ATI-Caraga representatives NTMadarimot (standing 2nd from left) and MJCabahug (standing 3rd from right) pose with the delegates during FSTP anniversary on February 27, 2019.
LAGUNA, Philippines – The Agricultural Training Institute-RTC 13 was recognized during the 25th year anniversary of the Farmer Scientists Training Program (FSTP) on February 27, 2019 at the Agricultural Systems Institute, CAFS, UPLB, Laguna.
With its Theme, “Using Science & Technology to Empower Farmers as Heroes of the Land”.
The said celebration gathered farmer-scientists in the Philippines that mark its long-years of service to the farmers particularly in the corn industry.
FSTP is a program that has holistic approach which utilizes an integrative research development and extension methodology forming appropriate values of corn-based farming. Through the program, farmers can adopt scientific and sustainable methods of corn production.
The activity highlights the use of science and technology in empowering farmers being the true heroes of the country. Another significant event was the awarding ceremony for the program partners and implementers; five of them were from Caraga region.
FSTP Team in Caraga was led by Mr. Neptali V. Madarimot, FSTP Corn Focal person with his alternate Mr. Matt Johnfour Cabahug.
Two recognized awardees were from Surigao del Sur in the person of Ms. Theresa Ilogon, Municipal Agriculturist in Madrid, SDS and Ms. Nelsan B. Luna, Agricultural Technologist in Tago, SDS.
On the other hand, Mayor Maria Liza Evangelista of LGU-Sibagat received a recognition representing the Province of Agusan del Sur.
Distinguished speaker was the father of FSTP, Dr. Romulo G. Davide. He presented the history and program milestones of FSTP after 25 years of existence. He mentioned that the ATI is the lead implementer of the program by virtue of Executive Order No. 710 for ten years. He highlighted the importance of expanding the implementation of the program and called for a continuous support in liberating farmers from the bondage of hunger and poverty.
As a national event, its anniversary was participated by various farmer-scientists, program partners from the academe, provincial and local government units, R&D Institutions, Non-government Organizations (NGOs) and agri-industry stakeholders.