By Frances Batara, StratCom Correspondent

Ilocos Norte local government units (LGUs) assisted by the MMSU Extension Directorate, received awards at the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Stakeholders Forum and Techno Gabay Program Summit held on October 10-11 at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen, Pangasinan. 

Organized by the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1), the event highlighted the outstanding initiatives and achievements of MMSU-assisted LGUs in advancing agriculture and fisheries extension services. 

The Municipalities of Solsona and Currimao garnered top spots in the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center’s Best Practices and Innovative Strategies category, placing 1st and 3rd, respectively. They were awarded a plaque of recognition along with additional resources for their FITS Centers, such as a printer and a display rack. 

Furthermore, the Municipality of Burgos was acknowledged as a participating FITS Center. The evaluation committee is composed of Ms. Eula Dee Lanada, Information Officer II and TGP Focal Person of ATI RTC III; Ms. Maridelle Jaurique, Information Officer III and TGP Focal Person of ATI-RTC IV-A; and Ms. Erika Masilang, Information Officer II and TGP Focal Person of ATI-Central Office.

These awards serve as a motivation for MMSU to continue helping local governments establish and maintain FITS kiosks, which provide vital services and information to farmers. These kiosks also serve as a crucial link between the farming community and modern agricultural technologies, ensuring that up-to-date, science-based practices are accessible to local farmers.

In addition, 17 farmers from Ilocos Norte were awarded certificates of appointment as Magsasaka Siyentista (MS). These newly appointed MS farmers represent various fields of expertise, including root crop production, organic farming, aquaculture, hydroponics, swine and goat production, tilapia breeding, and bamboo processing. Three farmers from Currimao and Laoag City were reappointed for their continued dedication to implementing science and technology-based farming practices. The Magsasaka Siyentista recognition honors farmers who have successfully integrated both scientific and indigenous technologies into their operations, underscoring the importance of applied research in agriculture.

In 2023, ATI-RTC 1 and MMSU signed a Memorandum of Agreement to accelerate the institutionalization of the TGP in Ilocos Norte. MMSU continues to be a partner member agency of ATI-RTC 1 and the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium, actively providing effective and science-based services to the region.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Communities through Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable, and Excellent (RISE) Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) System,” served as a platform for showcasing and celebrating best practices in agricultural and fisheries extension services. The forum was attended by public and private sector extension workers.
 

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