The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) harnesses the power of the internet and the radio to provide alternative learning opportunities to the public as the community quarantine continues by launching skills development activities online and on air.

With the boom in information and communications technology (ICT) services in today’s “new normal,” the ATI maximizes the use of digital and online tools to cater to the needs of the clientele and, at the same time, support the ongoing programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on food security.

With the extension of the enhanced community quarantine, now is as good a time as any to expand one’s knowledge and try other ventures such as farming. Through the “e-Learning for Agriculture and Fisheries” of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), this is possible for thousands of Filipinos without having to leave their own homes.

Launched in 2007, e-Learning is a component of the e-Extension Program of ATI, the training and extension arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The program offers alternative means of gaining new knowledge about farming for free.

Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers and Magsasaka Siyentistas (MS) nationwide are dedicating their resources to help their respective communities despite limitations in mobility this quarantine period.

Agriculture offices in different local government units (LGUs) that operate FITS Centers and partner farmers who serve as MS have opted to continue providing agricultural services amid the ongoing community quarantine measures. This is to help address the needs not only of farming and fishing communities but also of other households in their locality.