TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite –With efforts in establishing connection with the media as partners and channel in information dissemination, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CaLaBaRZon hosted its first media conference, “Connect: Engaging ATI RTC IVA Programs and Services through Media Linkages." More than 20 newspaper, tv and radio media practitioners in CaLaBaRZon were in attendance and part of the innovative activity of the Center. The media outlets include Radyo Natin, Pulso ng Makabagong Caviteño, Cavite Times Journal, Southern Tagalog Journal, Hanep Publication, Manila Times, Remate, Tribune Post, GMA 7, Radyo Pilipinas, Punto por Punto, Monday Times, Philippine News Agency and Philippine Information Agency.

“Napakahalaga ng araw na ito dahil binubuksan ng ATI IV-A ang koneksyon sa media at kilalanin ang inyong papel sa pagpapalawig at pagbabahagi ng impormasyon sa publiko lalo na sa mga magsasaka. Kailangan namin ng tulong ng media. Kailangan namin ng tulong ninyo upang lalo pang mas mapabuti at mas mapaganda ang kalidad ng impormasyong ating pwedeng ibahagi sa mga magsasaka,” addressed Ms. Marites P. Cosico, Center Director of ATI IV-A.

To further provide information on ATI as the training and extension arm of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, Chief of Information Services Section, briefed the media practitioners with the Institute’s profile, timeline and thematic programs. Afterwards, the press conference immediately followed. Media practitioners asked questions on various trainings and other activities of the Center such as the production of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, success stories, and establishment of Learning Sites (LS) among others.

Ms. Mariel Celeste C. Dayanghirang, Assistant Center Director and section chiefs of ATI CaLaBaRZon, Ms. Sherylou C. Alfaro of Partnership and Accreditation Services Section; Mr. Romeo D. Rodil of Career and Development Management Section; and Dr. Franklin Bel T. Isip of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit were present to answer in detail to every media query.

Another highlight of the activity was the launching of Agriculturally Awesome: A Regional Farm Tourism Travel Guide volume 2, producedby ATI CaLaBaRZon. The travel guide magazine covers the 17 Department of Tourism accredited farm tourism sites, ATI CaLaBaRZoncertified LS, Schools for Practical Agriculture (SPA), Extension Service Providers (ESP), regional festivals and delicacies and Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center in CaLaBaRZon. Aside from the magazine, the media were also handed with media kit containing the Center’s list of activities for 2019, established LS, SPA and ESP with contact details, IEC materials and more.

Connect: Engaging ATI RTC IVA Programs and Services through Media Linkages aims to build partnership and link with the media. The media conference was held on March 18, 2019 at ATI CaLaBaRZon Training Hall, Trece Martires City, Cavite.