CALABARZON—About 15 government and private media personnel based in Metro Manila visited successful organic farms in the region to learn about the basics of organic farming, March 25-27.

Agricultural Training Institute's (ATI) Information Services Division and Regional Training Center (RTC) IV-A organized "Converge: First Media Promotion for Organic Agriculture" to enlighten the media about the efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and ATI on organic agriculture.

"As information agents, we recognize your role in dissemination and knowledge sharing in order to improve our agriculture sector," said Marites Piamonte-Cosico, center director of ATI RTC IV-A, in her welcome remarks.

During the event, the participants visited three successful organic farms: Luntiang Republika EcoFarms in Cavite, Chad's Nature Farms in Batangas, and Ato Belen's Farm in Laguna. These farms are ATI's accredited Learning Site for Agriculture, School for Practical Agriculture, and Extension Services Provider, respectively. These are model farms that practice and showcase applicable farm technologies and strategies.

Aside from the tours, the farm owners were also given the chance to share their insights and knowledge about organic farming to the media through a series of interviews.

Following the signing of Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 or the Republic Act 10068, the DA is stepping up its support to organic farmers to address the growing demand for safe and healthier foods. ‘Converge’ is conceptualized to support this initiative.

According to Petrick Franco, film maker and freelance media professional, the event stirred more ideas for other related activities or gatherings.

"The event was very insightful and we gathered various concepts that can be translated into different mediums," Franco said.