DILIMAN, Quezon City — The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) takes another opportunity to underscore the agriculture and fisheries in the Philippines. This time, to some Bangladeshi government officials headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Food (MAF) during a briefing-orientation in the Learning and Discovery (LeAD) Center and Agriculture and Fisheries Knowledge Resource Center on May 31, 2017.

As part of their study tour and training, eight Bangladeshi government officials from the MAF visited ATI to learn about the Institute’s experience on Food Safety, Security, Handling and Management. They are: Secretary Md. Kaikobad Hossain; Joint Secretary Md. Sherajul Islam; Deputy Secretary Md. Saiful Islam; Deputy Secretary Md. Zahirul Islam; Deputy Secretary Kamar Jahan; Assistant Chief Monoara Parveen Mitu; Directorate General of Food Md. Mahamud Hasan; and Md. Monirul Haq.

During their tour in the LeAD Center, Joeven Calasagsag of the Institute’s Information Services Division shared the history of Philippines’ agricultural and fisheries extension; the existing farming systems in the country; agricultural value chains of some commodities; and inspiring stories of successful farmers. Likewise, Sherrie Dreje and Carmina De Mesa of the Partnerships and Accreditation Division gave an overview of the Institute’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program.

Secretary Md. Islam noted, “Amazing idea I got from the Institution. We should implement these types of ideas in our country, Bangladesh.”

This activity was organized by the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication led by Vice President Imelda Samson. It is in partnership with the Bangladesh-based Management and Training International Ltd. The focus of the study tour was to share and exchange knowledge on practical lessons, insights and perspectives on food safety and other related issues.