KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Region 12 recently launched its AgriTalk through the “ATIng Extension on Wheels” program to provide agricultural education and extension services to the community.
The program, which was in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) of South Cotabato, aims to improve service delivery to farmers, fisherfolk, and interested individuals, promoting agricultural development in the region.
John Lord L. Auman, ATI OIC-Chief of the Information Service Section, emphasized the program’s objective of providing agricultural information and new technologies to assist farmers.
“Hinihikayat namin especially ang ating mga provincial local government units through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist na makipagpartner sa ahensiya ni ATI, para mapalakas pa natin ang ating programa na AgriTalk through ATIng extension on Wheels,” he said, urging the local government units (LGUs) in the region to collaborate with ATI.
(We encourage especially our provincial local government units through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to partner with the ATI so we can further strengthen our AgriTalk program through ATIng Extension on Wheels.)
The program’s initial phase, held on Feb. 1 in Koronadal, involved a hands-on hydroponics lab for soilless farming, a technique particularly beneficial for urban dwellers.
Simultaneously, elementary students explored the basics of urban gardening in the AgriKids Session, introducing basic urban gardening.
The AgriKids Program, running alongside AgriTalk, is designed to instill an appreciation for agriculture in young minds.
ATI believes in educating children on planting and urban gardening principles to foster future agricultural enthusiasts and enhance food security in the country.
AgriTalk sessions are customized to meet the unique needs of the community, ensuring relevance and efficient service delivery in the area.
Auman explained that the training for each batch will focus on the commodity most needed in the area.
Dan Joseph Rivera, a participant in the Hydroponics Skills Lab and 4-H SOX (Soccsksargen) Federated Vice President, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn about hydroponics.
“There’s a lot of people who have been thinking of ways on how to cultivate the spaces that they have and how to participate in agriculture itself, kaya naman (that’s why) hydroponics is really perfect for those living in the city side of the City of Koronadal.” Rivera shared.
ATI plans to conduct five AgriTalk batches in the region this year through AgriExtension on Wheels, bringing its services and agricultural innovations directly to the people. (SZT – PIA Region 12)
