4th Techno Gabay Summit highlights FITS Centers’ accomplishments
By: Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac

BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – It takes time, effort, sweat and tears to be outstanding which is why the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XIII sees to it that those who worked the hardest are rewarded in the end. And so, during the conduct of the 4th Techno Gabay Summit held at Rosario’s Hotel and Restaurant last November 26-27, 2018, the best of the best reaped their well-deserved awards.
The following awards and winners were as follows:
Outstanding FITS Centers
1. Esperanza, Agusan del Sur
2. RTR, Agusan del Norte
3. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
4. Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
5. San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

Outstanding Magsasakang Siyentista (MS)
1. Clarence Fraga - Hinatuan, SDS
2. Jaime Perolina – Butuan City
3. Violeta Alegado – Buenavista, ADN
4. Richard Virtudazo – OPAG, SDS
5. Ruth Silva – Surigao City

Best Video Documentaries
1. Cagwait, SDS
2. OPAG, SDS
3. San Agustin, SDS
4. RTR, ADN
5. Buenavista, ADN

Aside from cash prizes, winners also received ICT gadgets and equipment to be used in the FITS Center and in sharing science-based knowledge in their locality. The opening day of the summit included a program where OIC Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo gave his welcome address. Among the guest speakers during the said gathering was Ericson Atanacio, co-owner of Terra Verde Ecofarm and Learning Site cooperator of ATI. During his four-hour motivational talk about Health & Wellness/Values Transformation, Atanacio ignited the interest and hope of the participants amid challenges in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, Atty. Allen Gasulas, Attorney V of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) – Caraga Region, struck the audience with her questions about gender differences, roles and identity. Her straight forward yet realistic approach on the Gender and Development (GAD) topic elicited both laughter and realizations from the participants.

Day 2 of the summit was devoted to reporting of accomplishments, assessment of FITS Centers, knowledge-sharing and exchange of best practices, formulation of plans and programs, and election of new sets of officers.

On November 28 and 29 which was the third and last day of the summit was the expository tour in Bukidnon. The group visited the famous Learning Sites and Agri-tourism destinations in Region 10 such as Jaya’s Secret Garden in Malaybalay City and Binahon Agroforestry Farm in Lantapan.

The said summit was attended by farmers, extension workers and members of the academe who are actively involved in the management and maintenance of the FITS Centers and the implementation of the Techno Gabay Program in the region.