LAUREL, Batangas – Since its institutionalization in 2012, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region IV-A continues to maximize the potential of its extension modalities. The program aimed to bring science-based information and technology services to the end-users in the agriculture, forestry, and natural resources sectors.

The Partner Agencies play crucial roles in the implementation of the program. They serve as partners in identification of possible Farmer Information and Technology Services (FITS) establishment, assist in the monitoring of FITS activities, and serve as expert sources for technical advisories. Although there are existing guidelines and policies which were crafted last 2015, the participants need to revisit the said documents.

In response to this, the Center brought together the representatives of Partner Agencies of Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) and State University and Colleges (SUCs) of the five (5) provinces of Region IV-A during the Regional Techno Gabay Program (TGP) Partner Agencies Consultative Workshop.

During the workshop the participants from PLGUs and SUCs updated and revised the existing internal policies and guidelines and Memorandum Of Agreement.

Rolando V. Maningas, Ph.D., Chief of Information Services Section (ISS) of ATI IV-A emphasized the importance of the roles of PLGUs and SUs, “We came up doon sa ating target output, ang ating policies. Wala na tayong duplication, alam na natin who is going to lead, who is going to assist," Maningas said during the closing program of the activity.

The participants were able to visit the ATI IV-A e-hub, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Cavite Province Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center, Cavite State University (CvSU)- Indang Campus, Silan’sAgri Farm, and FITS Center Amadeo, Cavite.

The activity was held at Gorgeous Farm, Laurel, Batangas last April April 24-25, 2018.