STA. CRUZ, Quezon City—To increase awareness on local farm products and showcase the country’s brand of agriculture, some 20 private Extension Service Providers (ESPs) certified by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) participated in the Institute’s first ESP Forum and Product Expo.
National and regional ESPs showcased various local farm products and demonstrated latest farming technologies during the three-day activity.
ATI Director Alfredo Aton graced the opening program and showed his support to the ESPs present at the event. In his speech, he thanked them for their efforts in providing learning venues for farmers, students, and rural communities.
As part of the “Ask the Expert Session,” representatives from Duran Farm Agribusiness and Training Center, Soro-soro Ibaba Development Cooperative and Costales Nature Farms shared their best practices in terms of production, marketing, and other value-adding activities.
Simultaneous talks on the latest agricultural trends and technologies were also held. These include discussions on the practice of hydroponics, growing herbs and spices, edible landscaping, and the concept of agri-entrepreneurship.
Likewise, ATI Information Services Division assistant chief Pamela Mappala introduced the Digital Farmers Program. This is the latest program of the Institute, in partnership with Smart Communications-Public Service Group, to capacitate farmers in using information and communications technology.
Moreover, Assistant Professor Filma Calalo, of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, presented her study on the “Impact Evaluation of ATI's Extension Service Providers."
Manuel Cortina of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation also shared updates about their programs, while Roberto Barrero of the Land Bank of the Philippines discussed the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farmers or SURE Aid.
Led by the ATI Partnerships and Accreditation Division, this activity was held last October 14-16, 2019 in this city.