hon. Vice Mayor Atty. Aldrin R. Garvida, Nueva Era Municipal Agriculturist Rufino Corpuz, Sangguniang Bayan representatives and ATI Staff who joined the activity.
The livestock granted to Macario delos Reyes, Wilson Reyes, Clasudio Ramirez, Paulo Ibangga and Sylvia Gaoiran is a part of the Palayamanan Plus project of ATI that aims to increase the productivity and income of beneficiaries. Palayamanan Plus project advocates diversified, intensified and integrated farming components to promote an intensive rice - based production system.
ATI has been establishing partnership mechanisms to harmonize agricultural extension service delivery system in the country. This is to help increase productivity of small scale farmer, increase income of both farming and non-farming sectors and reduce malnutrition rate of the country’s population.