ATI officials lead the cover reveal of the “From Arms to Farms” success story book in Iligan City. (photo by Ashlee Canilang)
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte— To further empower and inspire Filipinos from different sectors, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) remains committed in documenting the transformative power of agriculture.
The Institute, through the Information Services Division, led the cover reveal and launch of its newest publications, the “From Arms to Farms” success story book and “Gastronomica” coffee table book.
“From Arms to Farms” features a collection of inspiring stories of former rebels in Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental as they venture into agriculture. These rebel returnees were supported by ATI, local government units, and other partners through capability-enhancement activities and funding for their chosen agribusiness projects.
The publication chronicles the journey of these rebel returnees in reclaiming their life as beneficiaries of the “From Arms to Farms” project. The stories capture their resiliency, determination, initiatives, and outstanding efforts in battling hunger through farming.
Moreover, through the book, ATI aims to broaden the perspective of Filipinos, especially the youth, on the potential of agriculture to improve their livelihood.
In his speech during the “From Arms to Farms” book cover reveal, ATI Director Alfredo Aton thanked the beneficiaries for sharing “evidences of life-changing experiences and accomplishments in cultivating peace through agriculture.”
The ATI Director also expressed appreciation to the local governments of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their cooperation in the implementation of the project.
“It is remarkable to see that you continue to work with the same love for country even when the journey to peace and development is not as smooth as we hope it would be,” he said as he addressed the rebel returnees who were present at the event.
Meanwhile, “Gastronomica” offers stories and trivia on various dishes and farm products in Northern Mindanao. This book was developed by ATI-Regional Training Center (RTC) X to promote the different farm sites in the region and highlight the farm-to-plate advocacy of the Department of Agriculture.
The “From Arms to Farms” book cover reveal and “Gastronomica” book launch was held through a Pagana-inspired celebration last June 25. Other attendees include directors of ATI-RTCs in Mindanao, Learning Site cooperators in Region X, and private sector partners from Smart Communications, Inc. and Manila Bulletin.