The ATI-RTC X exhibitors with Ms. Noemi Beth G. Macario, OIC-Assistant Center Director; top right: DOST Secretary Fortunato L. dela Pena; lower right: e-learning course enrollment with ATI ISS staff Cassandra Rosos.
VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON. The significance of biofertilizer and biopesticides in the field of agriculture was the focal point of the 2019 Regional Science and Technology Week and Farm-Industry Encounters. Gearing up with the theme “Advancing S & T for AANR towards Agripreneurship”, the activity was a joint celebration of Region X’s Science and Technology Week and the 1st Cluster FIESTA (Farms and Industry Encounters through Science and Technology Agenda). Together with the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources ( NOMCAARD ), participating consortium include the CCAARRD of Caraga Region, ILAARRDEC OF of Ilocos Region, SMAARDEC of southern Mindanao , and CVAARRDEC of Central Visayas. The Cluster FIESTA and exhibits ran from November 11-13, 2019 at the Robinsons Place in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
The three-day activity include exhibits and demonstrations of new technologies in agriculture particularly on natural fertilizers and pesticides, technology pitching and matching, product and technology exhibits from agencies and students’ studies and inventions , media conference, IEC distribution and pocket events, as well as farmers’ fora and field tour in some farm tourism sites in Bukidnon. The event is envisioned to be a celebration of the convergence of technology generators, technology adopters and potential investors.
In his inspirational message, DOST Secretary Fortunato L. De la Peña presented footages of tree cuttings and barks which are sold along the streets of Malaybalay City. He pointed out that such indigenous medicinal plants could be a source of studies in science and technology for students and researchers to be developed as a contribution in the field of medicine.
ATI-RTC X as one of the exhibitors presented videos of ATI-RTC X programs and projects, distributed leaflets on Natural Farming systems in three sets and assisted students enrolling the e-learning courses. Farmers and students flock to the exhibit booth to get the 600 copies of IECs and 26 students were able enroll in the e-learning courses as of the first day.