BALUNGAO, Pangasinan - The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) extends support in promoting Farmcradle International Inc., an ATI-supported Learning Site for Agriculture in Barangay San Raymundo, Balungao, Pangasinan, to be the tentative venue for Modified Farmers Field School (FFS) Program of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Balungao, Pangasinan.
The said learning site was visited and inspected by ATI-RTC I, headed by Center Director Rogelio Evangelista, and TESDA Provincial Office, headed by Acting Provincial Director Rosa Untalan. The group toured the five-hectare farm learning site to assess its readiness for Modified FFS particularly to the out-of-school-youth (OSY) and farmers within the municipality.
The Municipal Agriculture Office of Balungao, Pangasinan, headed by the Municipal Agriculturist Danilo Imus, signaled positive support to the program as they accompanied ATI-RTC I and TESDA in the farm visit.
“Mas maganda kung mas marami magpaparegister sa agri-related courses ng Modified FFS particularly in drying and milling, RMO (Rice Machinery Operation), etc. Once registered/accredited na ang LSA, mabibigyan ng scholarship slots ang mga farmers/students na ma-accommodate ng learning site at pwede nila isingil ‘yon sa TESDA,” TESDA Acting Provincial Director Rosa Untalan said.
TESDA aims to increase the number of registrants as well as to extend support to farmers through proper training, and maximize the utilization of funds for the scholarship programs for farmers and OSYs.
ATI-RTC I will serve as the training support for the training of trainers of the learning site. “Para siguradong matututo sila, isang trainer kada limang estudyante ang ideal. At kung marami mailistang enrollees ang LGU Balungao, pwede tayong tumulong sa pag-train ng mga trainers nila,” Dr. Rogelio Evangelista cited.
ATI-RTC I, together with TESDA Provincial Office, LGU-Balungao and Farmcradle International Inc., look forward for the realization of the project with the common goal of extending support to the public as a whole.