BUTUAN CITY - The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 conducted its 5th Regional Techno Gabay Program (TGP) Summit on November 18-22, 2019 at Amaris Suites, Butuan City. This is along with the theme "Food Security Amidst Climate Crisis”.

The activity aims to evaluate and assess the accomplishments of the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers in 2019 as well as the planning workshop for the upcoming undertakings in CY 2020.

In here, massive information drive on Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for the FITS Center of the priority provinces particularly in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur was also conducted.

More than eighty (80) participants comprising Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and farmers joined in the said activity. FITS Center staff such as FITS Manager, Information Services Specialist (ISS), Technology Services Specialist (TSS) and Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) convened during the activity.

Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo, expressed his warmth welcome to the participants during the opening program. On the other hand, Mr. Fil Victor Babanto presented the overview of the activities and TGP updates. He also oriented everyone on the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Moreover, Ms. Antonieta J. Arceo, Chief of the Information Services Division (ISD) of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)- Central Office updated participants on the TGP Implementation and encouraged them to do more for the enhancement of their respective FITS center.

Presentation of Accomplishment Reports and knowledge sharing among FITS staff and MS followed right after the discussion. MS also received their Certificate of Appointments during the program.

Mr. Loreto Leo Ocampos presented a topic "Asawa ug Bana: Ang Abot sa Uma ug ang Ginansya". He is one of the Resource Persons during the summit. Ocampos inspires everyone to pursue their passion in farming and venture into business. As Learning Site Cooperator in Region 10, he made his own organic farm as an inspiration to all by starting small but with big dreams.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rodel Pasion, representing Caraga State University (CSU) as Partner-Agency discussed Roles and Functions of FITS Staff and MS. Action Planning followed right after the discussion.

The third, fourth and fifth days were focused on the expository tour specifically to the Learning Sites of ATI in Region 10 and 11. Participants were able to visit the Loyola Bee Farm in Panabo City, Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm in Malaybalay City, and Atugan Nature Farm in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. They were able to reflect the knowledge gained from the farm tour on the fifth day as one of their outputs.