ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--More farmers in Barangay Digkilaan, here, will now have access to agriculture-related information and technology that could help increase their farm productivity and enhance their agricultural practices.
The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC)-10 recently launched its first Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) center in Barangay Digkilaan, Iligan City to reach more farmers at the barangay level.
The FITS center will serve as the barangay information center, which aims to offer farming technology and agriculture-related information services. The creation of the center also ptargets to increase farmers’ awareness and understanding of the programs and services of ATI.
The Farmers Information and Technology Service (FITS) along with Magsasaka-Siyentista (MS) forms part of the components under the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) previously handled by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).
“I am thankful for our partnership with ATI. As pilot for the FITS center in the barangay, we hope that this will help the farmers of Barangay Digkilaan and its neighboring community to improve their knowledge and skills in farming,” Supervising Agriculturist Marie Ann J. Beley said during the launching ceremony.
The newly launched FITS center was furnished with corporate books, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on farming and other agriculture-related publications.
Barangay Captain Michelle I. Malasado along with the members of the barangay council, SK Chairman Rolan C. Abaro and 4-H club officers organized the said launching, February 18. The event was also in coordination with the City Agriculture Office.
FITS point person Honeylou C. Bastasa was joined by technical staffs Angelli C. Doña and Cassandra Camille R. Sabasaje, who represented the center on behalf of Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez.
Through establishment of FITS centers in the country, the Agricultural Training Institute continues to strengthen the Techno Gabay Program as a knowledge management initiative and a mechanism in enhancing access to up-to-date information and new agricultural technologies in the countryside. (ATI-RTC-10/PIA-10)
