Spicing up farm life

Jhoanna Garcia

A P R -J U N 2 0 2 2 | T I M G A S 1
 Timgas
The word Timgas is a Cebuano term which means white
and smooth in texture usually in reference to the grains
of a high-quality rice. As an adjective, it is synonymous
to ageless, enduring, eternal, firm, and everlasting.

Contents
02 Spicing Up Farm Life with
Herbs and Spices
Jhoanna Garcia
09 ATI Caraga trains SurSur
IPs on handicraft making 13 LSA cooperators,
AEWs trained on
Digital Agriculture
Surigao del Sur crafts

05 ATI completes two rounds

of refresher courses on plans for PAFES
Course

14
rice

10 La Modesta Farm SOA on Smart Rice

06 Newly-hired AEWs in establishes FITS Kiosk Agriculture launched

SurSur train on Training in Region 13
LGU Veruela launches
Management
Gov. Pimentel inks
FITS Center
LSA cooperators, AEWs MOA for agri-fishery
Abonong Swak info

11
equip on Digital Farmers dev’t in SurSur
Program through TOT drive intensified

07 OA Coordinators, FAs train

on PGS
ATI 13 establishes Urban
Garden in Bislig City, SDS
15 ATI-Caraga evaluates
two FITS Kiosks
in AgSur

08 AEWs undergo sweet potato

prod’n training
12 SOA on Corn Prod’n launch
in AgSur

More BBOs equip on

specimen collection

The Editorial team OIC-Training Center Superintendent II

/Overall Adviser
Editorial-in-Chief
Fil Victor A. Babanto
Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac
Editors Technical Advisers
Violeta T. Laguna
Ginalyn V. Arbutante
Matt Andrew G. Baquiaño
Ressell Angelie S. Fetalsana
Nena L. Lomuntad
Maria Den B. Parro
Remedios C. Amilao
Mary Grace B. Salve
Layout/Photographer
John Paul B. Abonitalla
Arnold Jester O. Bustillo

22 A G r i c u lt u r a l t r a i n i n g i n s t i t u t e
A G r i c u lt u r a l t r a i n i n g i n s t i t u t e
By: John Paul Abonitalla and Jason Paul Dads Jampac
Fame or money may be key to one’s happiness and wellness. But for Jhoanna Garcia, the zest and zing in life are neither in the badge nor in
the wallet. It’s in her garden - among the aromatic herbs and spices that blanket her backyard.

Jhoanna, 49, is the proprietor and Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) cooperator of Jabez Farm located in Brgy. Nongnong, on the hilly side
of Butuan City. She discovered her love for herbs and spices because of her fondness for cooking. Instead of buying spices in stores as food
seasoning or garnishing, she thought that the more practical and economical way would be to patronize her own plants.

During her trips and meetings with fellow LSA cooperators, Jhoanna realized the importance of putting something on her farm that would
make it distinct from the rest. This was the start of her herbs and spices venture.

Jhoanna and her farm

Before learning about the Agricultural Training Institute, Jhoanna
Since then, Jhoanna’s passion for organic agriculture became her
used to teach JADAM, a low-cost farming principles and practices.
edge over the other small farmers. Her ardor pushed her to take
leadership roles in organizations such as the Butuan City Organic
She also shares her knowledge about Natural Farming Technology
Producers and Processors Association where she is the Secretary
System (NFTS) with farmers and missionaries in the Tribal Mission
and the Women of Organic Agriculture Association - Caraga Chapter
Foundation International, Inc.
where she holds the position of Vice Chairperson.

As a follower of her father’s love of farming, she

Spending time on the farm is a well-spent time for her. With only
keeps on learning by attending various training
a few farm workers, she and her father were able to grow different
programs on urban agriculture, processing,
fruit trees, vegetables, herbs and spices garden, to name a few.
and pest management, among others.

A P R -J U N 2 0 2 2 | T I M G A S 3
A P R -J U N 2 0 2 2 | T I M G A S 3
 Turning point: Healthier options
Growing herbs and spices, at first, was only a hobby for Jhoanna until
she started appreciating its value and benefits. Health has also been
one of the reasons why she decided to grow her own fresh, natural
herbs and spices. At her age, Jhoanna has experienced different
illnesses. But thanks to her herbs and medication, she was able to
recover fast.

Among her herbs, roselle is her favorite. She thought of it when she
attended the entrepreneurial development training at the Department
of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 13. After thorough research and
trials, she decided to process roselle into a flavored jam.

Empirical studies proved that roselle helps in controlling diabetes,

hypertension, cholesterol, and many more. Aside from jam, she now
produces bottled juice out of roselle extracts.

Jhoanna believes that venturing into herbs and spices is a lucrative

business. Although these are available in supermarkets as seasonings,
most cooks and moms still prefer the cheaper, fresher, and naturally
grown for their culinary preparations.

Jabez Farm years from now

Jhoanna is motivated to work hard to attaining more milestones in
her farming and business ventures. She also wants to be a source of
inspiration and knowledge to her fellow farmers.

Years from now, she visualizes Jabez Farm as a premiere “farmacy”

in Butuan City and a farm tourism site with an array of farming
technologies that farmers can learn from. She also wants to expand
her juice business by trying the roselle-guyabano combo and other
flavored mixes.

As a way to encourage others, Jhoanna says to never give up on

your dreams. While it is true that farming has its ups and downs,
but to continue with passion and courage, all the hardships will be
worthwhile in the end.

4 A G r i c u lt u r a l t r a i n i n g i n s t i t u t e
News

ATI completes two rounds

of refresher courses on rice
Butuan City – In its effort to continually provide capacity The course covered the topics of transformational leadership, One
enhancement for the extension partners, the Agricultural Training DA Agenda overview of the rice industry, updates on rice pests and
Institute – Regional Training Center XIII successfully conducted diseases infestation in the region, as well as its management.
another two batches of Refresher Course on Rice Pests and Diseases
Management. The participants were also taught on facilitating the rice pests and
diseases monitoring and surveillance report in their respective areas
The third batch of the training held on April 4 – 8, 2022 was of coverage.
attended by 24 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from Agusan
del Sur, while 26 AEWS from Surigao del Sur completed the 4th It can be recalled that more than 40 AEWs from Agusan del Norte
batch of the training on April 18-22, 2022, with the OIC-Assistant and Agusan del Sur were trained during the first two batches of the
Director Violeta T. Laguna as Project Officer. training last March.

It was conducted to bring the participants up-to-date on the latest Three more batches of the
technologies, and updates on the management of rice pests and refresher course will be
diseases. The technical experts from the Department of Agriculture conducted until June 2022 by
– Caraga region and the DA-Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) the ATI through the Career
employed varied methodologies such as lectures, participatory Development and Management
discussion, workshops, and demonstrations. Services Section – Rice
Program, all with CPD units
One of the participants from LGU-Bayabas, Rosemyr M. Bulatin (By: Mary Grace B. Salve).
affirmed that such methodologies especially their exposure to early
morning field activities in collecting and identifying
insect pests and disease specimens, even made the learning process
more interesting and effective. Participants identify and collect insect pests and
disease specimens during the field activities of
the Refresher Course on Rice Pests and Diseases
Management.

T IGMAGSA S5
A PARP- RJ U- JNU N2 022022 |2 |T I M 5
 News

Newly-hired AEWs in SurSur

train on Training Management
BUTUAN CITY – “I realized that fund utilization does not measure As front liners in the delivery of extension services, the trainees
the accomplishment in conducting a training, but the relevance and were introduced to the world of training, covering the whole phases
quality of the training itself,” says Engr. Zairha Pude, Agricultural of training management on the pre, during, and post-training tasks
Extension Worker (AEW) from Carmen, Surigao del Sur. through lecture and discussion, group dynamics, exercises, and other
activities to intensify the learning process. They also learned about
Pude is among the 19 newly-hired AEWs from various Local the nature and characteristics of adults as learners as well as the
Government Units (LGUs) in Surigao del Sur who successfully qualities of an effective trainer.
completed the first batch of the Training of Trainers (TOT) on
Training Management last April 20-22, 2022. One of the highlights of TOT was the practical exercises on the
training needs survey and the formulation of Training Design.
Communication, facilitation, and presentation skills were also
imparted to the trainees. Prior to this, the participants were enrolled
in the e-learning on Training Management.

The Resource Persons were composed of Heracleo A. Paler, Mary

Grace B. Salve, Engr. Matt Andrew G. Baquiano, Jason Paul Dadz E.
Jampac, and Ginalyn V. Arbutante.

The trainees will then advance to the 2nd level of the program which
Engr. Matt Andrew G. Baquiano (first from right) guided the is focused on the Extension Delivery System.
participants during their exercises in conducting a training
needs assessment as the first step in a training cycle
All in all, the ATI will conduct five batches of TOT on Training
As a ladderized training program, said TOT was part of ATI’s Management and five batches of the TOT on Extension Delivery
commitment to providing capacity enhancement for the LGU System intended for AEWs in the region. (By: Mary Grace B. Salve)
counterparts to fully the devolved functions, particularly the
provision of farmer-level training in their respective areas of
coverage.

LSA Cooperators, AEWs equip on

Digital Farmers Program through TOT
BUTUAN CITY- Twenty participants completed and received their
certificates of completion during the Training of Trainers (TOT) on
Digital Farmers Program (DFP). This was conducted by the Agricultural
Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 in Balanghai
Hotel, Butuan City on April 20-22, 2022.

The said training was participated by the staff and cooperators from
the Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) farms in Region 13. This was
also attended by the selected Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs)
particularly from the cities and municipalities and the Farmers
Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers.

Participants were able to learn the components of the Digital Farmers

Program (DFP) which covers the lessons from DFP 101 and 102. They
Twenty participants completed and received their certificates of completion were able to learn the basic and advanced agriculture applications,
during the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Digital Farmers Program (DFP) in
introduction and advanced social media marketing, e-commerce
Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City on April 20-22, 2022.
platforms and digital transactions.

66 AAGGrri iccuullttuurraall ttrraai inni inngg i innsstti ittuuttee

OA Coordinators, FAs train on PGS
LOS ANGELES, Butuan City- To ensure the trainer’s capacity in the The 21 participants come from the province of Surigao del Norte OAP
establishment and practice of PGS, the Agricultural Training Institute Coordinators and two Farmers Association of BACOPFA-Bayugan City
– Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted its first batch of and SOFA-Sibagat ADS.
Training of Trainers (TOT) on Participatory Guarantee System on April
18-29, 2022 at ATI Training Center, Los Angeles, Butuan City. In-depth training on the modules of PGS was discussed by Elena P.
Madelo - OA Point Person and Leah I. Napoco - OA technical staff, both
The training aims to create a pool of experts/trainers and to capacitate from ATI-RTC XIII. Rodolfo L. Domingo Jr, Cindy A. Burdeos, and Euniel
potential PGS Groups on the establishment and operations consistent G. Atalo, from the Department of Agriculture - Caraga Region, also
with the organic agriculture standards and corresponding technical served as resource persons.
regulations. In the 10-day TOT, participants learned the salient
provisions including the implementing rules and regulations of the It was spearheaded by the Career Development Management Services
Organic Agriculture Act as amended by RA 11511 on Participatory Section (CDMSS) through Ms. Elena M. Bacquiano, Training Specialist I
Guarantee Systems (PGS); the organic agriculture standards, and and Organic Agriculture Program Point Person.
the national list of permitted substances for organic agriculture; the
general requirements and procedures for accreditation of PGS group; Its second batch will be conducted on July 11-22, 2022.
how to conduct of peer review and certification protocols, and how to (By: Maria Den B. Parro)
apply the applicable current Philippine National Standards (PNS) for
organic agriculture.

As trainers, LSA staff and AEWs were taught on the basics of smartphone and how to discuss those
topics to the farmers and youth when they conduct training on DFP 101 and 102 someday.

Protocols on internet safety as well as accessing the internet was also discussed during the training.
Ginalyn V. Arbutante, Information Officer II, Fil Victor A. Babanto, Information Officer III, Maria Den
Parrro, Ag. I and John Paul Abonitalla, Technical Staff served as Resource Persons during the 3-day
training. Simulation session was done during the last day of the training. This is to know whether the
trained participants are ready for the field wherein they will train the farmers and youths regarding
the benefits of the Digital Farmers Program.

Re-entry Plans, Facebook Pages, Social Media Marketing Plans, Pay Maya Accounts and Dream Boards
are the outputs of the TOT. It was also agreed that each participant will send a microteaching video
five days after the training. The said video will cover the topics on the Digital Farmers Program 101
and 102.

The Training of Trainers on Digital Farmers Program was spearheaded by the Information Services
Section (ISS) of the ATI-RTC 13. (By: Ginalyn V. Arbutante)

A P R -J U N 2 0 2 2 | T I M G A S 7
News

AEWs undergo sweet potato

prod’n training
SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur- reminder that the sweet potato industry will not leave behind as one
the Agricultural Training of the HVCDP commodities and for me, it is my responsibility as a
Institute-Regional Training Provincial Focal Person of Agusan del Sur to support and encouraged
Center (ATI-RTC) XIII the Local Government Unit to continue their plans for the expansion
recently conducted a and production on the existing Sweet Potato Areas. I will include
three-day Training on this as an action plan for the upcoming LGUs Data Harmonization
Sweet Potato Production Planning and Workshop to have actual and realistic profiling data in
on May 4-6, 2022 at support of possible interventions for the near future. Moreover, the
Alameda Farm. facilitator and the resource speaker of this training are exemplary
to meet their goals in achieving the Learning, Exhibit, Advise,
The training with 10 Disseminate. Monecris Dawn B. Tagleong, HVCDP Technical staff of
Continuing Professional Department of Agriculture-Caraga Region.
Development (CPD) units,
was attended by 19 Agricultural
Extension Workers (AEWs) from the five
provinces of Caraga region.

The activity aimed to capacitate the participants in various cultural

management and practices and identify the different varieties of
sweet potato that are suitable in the region. They also enumerate
The participants of the Training Course on Sweet Potato
the different value-adding of the products. Production with ATI-RTC XIII OIC - Center Director Fil Victor A.
Babanto and Mary Jane A. Gonzaga, HVCDP Point Person.

Romer Amante, Technical Staff of Department of Agriculture -Caraga

Region shared the DA’s intervention for sweet potato production in The said training was conducted by ATI-RTC XIII and spearheaded by
Caraga. the Partnership and Accreditation Services Section (PASS) with Mary
Jane Gonzaga, Development Management Officer I and HVCDP point
On the hand, Nic Oswald Borines, Instructor I from Caraga State person. (By: Maria Den B. Parro)
University (CSU), imparted his knowledge regarding sweet potatoes
from the different varieties, cultural management to harvesting and
post-harvest practices. Also, he discussed the status of sweet potato
production and encouraged the participants to give importance in
sweet potato industry.

After the lectures and discussions, Borines showed the participants

how to set up sex pheromone as a control for sweet potato weevil.
Likewise, the participants were able to observe the trapped weevil
and identify its damages.

“The training course on sweet potato production gives a lot of

knowledge and realization for us individuals who are working as
technical staff of High-Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP),
Agricultural extensionist and any related agricultural career’s. I
really appreciate the topics well from the Sweet Potato Situationer
in the Region, the different varieties of Sweet Potato and Sweet
Potato value adding products. Especially when it talks to the
contribution of the region in the field of area planted until the
volume of production in the country. This training serves as a

88 AAGGrri iccuullttuurraall ttrraai inni inngg i innsstti ittuuttee

ATI Caraga trains SurSur
IPs in handicraft making
CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur- The Agricultural Training Institute-
Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII recently conducted a three-
day Training on Handicrafts Making Using Indigenous Materials for

“
the Indigenous People (IPs) from Carrascal and Cantilan, Surigao del
Sur on May 16-18, 2022 at San Pedro Country Farm & Resort.
Participants were trained and produce flowers, corsage, leis, and
The training aims to enhance the knowledge Christmas decors using the corn husks.
and skills of the participants with regard
to handicrafts making through technology
Isip usa ka leader sa hugpong sa
promotion and gave importance in
mgababaeng Ips sa Carrascal,
utilizing indigenous materials.
dako akong pasalamat nga
nakatambong ko ani nga training kay
Emma Leah Abenoja, President of the
amo ning ma share sa among mga
Handicraft Makers Association of Cabadbaran
kauban sa komunidad. Dili lang kini
City, served as the Resource Speaker in the three-day training. She
para sa mga babae kondi apil ang
discussed the overview of the handicrafts industry and shared the
mga kalalakin-an. Dako pod kaayo
importance of utilizing the indigenous materials available in Caraga
akong pasalamat sa mga staff sa ATI
Region and how they can be utilized into a more valuable product.
nga maayo ang pagtagad sa amoa.
Wendelina Ruayana, IP form Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.
“Instead of throwing it away, it can be a good source of income,”
Abenoja said. Moreover, the said training was done in partnership with the National
Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) of Surigao del Sur.
(By: Maria Den B. Parro)

Surigao del Sur crafts

plans for PAFES
LANUZA & TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur – Municipal and City
Agriculturists and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the
north and south clusters of Surigao del Sur met for the Planning-
Workshop of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension
System (PAFES).

On May 25, 2022, at the ACM Surfing View Hotel, the participants
presented their 2023-2025 plans for the Agriculture and Fisheries
Extension (AFE) sector. They were from the north cluster namely:
Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, and Cortes. Similarly,
participants of the south cluster composed of Barobo, Tagbina,
Hinatuan, Lingig, and Bislig City also presented their plans on May
26th at the DA-Research Outreach Station in Tagbina.

OIC-Regional Technical Director Rebecca Atega of DA-RFO 13,

Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico, representatives from
BFAR, PCA, ATI, and PhilFIDA were also present to critique the
presentations. The outputs will be consolidated and finalized by
OPAG and will form part of the CPAFEP document.
(By: Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac)

A P R -J U N 2 0 2 2 | T I M G A S 9
News

La Modesta Farm
establishes FITS Kiosk
LAS NIEVES, Agusan del Norte- The La Modesta Farm which
is owned by Victor P. Labastilla is now establishing its Farmers’
Information and Technology Services (FITS) Kiosk. The said farm
is located in Brgy. Malicato, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. It is a
certified Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) of the Agricultural
Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 since May
20, 2021. The farm is focused on rice, vegetables and fruit trees
production.

OIC Center Director Fil Victor A. Babanto headed in the evaluation

of the said FITS Kiosk on May 30, 2022. Among the group were
OIC Information Services Section Chief, Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac
and Information Officer II, Ginalyn V. Arbutante. This is along with
Concepcion Bantilan, FITS staff from the Municipal Agriculture Office
Mr. Victor P. Labastilla, owner of La Modesta Farm
of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.
receives Information, Education and Communication
materials during the evaluation of his FITS Kiosk in Las
The establishment of the LSA Farm FITS Kiosk is under the Techno Nieves, Agusan del Norte on May 30, 2022.

Gabay Program (TGP) of the ATI-RTC 13 with the aim of serving

farmers, students and other stakeholders by sharing agricultural
knowledge through FITS Kiosk in the said municipality.
(By: Ginalyn V. Arbutante)

LGU Veruela launches

FITS Center
VERUELA, Agusan del Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) based in Bunawan, Agusan del
Sur- The Local Government Sur also present during the ceremony. She emphasized their possible
Unit (LGU) of Veruela, contributions to the FITS Center such as the need of technical
Agusan del Sur launched its expertise in agriculture-related topics and other extension-related
newly-established Farmers’ activities and trainings of the LGU.
Information and Technology
Services (FITS) Center on June Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the FITS center
1, 2022. highlights the launching ceremony. Among the signatories were the
Municipal Mayor, Municipal Agriculturist and Sangguniang Bayan
Said launching ceremony was attended by the LGU’s Local Chief member, Chairman of Agriculture Committee of Veruela, Agusan del
Executives, farmers, and farmer-leaders. It was kicked-off with a Sur. ASSCAT President and ATI-RTC 13 OIC Center Director.
ribbon-cutting as it welcomed various learners of the FITS Center.
OIC CD Babanto awarded a catalytic fund worth Php100,000.00 in a
OIC Center Director Fil Victor A. Babanto also joined in the said form of check during the ceremony as support to the FITS Center for
activity representing the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional the acquisition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13. Together with him was Jason Paul Dads equipment.
E. Jampac, Media Production Specialist II and Ginalyn V. Arbutante,
Information Officer II. Mr. Jampac presented the overview of the Techno The establishment of the FITS Center is one of the components of the
Gabay Program (TGP) along with its components, functions, roles and Techno Gabay Program. It aims to help farmers, students and other
responsibilities of the FITS Center and Partner-Agency. stakeholders by bringing them the updated agricultural knowledge
right at their doorstep through the FITS Center.
President Joy C. Capistrano of the Agusan del Sur State College of (By: Ginalyn V. Arbutante)

10 A G r i c u lt u r a l t r a i n i n g i n s t i t u t e
 Abonong Swak info
drive intensified

Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy (Center, in blue long sleeves), Senior Technical Adviser for Strategic Communications of DA
Central Office, met with the Regional Info Campaign Team for Abonong Swak to discuss the implementation of
information drives to be conducted in Caraga. The meeting took place this morning, June 2, 2022, at DA-RFO 13.
Among those present were Emmylou Presilda (Information Chief, DA-RFO 13), Marisa Garces (Rice Focal Person, DA-
RFO 13), Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac (MPS II, ATI-RTC 13), and representatives from DA attached agencies and line
bureaus such as PhilRice-Agusan and BSWM-Caraga.

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Communication (IEC) materials from the Central Office such as
Agriculture – Regional Field Office 13 brochures, posters, and audio recordings have arrived but need to
(DA-RFO 13) and a representative from its be localized for further understanding and appreciation by the local
Central Office met with DA line agencies and bureaus to discuss formers. Moreover, there will be demonstration sites for the Abonong
the implementation of the information drive for the Abonong Swak Swak to be established in all provinces of the region and training
program on June 2, 2022 at the DA-RFO 13 office site at the Capitol programs for farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs).
Drive.
The rolling out of the Abonong Swak campaign is the government’s
Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, Senior Technical Adviser for Strategic response to the rising price of fertilizers and other inputs. It
Communications of DA-Central Office, met with Information Officers supports the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) which is a
of DA-RFO 13, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers thereby lowering
Center 13 (ATI-RTC 13), Bureau of Soils and Water Management production costs while still enjoying higher yield.
Caraga (BSWM-Caraga), and the Philippine Rice Research Institute –
Agusan Station (PhilRice-Agusan). By following the organic-inorganic combination, farmers are
expected to save P2,000 to P4,000 per
It was learned during the meeting that Information Education and hectare. (By: Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac)

ATI 13 establishes Urban

Garden in Bislig City, SDS
BRGY. MAHARLIKA, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur - The
Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-
RTC) XIII in partnership with the City Agriculture Office of Bislig
City conducted a Technical Briefing for the establishment of the
Integrated Urban Agriculture Garden on June 1-3, 2022.
(L-R) City Agriculturist Alice Millan, Engr. Matt Andrew Baquiano and
Barangay Captain Samuel Lahoy during the signing of Memorandum of
The activity aimed to educate the peri-urban dwellers to produce
Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of Integrated Urban Agriculture
their own food and, ensure the availability, of safe and affordable Garden in Brgy. Maharlika, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

A P R -J U N 2 0 2 2 | T I M G A S 11
 News
food in urban areas. Also, for them to appreciate the importance of The program started with a welcome message via phone
organic farming and its advantage to health and the economy as well patch by Fil Victor A. Babanto, the OIC-Center
as establish a model urban garden in the community. Director of ATI-RTC XIII. ATI has envisioned
A total of 21 participants were composed of Barangay Officials strengthening the agriculture sector
and Barangay Health Workers (BHW) from the said village has and continues to implement programs that
participated in the said activity. would empower the farmers and their
constituents through information dissemination
Engr. Matt Andrew G. Baquiano, Agriculturist II of ATI-RTC XIII using different media. Further, he encouraged the
served as the resource person for the topics on the basic urban 551 enrollees from the 14 Local Government Units
gardening technologies. He demonstrated how to make organic (LGUs) to complete the 16 episodes of the program.
concoctions such as Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), Fermented Fruit
Juice (FFJ), Fish Amino Acid (FAA), and Oriental Herbal Nutrients Armando Valiente, Provincial Agriculturist of Agusan del Sur, also gave
(OHN). Further, he discussed different technologies for crop his message. He thanked the support given in granting the SOA program
production, care management, and maintenance. He also encouraged which is a great help for corn growers and is one of the province’s top
the participants to use available materials to produce homemade commodities.
organic fertilizer and pesticides.
Moreover, the overview of the program was given by Ressell Angelie S.
Indeed, the said activity was Fetalsana, ATI Information Officer II and project officer. Jason Paul Dads
successful through the signing of E. Jampac, OIC-Chief of the Information Services Section discussed the
a Memorandum of Agreement One DA agenda and the programs of ATI.
(MOA) between the City
Agriculture Office (CAO) of Jessamine Vea, Provincial Corn Coordinator, gave the pretest and also the
Bislig City represented by Allice closing remarks reminding all the municipal coordinators and enrollees of
Milan, City Agriculturist, and the requirements of the SOA and the need for updating the knowledge of
Samuel Lahoy, Barangay Captain, the participants.
and Engr. Matt Andrew Bacquiano,
Agriculturist II of ATI-RTC XIII. The said SOA is anchored by Joel Corvera, Provincial farm-caster
(By: Maria Den B. Parro) designate and the provincial SOA coordinator. It can be heard over the
radio and can be watched live at the ATI Caraga Region Facebook page.
(By: Ressell Angelie S. Fetalsana)

SOA on Corn Prod’n More BBOs equip on

launch for AgSur specimen collection
BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – In partnership with the Provincial Caraga Region – In its war against the spread of

Agriculture and Veterinary Office (PAVO) of Agusan del Sur, the African Swine Fever (ASF) in the region, three more

Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII batches of Training on Specimen Collection for Barangay

officially launched the Wais sa Mais: School on-the-Air (SOA) Program on Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) were conducted by the

Corn Production on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM over Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center

93.5 FM Hope Radio Philippines Butuan. (ATI-RTC) XIII.

12 A G r i c u lt u r a l t r a i n i n g i n s t i t u t e
LSA Cooperators, AEWs trained
on Digital Agriculture Course
SURIGAO CITY- Twenty-three participants comprising Agricultural
Extension Workers and Cooperators and staff from the Learning Site
for Agriculture Farms were trained on Digital Agriculture Course
on June 8-10, 2022. This is through the Training of Trainers (TOT)
which was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional
Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 in Surigao City.
Mr. Manuelito C. Suan, Learning Site Cooperator and one of the
participants during the Training of Trainers on Digital Agriculture
Participants were able to learn the components of the Digital Course willingly learn in accessing various agricultural applications
using his smartphone and assisted by his youth partner.
Agriculture Course (DAC) which coverd the lessons from DAC 101
and 102. They were able to learn the basic and advanced agriculture Moreover, re-entry plans, facebook pages, social media marketing
applications, introduction and advanced social media marketing, plans, PayMaya accounts and dream boards are the outputs of
e-commerce platforms and digital transactions. the TOT. It was also agreed that each participant will send a
microteaching video five days after the training. The said video will
As trainers, LSA staff and AEWs were taught on the basics of cover the topics on the Digital Agriculture Course 101 and 102.
smartphone and how to discuss those topics to the farmers and
youth when they conduct training on DAC 101 and 102 someday. “First of all, I already imagine how heavy our responsibility will
Protocols on internet safety as well as accessing the internet was be to our farmers in terms of sharing the knowledge and letting
also discussed during the training. them adopt the updated agricultural technologies through the
Digital Agriculture Course for RCEF. But through this Training of
Ginalyn V. Arbutante, Information Officer II, Jason Paul Dads E. Trainers, it really helped us Learning Site Cooperators in teaching
Jampac, MPS II, Maria Den Parrro, Ag. I and John Paul Abonitalla, our farmers in improving their farming productivity and income. We,
Technical Staff served as Resource Persons during the 3-day as LSA cooperators and staff still need support from ATI and other
training. Simulation session was done during the last day of the government agencies for the success of all our endeavors.” Stated
training. This is to know whether the trained participants are ready Manuelito C. Suan, one of the participants during the training.
for the field wherein they will train the farmers and youths regarding
the benefits of the Digital Agriculture Course. The Training of Trainers on Digital Agriculture Course under the Rice
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) was spearheaded by the
Information Services Section (ISS) of the ATI-RTC 13.
(By: Ginalyn V. Arbutante)

It aims to capacitate the BBOs to gain additional knowledge and “I am very thankful for this training for BBOs. Now, we can share
skills on specimen collection for laboratory testing, appropriate ideas and knowledge to my fellow in the community for the security
handling of specimen and restraining techniques, and preparation of of our co-hog raisers to prevent the spread of ASF. Hope the
animals for collection. Having the right specimen for the laboratory government will continue this training and capacitate us who are in
test will be a help to detect animals that have survived an infection the swine industry,” said Melchor F. Escaro, one of the participants
of ASF and in surveys to determine whether the disease might be during the 9th batch.
endemic in an area.
It was done successfully in partnership with the Provincial and City
Two batches were held at Almont Beach Resort, Lipata, Surigao City. Veterinarian Offices of Surigao del Norte, Surigao City, and Butuan
The first batch was on June 7-8, 2022 with 20 participants from the City.
municipalities of Surigao del Norte specifically from Sison, Mainit,
Alegria, Tubod, Malimono, Tagana-an, Bacuag, San Francisco, Placer It was spearheaded by the Partnership Accreditation Services
and Claver. Section (PASS) through Florita G. Lozada, Agriculturist II and
livestock point person, in support to the National Livestock Program
The second batch was done on June 9-10, 2022 having 20 BBOs in (NLP). (By: Ressell Angelie S. Fetalsana)
attendance from the barangays of Surigao City. The last group was
composed of 21 individuals from Butuan City conducted on June 14-
15, 2022 at Balanghai Hotel.

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 News

SOA on Smart Rice Agriculture

launched in Region 13
LOS ANGELES, Butuan City- The School-on-the-Air Program on Dubbed as “Mga Bag-ong Teknolohiya sa Pang-humayan”, the SOA-
Smart Rice Agriculture (SRA) is now launched in the four provinces SRA has an overall target enrollees of 2,200 regionwide. This will be
of Region 13. The said program was first aired in Surigao del Sur airing from June-September this year.
on June 15, 2022 via Radyo Bandera Station based in Tandag City.
Hosted by Fritzieh C. Trujillo, the assigned farmcaster and Provincial This is along the aim of helping catalyze agriculture modernization
SOA Coordinator of the province. through the massive and sustained education of smallholder farmers
and local intermediaries on modern and innovative technologies and
In Agusan del Norte and Agusan del approaches to smart rice production. It shall also share cutting-
Sur, the program was launched edge technologies and innovative approaches to help maximize
on June 17, 2022 via Hope rice productivity in medium and low yield provinces through radio,
Radio Station-Butuan City. amplifying the limited reach of agricultural extension workers.
Agusan del Norte’s Provincial
SOA Coordinator Benjie M. The SOA-SRA is funded under the National Rice Program of the
Villaruben served as host of the Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Training
program handling listeners and Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 as the implementing
SOA enrollees for Agusan de Norte agency.
and Sur.
This is in coordination and partnership with the Local Government
On the other hand, Farmcaster and Provincial SOA Coordinator Angel Units through the Provincial and Municipal Agriculture Offices of
R. Fazon hosted the SOA program in Surigao del Norte as it launched Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del
on June 23, 2022 via Radio Mindanao Network radio station based in Sur. (By: Ginalyn V. Arbutante)
Surigao City.

Gov. Pimentel inks MOA for

agri-fishery dev’t in SurSur
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Reelected governor Alexander Governor Pimentel expressed his gratitude to all who supported the
T. Pimentel of Surigao del Sur led the signing of the Memorandum implementation of agriculture programs in the province especially the
of Agreement (MOA) of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Department of Agriculture (DA) in Caraga Region. He mentioned the
Extension System (PAFES) on June 15, 2022 at the Provincial Sports special fund for the provision of farm equipment that the governor
Center, Tandag City. believes will help the province boost its local agriculture.

He was joined by Local Chief Executives and heads of office from the Furthermore, the governor said that his administration will continue
local and national government and the private sector who were also to advocate for the preservation and protection of the environment
signatories of the MOA. Among the dignitaries present were Engr. against mining activities that have negatively impacted the rice
Ricardo Onate Jr., Regional Executive Director of DA-RFO 13; Rebecca granary in the province. In closing, he promised to continue supporting
Atega, OIC Asst. Regional Director of DA-RFO 13; Fil Victor A. Babanto, the programs of DA as the agency has been very supportive of Surigao
OIC Center Director of ATI-RTC 13; Dr. Caesar Joventino Tado, Branch del Sur. (By: Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac)
Director of PhilRice-Agusan; and Joel Oclarit, Regional Manager of
PCA-13. The ceremonial signing was one of the highlights during the
opening of the five-day Araw ng Surigao del Sur celebration.

14 AA GG rr ii cc uu lltt uu rr aa ll tt rr aa ii nn ii nn gg ii nn ss tt ii tt uu tt ee
AEWs get updates on
RCM Version 4.0
Bayanihan, Butuan City- Twenty (20) Agricultural Extension
Workers (AEWs) from selected enhanced Farmers Information Caraga Region discussed the RCM using the Offline mode, the Site-
Technology Services (FITS) Center of Caraga Region were trained on Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) and RCM troubleshooting.
Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Advisory Service last June 14-17, 2022, at
MSC Center for the Poor Brgy. 27 Bayanihan, Butuan City. Further, Reynan P. Mamalis, from DA-Caraga Region introduced the
use and operation of the Geo Positioning System (GPS) for field
Resource persons explained and demonstrated new features added measurement as a tool for field area validation for the farmers’ GPX
to the application with its new version, RCMAS 4.0. The optimized lot registration.
version has the following components: user registration, farmer
and farm lot registration, geo-referencing of farm lots, generation, During the field demonstration, participants were exposed to the
and printing of farmer ID cards, sending of auto-generated text field and able to apply the tools using the Rice Crop Manager
messages to farmers’ mobile phone numbers, and farm monitoring to Advisory Service. Forty (40) Rice Farmers of Brgy. Banza, Butuan
complement RCM and further increase benefits to farmers. City had been interviewed, registered, and acquired their one-page
printed RCM recommendation for their field and received their
Fil Victor A. Babanto, DA-ATI, OIC-Center Director welcomed RCM ID cards. Also, 70% of the farm lot registration successfully
the participants during the first day of the training he also gave uploaded the GPX tracks/measurement.
an overview of RCM and a lecture on the topic of RCM User
Registration. Moreover, Ms. Maria Den B. Parro, Agriculturist I of Maria Den B. Parro, project officer of the said training presented the
ATI-Caraga discussed the RCM using the online mode while Ms. synthesis showing the activities of the four-day training during the
Gerlie B. Antipaso, Agriculturist II of Department of Agriculture – closing program. (By: Maria Den B. Parro)

ATI-Caraga evaluates
two FITS Kiosks in AgSur
TRENTO, Agusan del Sur- The Agricultural Training Institute-
Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 recently evaluated the
proposed Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Kiosk
of Seglo Integrated Farm and Princess Nora Free Range Chicken
Farm in Trento, Agusan del Sur.

OIC-Center Director Fil Victor A. Babanto spearheads the said

OIC Center Director Fil Victor A. Babanto (2nd from right)
evaluation on June 24, 2022. Together with him is OIC-Information spearheads the evaluation of Seglo Integrated Farm in
Section Chief Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac. Information Officer II Trento, Agusan del Sur on June 24, 2022.

Ginalyn V. Arbutante also joined in the team. On the other hand, Mr. Bernabe B. Baguios is the Learning Site for
Agriculture Cooperator of the Princess Nora Free Range Chicken
During the evaluation, CD Babanto handed various Information, Farm. The said farm is located in P-10, Poblacion, Trento, Agusan del
Education and Communication (IEC) materials to the LSA Cooperators Sur and was certified on February 3,2022. The 1.5hectare farm is
and were displayed in the said FITS kiosks. planted with vegetable, coconut, and fruit trees and with poultry.

The Seglo Integrated Farm is owned by Mr. & Mrs. Alfred and The two LSA Farms FITS Kiosks have positive results as evaluated by
Sharon Honor. It is a certified Learning Site for Agriculture of the team. Both Farms are now ready to accommodate visitors such
the ATI-Caraga since June 28, 2021. Located in Brgy. Kapatungan, as farmers, students and other stakeholders who are willing to learn
Trento, Agusan del Sur. With rice, catfish and poultry as their focus about agriculture through their respective FITS kiosk.
commodity. (By: Ginalyn V. Arbutante)

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16 A G r i c u lt u r a l t r a i n i n g i n s t i t u t e