For the first time, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Institute (ATI-RTC) MiMaRoPa in partnership with DA-Regional Field Office MiMaRoPa held its 1st Rural-Based Organization (RBO) Regional Farm Family Congress themed “Farm Family: The Key Towards Food Availability, Sustainability and Affordability”.

The activity gathered 100 farm family members of Farmer’s Association, Rural Improvement Club, coordinators and other stakeholders. It was designed to obtain their active participation towards harmonization and unification of goals and promote fellowship, understanding and goodwill among participant through friendly and healthy communication.

The three-day activity revolved in lectures in Financial Literacy, Health and Wellness and Gender Sensitivity, Equity and Equality. The RBO coordinators also had their consultation and session to discuss the issues and concerns in the implementation of RBO in the region. There were also contests such as cooking and singing contests. In addition, highlight of the event was the Search for Ginang RIC and Farmer King 2019.

“Natutuwa ako at may ganitong gawain para sa mga RBO naging silbing pahinga sa amin sa pagbubukid, Nakakatuwa at naipakita atin ang ating mga talento na di lang tayo para sa bukid kundi pang singing contest at pang rampahan pa. Salamat at naranasan kong makadalo sa Congress na ito,” says Luvimin Quijano, FA President of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

RBO Regional Farm Family Congress was held on May 8-10, 2019 at Provincial Tourism and Agricultural Development Center Brgy. Tamayo, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque.