Many people move away from home to study. But in case of Randy Lanot, a 21-year old out-of-school youth (OSY) and 4H member from Brooke’s Point, leaving his family and friends behind for a month while staying in a family you haven’t met nor heard before is hard. But for the sake of learning and experience, he responded to the call of Adopt-a-Youth Program of ATI-MiMaRoPa.
Together with their 4H Municipal Federation President and former Adopt-a-Youth Scholar, Ireneo Maestrecampo, they flew to Oriental Mindoro to attend the launching and be part of the program.
On its launching on July 20, 2017 at ATI, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, Randy and the other 4 OSYs from Oriental Mindoro and Romblon attentively listened to Engr. Cristina Puyat-Intong, Focal Person for Scholarship as she briefed them the terms and conditions of the program and the responsibilities of each party - the ATI, host farmer and the scholars. She also laid the activities they will be doing from July 20 to August 20. Engr. Intong explained that they will be staying for 12 days at Gabutero Organic Farm cooperated by Nelson Gabutero located in Brgy. Labonan, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro and another 12 days at Livestock Demo Farm managed by Rosario Diona in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro.
She also discussed the learning methodologies that will be employed during the course of program such as lecture, hands-on activities, learning journey and National Competency (NC) II assessment in Swine Production.
His doubts and loneliness were lessen when Ruben P. Jugno, Training Center Superintendent I motivated them to pursue the program because he said that someday, they might be one of the managers of agricultural extension service providers.
“In your one-month stay, create memorable experiences and hone your skills in farming that will make you better individuals and next generation’s farmers,” Jugno said as he ended his message.
With these words of encouragement, Randy and other Adopt-a-Youth scholars are now ready to learn the best practices in farming away from home.