STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) – Ilocos farmers can unlock higher yields and improved practices by turning their farms into learning sites.
The Agricultural Training Institute-Ilocos Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC 1) is encouraging applications for its accreditation program, which provides valuable resources and expertise to boost productivity.
ATI-Ilocos Region Center Director Rogelio Evangelista said the development of rural farms by certifying them as Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) and Extension Service Providers (ESPs), which serve as demonstration areas for hands-on learning, aims to ensure that the farmers and fishers can maximize the services designed to uplift their living conditions.
“We are encouraging our agri-processing enterprise owners to convert their farms into farm schools that will serve as our partners in the provision of extension services to farmers and fishers and their organizations,” he said.
"To farmers and fishermen willing to convert their farms into ATI learning sites, just feel free to send us a letter of intent, and we will evaluate your farm if it is qualified to become a learning site,” he added.
Farmers and fishermen can send their letter of intent to ATI through its email address at rtc1.dcc@ati.da.gov.ph or through telefax at (075) 523-2266.
The accreditation of LSA aims to contribute to the improvement in productivity and profitability of the less developed but resource-rich farming and fishing communities and the non-farming rural community members engaged in agri-processing enterprises by harnessing their full potential.
“Here in Region 1, we have at most 130 learning sites established and 10 ESP who are ATI and local government units’ (LGUs) partners in implementing the government programs in the locality,” Evangelista said.
He added that certification of LSAs and accreditation of ESPs are the road toward farm tourism development in the countryside to support the enactment of Republic Act 10816.
Evangelista said to encourage more individuals to develop their farms and be the institute’s partners and catalysts toward a transformed agriculture and fisheries community, ATI in the Ilocos Region developed a directory guidebook dubbed 'Tanawin'.
"The book manifests the good crafts of farmer-cooperators in the region by empowering small farmers, fisherfolks, and other individuals in the farming and fishing communities, encouraging the youth to perceive agriculture as a viable profession and a way of life, and uplifting the morale of individuals who dwell on agriculture as a whole,” Evangelista said.
The book was distributed to the attendees of the 37th Founding Anniversary celebration of ATI Ilocos Region held on Wednesday at ATI-RTC 1 Multi-Purpose Hall in Sta. Barbara town.
It is now in its second edition and features salient attributes, products, and services offered by the LSAs and ESPs in Region 1. (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
