GENERAL NAKAR, Quezon– After four months of keen groundwork, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CaLaBaRZon launched the Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) Livelihood and Community Project in Brgy. Magsikap, General Nakar, Quezon on August 4, 2017. The project aims established a pilot area for the Climate Resilient Community.
Some 30 farm family beneficiaries of the project attended the launching ceremony. Representatives from partner agencies also graced the momentous event, which includes:
1. ATI Central Office – Mr. Vicente S. Dayanghirang, Jr., Planning Officer IV
Ms. Mikaela Amihan S. Arrosa, Project Evaulation Officer I
2. Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA RFO) IVA – Ms. Sally Panaligan, Agriculturist II from Agricultural Program
Coordinating Officer (APCO) Quezon
3. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) IVA – Mr. Domingo Torres, Senior Aquaculturist
4. Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) IVA – Ms. Erlene C. Manohar, Regional Manager
5. Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) – Ms. Phoebe Villasanta, from Extension Services
6. Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Quezon – Ms. Monina Jacobo, Agriculturist II
Hon. Eliseo R. Ruzol, Sr., Municipal Mayor of General Nakar, was also present throughout the program. “Sana itong pagkakataong ito wag nating sayangin. Tingnan natin ang kapakanan ng susunod na salinlahi. Kanino ba natin itu-turnover ang kalikasang ito kundi sa susunod na henerasyon. Kung di natin aayusin ito, palala ng palala ang kapaligiran natin. Sa pagtutulong tulong natin gawin nating mahusay at mabilis na mai-deliver natin ang serbisyo sa ating pamayanan,” message delivered by Mayor Ruzol.
The launching of CRA Livelihood and Community project was initiated with the groundbreaking ceremony of Village-Level Coco Coir Processing Plant. Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between ATI CaLaBaRZon and the Municipality of General Nakar was the highlight of the program. Commitment signing of partner agencies and farm family beneficiaries were also part of the launching. “Hinihingi po namin ang inyong partisipasyon. Ipakita natin na kahit ang Brgy. Magsikap ay isa sa mga high risk o napakataas ng panganib ay may pagkakaisa na tugunan ang programa para maipakita sa iba na kayo ay matatag anuman ang dumating na kalamidad sa ating komunidad,” as told by Ms. Marites P. Cosico, Center Director of ATI CaLaBaRZon, during the closing program.
The program will be implemented for six months. Various climate change technology trainings for the duration of project are developed to empower the whole community on climate smart livelihood and impacts of climate change and disasters. Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, Climate Change Focal Person of ATI CaLaBaRZon, will oversee the implementation of the project.