QUEZON CITY, Metro Manila - Forty farm families from different regions attended the 1st National Farm Family Congress held at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City from June 19-22, 2018 with the theme: The Role of Family Farming in Meeting the Food Security Challenge.

Dr. Luz A. Taposok, OIC-National Director of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) during her message emphasized the importance of farm families as models in the community in terms of agriculture-related undertakings. “You should be proud that you sustain the Filipinos … you play an important role in our quest to attain food availability today and in the next generation, “she stressed.

The said congress was held with the intention of gathering selected farm families and share their knowledge and experiences on becoming farmer leaders and agricultural entrepreneur. Specifically, the congress aims to facilitate learning experiences through successful farm family operation and best practices, come up with strategies to further develop the farm and contribute to the food security program.

The objectives of the congress were attained through lectures and discussions, breakout sessions, video presentations and sharing of best practices. Aside from the above-mentioned activities, there was also a launching of the RBO/4H coffee table book, awarding of certificates to new Extension Service Providers (ESPs), cultural night and team-building activities.

Among the invited presenters/speakers were: Ericson B. Atanacio and family, owner of Terra Verde Ecofarm; Cherrie De Erit Atilano, founding farmer and President of AGREA Farm School; Ernesto Perlas and family; Rolando Rocapor and family, 2014 Gawad Saka Outstanding Farm Family; Ruben C. Gerance and family, 2017 Gawad Saka Outstanding Farm Family.

Caraga region was represented by the Mejeno family from Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Island who was adjudged this year as Regional Organic Achiever (Farm Family category) given by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 13.