SUMILIHON, Butuan City– As the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) turns 33 today, January 29, 2020, the Regional Training Center based at Brgy. Los Angeles this city has prepared various activities for its clients, staff and schoolchildren.

The morning activity commenced with an ecumenical service delivered by Pastor Oronito Abendanio and was followed by the awarding ceremony for model farmers and outstanding youth in Caraga region.

The first set of awards was the Best Video Production which was conferred by Smart Communications. First place went to Mark Vincent S. Sampuang and Reah S. Sampuang of RTR, Agusan del Norte while Second Place was awarded to Jestoni A. Integro and Nilda J. Bungaos also of RTR. The said winning entries were outputs during the training for the Digital Farmers Program 101 sponsored by Smart, ATI and Probe Media Foundation Inc.

Next was the awarding of Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) certificates to newly-certified LSA farms such as Basmayor Farm (Mainit, SDN), Mejeno’s Farm (Basilisa, PDI), Paguntalan’s Diversified Farm (Loreto, ADS), Green Haven Adventure Farm (Bayugan City, ADS), Agricultural Resource Center – Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (San Francisco, ADS), Jolly Goat Dairy Farm (Dumalagan, Butuan City), Billonid Farm (Tungao, Butuan City), Amparitas Integrated Natural Farm (Hinatuan, SDS), Alegado’s Farm (Buenavista, ADN), JRS Diversified Agri-Farm (RTR, ADN), Butuan City Integrated Diversified Organic Farm (Pigdaulan, Butuan City), FRIEND Organic Farm (San Francisco, ADS) and Sunrise Organic Farm Resort Integrated Diversified Farm (Bonbon, Butuan City).

Furthermore, hammermills and mini feed mixers were turned over to nine individuals/associations from Surigao del Sur. The recipients were: Benie B. Feguro (San Miguel), Isabelita T. Fiel (Cortes), Matthew S. Plaza III (Tandag City), Florante M. Sugian (Carrascal), Carmen Swine Raisers Association (Carmen), Ruben J. Gayda (Cantilan), Virgilio A. Dalman (Marihatag), Livestock and Poultry Raisers Association (Carrascal) and Mayven G. Jacinto (Tago).

In the afternoon, staff of ATI Caraga travelled to Sumilihon Central Elementary School for the feeding program. More than a hundred Grade 1 pupils joined the said activity which also included games, awarding of prizes and certificate. Aside from the kits which were turned over to the school, the faculty headed by its President, Gregorio V. Podes Jr., were toured at ATI Caraga’s demonstration farm to broaden teachers’ knowledge on vegetable gardening and farming technologies.