4-H National President (in black jacket) introduced himself to the deaf students of Agusan National High School (ANHS) while teacher Ross Ann Capalit interpreted what he said in sign language.
BUTUAN CITY – For the first time in 68 years, Caraga region is given the chance to host the National Young Farmers Summit where Butuan will serve as the host city. The said summit, which was previously called Farm Youth (4-H) National Convention, is slated on May 18-22, 2020 in time for Butuan’s Balangay Festival celebration.
A team composed of 4-H national officers and ATI Central Office staff visited the city from February 10-12, 2020 to conduct an ocular inspection for the possible venue at the same time to meet key officials and personnel from the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, city government of Butuan, DA-RFO 13, and Caraga State University (CSU) for financial, technical and logistical support.
The team included 4-H National President Ricmel S. Falqueza, 4-H Vice President for Visayas Gemiel Hermita, 4-H Caraga officer Marjun B. Lim, and ATI CO staff Larry Illich N. Souribio and Maria Carmina de Mesa. They were also joined by staff from ATI-RTC 13 namely Mary Jane Gonzaga and Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac.
The team also went to Agusan National High School to meet the deaf students and their Special Education (SPED) teacher, Ross Ann Capalit, to encourage their membership to the 4-H Club and participation during the national summit. President Falqueza also promised Capalit that financial assistance will be awarded to them during the May event to support their Veggie Burger project.
Around 400 young farmers, 4-H officers and 4-H/RBO coordinators are expected to attend the said summit which will be held at Balangay Hotel and Convention Center. Lectures, contests and cultural presentations are expected to take place during the three-day event.