Lucban, Quezon – With the theme “Ensuring Food Security Amidst Climate Change,” the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CaLaBaRZon celebrated its 5th Techno-Gabay Program (TGP) Summit 2017. Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center across CaLaBaRZon region attended the annual event on November 9 – 10, 2017 in Southern Luzon State University (SLSU).
The two-day TGP Summit 2017 commenced with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, Director of the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research and keynote speaker, together with other guests, Dr. Milo O. Placino, SLSU President, and Mr. Romulo Edaño, Quezon Provincial Administrator. Booth display and exhibit of products represented by each province in CaLaBaRZon region and accomplishment poster produced by FITS Center were also launched afterwards. Aside from FITS Centers, farmers from Lucban, Luisiana, Tayabas and Sampaloc in Quezon province were also invited for the Information Caravan during the first day of the summit. Lectures were divided into three symposium sessions discussed by distinguished resource speakers – Climate Change Impact in Agriculture (Dr. Jesusita O. Coladilla, Faculty of College of Agriculture – SLSU), Climate Smart Agriculture Practices (Mr. Rene Vidallo, Program Director of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction – Silang, Cavite) and Sharing of Best Practices (Ms. Edelissa Ramos, Mr. Angelito Mendoza and Mr. Juanito Tique). Governor’s night hosted by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) – Quezon boosted much enjoyment to the FITS Centers. The night was filled with cultural show and presentation from Sinag Banahaw Cultural Dance Troupe of SLSU. Furthermore, FITS accomplishments per province were reported on the second day of the program, while, the most highlighted and anticipated part of the event, the awarding ceremony, resulted excitement to the attendees. Here is the list of winners:
Best FITS Center: FITS Gumaca, Quezon
Best Magsasaka Siyentista (MS): Ruy Valente “Ding” M. Polistico
Best Booth: Laguna province
Best Accomplishment Poster:
1st place: Teresa, Rizal
2nd place: Magdalena, Laguna
3rd place: Tanza, Cavite
Best FITS Center and best MS received cash prize and plaque of recognition from ATI CaLaBaRZon. Also, the best booth and top three best accomplishment posters received cash prize and certificate.
“Napakahalaga po ng programang TGP Summit. Yung pagtatatag ng FITS Center sa mga bayan, sa mga SUCs (State Universities and Colleges) at iba pang mga lugar na nagiging extension modality ng ATI para gamitin yung mga makabagong technology o IT sa pagtuturo sa magsasaka at mangingisda para mapataas ang antas ng kaalaman hindi lang sa paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya kundi para na rin hindi kayo mahirapan sa pagkuha ng information at hind maging paralisa sa pag-aksyon para pigilan ang banta ng climate change at food security,” emphasized by Ms. Marites P. Cosico, Center Director of ATI CaLaBaRZon.
The TGP Summit 2017 was a successful collaboration with OPA – Quezon and SLSU – Lucban, Quezon. With this year’s theme, 5th TGP Summit aims to understand the effects of climate change to agricultural productivity as well as give recognition for outstanding contribution of FITS Centers.