TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – To synchronize the delivery of Agriculture and Fishery extension system, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON led the Regional Consultative Meeting. Some 40 officials and representative from the three pillars of extension, the National Government Agencies and State Colleges and Universities, the Local Government Units and the private sectors, participated in the activity. This includes Philippine Coconut Authority, PhilRice, PhilMech, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Office of the Provincial Agriculturists / Veterinarian, Batangas State University, University of the Philippines Los Baños, University of Rizal System, Southern Luzon State University, Cavite State University, MoCA Family Farm RLearning Center Inc. and Teofely Nature Farms.
“The presence of each and every one is a strong proof na masigla at matibay ang samahan ng mga tagapangasiwa ng ekstensyon sa rehiyon,” says ATI CALABARZON Center Director, Marites Piamonte – Cosico.
In the Center’s effort to establish transparency and trust among its extension partners, Mr. Angelo H. Hernandez, Planning and Evaluation Officer I, presented the 2020 Consolidated Physical Performance. He also emphasized that ATI CALABARZON is one of the top performing Regional Training Centers across the ATI network. Afterwards, Ms. Sherylou C. Alfaro, Chief of Partnerships and Accreditation Services Section, explained the ATI’s thrusts and priorities for 2021 onwards. She highlighted the policy directions towards “One DA” (Department of Agriculture). Meanwhile, focal persons of each banner program discussed their respective activities for 2021. Followed by an open forum, the attendees were able to raise queries, comments and suggestions for the trainings and other activities this 2021.
Before the program ended, Ms. Juvelyn Dela Cruz, Development Management Officer I, confirmed the meeting through an agreement. Hence, extension partners agreed with the plans and programs for 2021. Center Director Cosico provided an overview of the Magna Carta for the Agricultural Extension Workers.
Meanwhile, the Center through the Partnerships and Accreditation Services Section also conducted an Inter-Agency Consultation Meeting to ensure that the extension programs on Organic Agriculture (OA) are cascaded to the stakeholders. Provincial OA Focal, Alternate Focal Persons and staff from the Offices of the Provincial Agriculturist of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon participated in the activity.
Ms. Soledad Leal, OA Focal Person, presented the accomplishment report for the year 2020 and the plans and programs for 2021. Moreover, Mr. Jeffrey Garrido of Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards enumerated the 2021 OA programs of Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Standards (BAFS) as well as the salient features of OA Act as amended by Republic Act 11511. Furthermore, the Bureau of Soil and Water Management cited their OA program focused on Composting Facilities for Biodegradable Wastes. Training needs assessment for 2022 were also collected from the participants.
Regional Consultative Meeting and Inter-Agency Consultation Meeting on Organic Agriculture transpired on February 9 and 11, 2021 respectively