Tagbilaran City – On its 33 years of Extending Excellent Extension Services Beyond Boundaries, more than 100 participants coming from the different National Government Agencies, Local Government Units and the private sectors in the region, participated the Agricultural Training Institute's 33rd Anniversary held at the Grand Pavillion, Panda Tea, this city on January 30, 2020.
The one-day event aims to give recognition and gratitude to ATI-7’s development partners and stakeholders. Highlights of the event was ATIng Parangal which includes the awarding of the Digital Farmers Program (DFP 101) - a partnership project of ATI and Smart Communications, Inc. were Magsasakang Syentista (MS) Celencio and Esmeraldo Maligsa, Jr. of Corella, Bohol whose entry titled “Kaagapay” won 3rd price for the Video Making Contest, an output from the DFP 101 held in Bohol last October 2019. Ms. Lalaine Husain, cluster head of SMART Regional Customer Development for the Visayas handed the award assisted by Des Gocotano, Smart Public Affairs of Cebu Office together with Board Member Aldner Damalerio who graces the anniversary, Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio, ATI-7 Center Director and Project Officer, Dr. Merrian Piquero Soliva.
Meanwhile, a plaque of appreciation was also given to ATI-7’s development partners from the different national agencies, municipal agricultural offices, learning site operators, academe and private individuals, for their unwavering support extended to ATI-7 leading to the successful implementation of its programs and projects.
Likewise, a loyalty award was also given to selected ATI-7 staff who served the agency for more than 30 years.
Further, awarding the certificate to the newly 6 ATI-7 accredited learning sites in the region (Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Cebu and Bohol) was also given and the presentation of ISO certification of the institute.
“I am indeed certain that everyone is thankful that every partner agency has given a chance to participate in the 33rd Anniversary Celebration of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) through its regional office in Central Visayas, seeing how blessed and fortunate the employees and staff of the ATI. With the ATI’s primary thrust in Agriculture-Training and Extension, well I can proudly say that the next generation is in good hands. The event allowed me to meet fellow workers in the government and education enthusiast in which I could be able to share valuable insights and inputs that I could use to strengthen our partnership and linkages. To the organizers, members and participants, congratulations!” – Carlito F. Quintano, Assistant Provincial Director of TESDA Bohol said.
Another highlight of the event was a free seminar dubbed as “The Edge of Tomorrow: Organic Farming the next money wave” with former Governor of Misamis Occidental, Loreto Leo Ocampos, a practitioner and owner of Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel and Adventure Park, Tangub City as the speaker.
“Mapasalamaton ko sa ATI-7 kay gisupportahan ko nila sa akong Mushroom Production. Salamat pod sa award nga akong nadawat. Sa mga trainings nga akong naattenan ug mga learnings sa kada trainings. Blessed gyud ko sa support nga gihatag sa ATI-7 diri sa akoa. Sa mga partners and agencies nga padayong nagsupporta pud sa ATI-7. Salamat ug Happy Anniversary ATI-7!” - Jonathan Quito, farmer-youth and Learning Site operator said.
“Thankful and honored to be part of the celebration. Nakita nako giunsa sa ATI pag pangga ang industry sa Agriculture base sa ilang mga program nga gipang implement. Gi awardan ninyo ang mga Learning Site. Nalipay mi kay inyong gi recognize ang role sa MAO, ug sa mga extensionist ug nalipay sa mga extension delivery services. Usa ang ATI nga muhatag ug mga energy sa mga MAO nga nagpadayon sa ilang mga trabaho kay kanunay ang ATI nagpaluyo. Na overcome namo ang budget constrains kay kanunay nagpaluyo ang ATI-7 maghatag ug assistance sa mga trainings for the betterment of the community of farmers. Nagpasalamat sa mga giveaways like IEC Materials, technoguides, kay nagahatag ug dugang kahibalo to do more on agriculture”. - Jayrell Adanza, MA Dimiao