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ABOUT THE COVER

CONTENT WRITERSMelinda P. PetalcorinINFORMATION OFFICER IIVenus June J. TaghoyPLANNING OFFICER IIMary Jane P. PepeDEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT OFFICER I

LAYOUT AND DESIGNBethel John L. SinonMEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST IIJonalyn G. SaulanINFORMATION OFFICER II

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSVilma M. Patindol, Ph.D.CENTER DIRECTORHazel Grace T. TaganasASSISTANT CENTER DIRECTORIDennis Boyd R. BaltazarINFORMATION OFFICER III

As one of the implementing regions for the Tier 2 program (Increasing Agricultural Productivity towards Food Security and Poverty Alleviation), ATI 8 saw the dire conditions of the farm families in four (4) Eastern Visayas provinces, families which survived in barely what one could call subsistence farming. The beneficiaries chose livelihoods that best fit their agricultural landscape and skills. For ATI 8, providing extension services to these families means helping them rise above the troughs of poverty and help the region achieve new heights in the agricultural sector.

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2017ANNUALR E P O R T

DIRECTOR’S CORNER

For ATI 8, the implementation of extension programs is not just another target that needs to be achieved. A training participant or farmer is not just another figure in the statistics that comprise each monthly report. The Center mainly aims to enrich each life that is reached by its extension activities and services. 2017 was another year of making the lives of Eastern Visayas agricultural extension workers and farm families even better as ATI 8’s programs responded to the various challenges and opportunities that came its way. Driven by its customers’ needs, the Center soared with innovations and programs to reap profound changes with measurable results: newly renovated building, evaluation studies, implementation of the Tier 2 program “Increasing Agricultural Productivity towards Food Security and Poverty Alleviation” in the region, and ISO 9001:2015 certification. The region has 4 of the 22 poorest provinces in the country. This fact made it a full plate for ATI 8 as it implemented the Tier 2 program. Thankfully, respective local government units (LGUs) provided ATI 8 with the needed support. There is indeed power when people come together for the common good. In the bid to bridge the gap between capacity building and actual implementation of knowledge and skills earned, ATI 8 met challenges without breaking its momentum for enriching lives. Backed with a culture of dedication and commitment, its staff fostered on with programs that provided solutions and created choices to propel change among its stakeholders. As has been the case for many years past, whatever this fast-changing environment presents, ATI 8 will still continue to perform an active role in nurturing a sustainable and resilient agricultural industry sector.

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Enriching Lives

VILMA M. PATINDOL, Ph.D.Center Director, ATI in Eastern Visayas

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VISIONFood availability and and afforability for every Filipino family through excellent extension services in agriculture and fisheries.

MISSIONEmpowerment and building capacities of agriculture and fisheries stakeholders for sustainable development.

WHAT’SINSIDE?

2 About the Cover

4 Director’s Corner

5 What’s Inside

6 Enhancing Access to AFE Knowledge Products and Services

10 Strengthening Competitiveness and Capacities of the AF Sector

23 Expanding Partnerships in Advancing Excellence in AFE Delivery

28 Scaling-Up AFE Innovations

33 Strengthening AFE Stakeholders’ Capacity in Climate Change Adaptation and Readiness

35 Improving Enabling Environment and Quality of Governance

ENHANCING ACCESS TO

AFE KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTS

AND SERVICES

thematic program 01

The role of information is highly important for stakeholders to

achieve meaningful life changes. ATI 8 aims to create enriched

communication experiences through its various knowledge products. With the fast-paced

changing information environment, ATI 8 ensures that IEC materials

are made available in several platforms using different

information technology tools so that stakeholders, particularly the

poor, have better access.

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E-EXTENSION INTENSITY SUMMIT

ATI 8 participants joined in the recognition of ATI Partner agencies in the implementation of the e-Extension program. The e-learning Handbook was also unveiled. During the poster presentation DBRBaltazar presented Mr. Armel B. Lozano’s (BSDC Graduate, VSU) study entitled “Conditions leading to completion and discontinuance of the enrollees in the ATI e-learning for agriculture and fishery program in Eastern Visayas” through a breakout session. As a result of the poster and plenary sessions, it was evident that there should also be a focus on finding out the impact of the e-learning program over statistics. The possibility of linking with certifying bodies on continuing education was also discussed if incentives will be considered as part of the promotion.

• Facilitated the conduct of the FITS Rapid Monitoring and Appraisal Batch 2 covering 25 FITS Centers from the three (3) provinces of Samar, Batch 3 covering 28 FITS Centers from the provinces of Samar, Biliran and Leyte, and Batch 4 covering 11 FITS Centers from the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar and Southern Leyte

• Facilitated the distribution of the equipment and supplies for ten (10) FITS Centers - Capoocan, Baybay City, Hilongos, Saint Bernard, Jaro, Calbayog City, Hindang, Santa Fe, Hinunangan and Ormoc City - under FITS Enhancement through RCM Project under the Rice Program

• Conducted the FITS Enhancement through RCM: Project Briefing and Agreement Signing, March 28, 2017 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU, Baybay City, Leyte. The briefing was conducted to enhance the FITS capacity to provide ICT services and provide identified FITS Centers with the necessary gadgets and supplies to successfully deploy RCM to rice farmers; oriented FITS staff on their responsibilities and obligations; and to have an agreement or contract between ATI_RTC VII and the MLGU to operationalize the activity.

• The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Zumarraga, Samar through its Municipal Agriculture Office formally launched the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center on May 22, 2017.

NETWORK OF KNOWLEDGE CENTERS

• The Techno Gabay Summit 2017 was also conducted on October 18-19, 2017 gathering Magsasaka Siyentista and FITS managers from around the region to assess the program performance in their respective LGUs, identify issues and concerns in the implementation of the program along the four modalities, identify strategies to strengthen content build-up of the FITS, and draw out lessons learned and identify recommendations for the improvement of the FITS Center operation including the services of the Magsasaka Siyentista.

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Participated during the exhibit of products and accomplishments during the 30th Anniversary of ATI at Diliman, Quezon City from January 22-28, 2017. Showcased products of assisted learning sites/associations in the region.

EXHIBITS

ATI 8 conducted techno-promotions in: (1) DA-RFO 8, Tacloban City during the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month Celebration on May 3-31, 2017; (2) Maasin City, Southern Layte during the ASI Program and Agri-Klinik 2017 Agri Fair and Garden Show on June 28, 2017; (3) VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte during the 93rd VSU Founding Anniversary on August 7-11, 2017; and (4) Maasin City, Southern Leyte during the Agri-Aqua Fair on August 8, 2017.

TECHNO PROMOTIONS

• SOA on Cassava in Southern Leyte was launched on April 24, 2017 via Radio DYSL and the mass graduation was conducted on July 29, 2017 at SLSU Gym, Sogod, Southern Leyte with 513 graduates

• SOA on Organic Agriculture was launched on April 28, 2017 via DYSM and the mass graduation was conducted on August 14, 2017 at Ibabao Hall, Capitol Building, Catarman Northern Samar with 533 graduates

SCHOOL ON THE AIR (SOA)

Right: Top Graduate (Senior High student category) Jonathan

F. Bernat with Center Director Patindol and

SLSU President Ivy Prose Yepes

Bottom Right: ATI 8 Organic Agriculture Focal Person, Graciel

Gacutan, discusses OA practices to SOA

Graduates in Northern Samar

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STRENGTHENING

COMPETITIVENESS AND

CAPACITIES OF THE AFE

SECTORthematic program 02

Training has a fundamental role in agriculture if the government is to deliver maximized benefits and values for its stakeholders. For ATI 8, extension workers, farmers, and other AFE sectors are continually trained to capacitate them on how things are done so that they can carry out a process on their own.

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40

10

15

20

25

30

35

5

0

R

Regular HVCDP 4-HLivestockRICEOrganicCornAgriculture

RBO

39

19

610

131317

4

221TRAININGSCONDUCTED

Figure 1. Trainings conducted by Program

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4

6

8

10

12

2

0

R

Rice Regular 4-HCornHVCDPOrganicL ivestockAgriculture

RBO

8

1 11

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1 1 1

28OTHER RELATEDACTIVITIES CONDUCTED

Figure 2. Other related activities conducted by program

RBO4-H

Livestock

Organic Agriculture

Rice

Corn

HVCDP

Regular

102230

285

401

416

454

572

1153

Figure 3. Number of training participants by program

3,613TOTALPARTICIPANTS

Other related activities include briefings/orientations, con-gresses/conventions, and consultative activities.

Farmers

Extension Workers

Others

52%

22%

26%

Figure 4. Distribution of participants by type

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Female59%

Male41%

Figure 5. Distirbution of Participants by Sex

5th Class31%

4th Class23%

1st Class12%

3rd Class13%

City8%

2nd Class8%

6th Class5%

Figure 6. Distirbution of Participants byMunicipality Class

Leyte49%

Samar14%

Southern Leyte14%

Northern Samar10%

Eastern Samar10%

Biliran2%

Others1%

Figure 7. Distirbution of Participants by Province

OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• FFS Season-Long Training for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on Organic Vegetable Crops/Corn Production (March 2017-June 2017)

• Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center Enhancement through Rice Crop Manager (RCM): Project Briefing and Agreement Signing (March 28, 2017)

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on Pineapple Production (May2-3, 2017)

• Ground Truthing and Identification of Beneficiaries of Climate Resilient Livelihood Projects (Action Plan Implementation) (May 17-19, 2017)

• NC III Certification: Harnessing Students’ Capacities in Agriculture Crop Production (May29, 2017-June 7, 2017)

• Edible and Container Gardening for Sagkahan Elementary School (July 26-28, 2017)

• Participatory Approach for Resilient Agriculture Integrating Sustainable Organic Farming System (September 4-8, 2017)

• Training on Abaca Production Technology (September 18-20, 2017)

• Agricultural Livelihood and Agribusiness Networking and Rural-Based Organization/Farmers/Fisherfolks Night and Awarding in Macrohon, southern Leyte (September 21-22, 2017)

• Training on Organic Agriculture Production NC II (September 3, 2017-October 12, 2017)

• Training of Trainers on Module on Sustainable Agriculture (October 9-13, 2017)

• Techno Gabay Program Summit 2017 (October 18-19, 2017)

• Seminar-Workshop on SIPAG – IDOFS (October 23-26, 2017)

• Agrikulturang Ganap na Aalalay Patungo sa Abot-kayang Yaman para sa Pagbabago (November 14-17, 2017)

• Climate Smart Farm Business School (Corn-MacArthur) (July 21, 2017-November 14, 2017)

• Initiative for Livelihood Advancement and Welfare (ILAW) thru Integrated Diversified Organic Farming System (November 27-30, 2017)

• Resource Person Development Program (December 5-7, 2017)

The Center also conducted activities that were not targeted in the 2017 Work and Financial Plan. These were the other extension activities requested by the other agencies or LGUs and/or proposed that the Center conducted/assisted. These are following:

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• Workshop on Project Development and Management for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) (December 5-7, 2017)

• Retooling for RBO Municipal Coordinators and Presidents cum Gender and Development (December 12-13, 2017)

• 4H-Club Farming Journey: Explorations in the Field (December 28-29, 2017)

CLIMATE SMARTFARM BUSINESS SCHOOL

The Climate Smart Farm Business (CSFBS) is a new extension modality that aims to work with farmers to help them build knowledge and skills to make their farms more profitable and resilient amidst the unpredictable effects of climate change. This training course integrates the concept of farming as a business, good agricultural practices and risk-proofing their livelihood against weather events. This program takes the school to the farmers having FFS, CSFFS and FBS in one forum.

A total of 547 farmers participated in the 20 training course on CSFBS. This include 9 batches under the corn program, 4 batches fund-ed by HVCDP, 3 batches by rice program, and 4 batches from regular program.

AGRIDOC After 5 months of extensive training, Batch 1 composed of Twenty Six (26) Extension Workers (Male-20; Female-6) graduated in the season long training for a new breed of rice extensionist in April 05, 2017 at the Center for Continuing Education, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte. Batch 2 has Twenty (20) graduates (Male-12; Female-8) in December 14, 2017 at Training Hall C, ATI 8, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte. The new breed of rice extensionists will now serve as the catalysts of farm community transformation. Through the training they have been made competent in science-based and locally appropriate strategies for managing and adapting rice-based farming systems towards competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. Being community developers, they have the power to change and to influence people around them. They are now ready to undertake new research, develop agriculture enterprise, manage, network and do extension in their own way, in their own communities.

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ADOPT-A-FARM YOUTH ATI 8 led a one-month intensive training for five (5) 4-H and out-of-school youth at the ATI-accredited Villaconzoilo Farm in Jaro, Leyte. This program supports that the youth has a greater potential to innovate and become agri-entrepreneurs of the future. At the farm, students were able to learn by doing the farm practices with the guidance of Magsasaka Siyentista and Young Filipino Farmer Training Program in Japan (YFFTPJ)- Alex Aborita. MS Aborita also allowed the students to participate in farm machinery operations. The students were selected based on the following criteria: A bonafide 4-H Club member who is an out-of-school youth; male/female who is at least 18 years old but not above 30 years old; high school graduate or college level(undergraduate); physically and mentally fit and morally upright; not presently employed in any job except farming; has a minimum of one (1) year continuous farming experience; has an available farm and/or existing agri-based projects; and willing to learn, adopt and share new farming/fishing technologies to other farmers in the area.

FARM BUSINESS ADVISORY Rice Crop Manager is a computer and mobile phone based tools providing rice, maize, and wheat farmers with a personalized crop and nutrient management guideline. It uses results of research and existing knowledge to provide farmers in irrigated and rain fed lowlands with ‘precise’ field- and farmer-specific recommendations. It also uses advances in information and communications technology (ICT) to provide professional extension and advisory services. ISS staff of the Center made a total of 2,567 call-interviews under Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Messenger Service.

GENDER DEVELOPMENTAND GAD-related topics were incorporated in four (4) trainings at ATI 8 which aims to promote gender equality and address some of the gender issues. These trainings revolved on empowering the women and men through teaching them about livelihood activities. Topic on the Role of Women in Farming/Agriculture & Extension was embedded in these trainings. Film Seminar on “BOSES” for employees, AgRiDOC participants and residents of Brgy. Candadam, Baybay City, Leyte was conducted

by ATI 8 on November 15, 2017. This is one of the Gender and Development activities of ATI in connection with the advocacy to push the Campaign to End Violence against Women and Children, November-December, for this year. Two screenings were done in ATI 8 and at the Multi-Purpose Gym of Brgy. Candadam. The story revolves around a 7-year old battered child who could not speak because of the abuses he received from his own father but was able to overcome it through music. BOSES echoes a call for the protection and promotion of children’s rights. It examines how issues in the families and communities affect child’s welfare and upbringing of parents. It also thumbs through matters concerning women such as migration and girl child abuse. A total of 79 attendees heeded the invitation for the screenings. ATI 8 also participated on the annual observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women which started last November 25 to December 12, 2017. With this, the Center reproduced and distributed IEC materials such as flyers, tarpaulin and online advocacy in its website. Flyers such as Anti Rape Law, VAWC Act of 2004, among others were distributed to training participants and people in some adjacent barangays. The observance of this campaign is to make people aware that VAW is a public issue of national concern.

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MARGINALIZED SECTOR

Trainings for the senior citizens, IPs, and PWDs were conducted to cater the needs and empower the marginalized sectors for their socio-economic development. These trainings were incorporated with topics on values formation, health, and wellness. Senior Citizens from Tacloban City were taught about the principles of container gardening using organic agriculture through a methodology called LOLA which stands for Look, Observe, Learn and Ask. There were also 31 seniors from Sulat, Eastern Samar trained on seafood processing. The Mamanwas of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte got an opportunity to learn something new and worthwhile with abaca through the training, Abaca Handicraft Making which was conducted by the Center. During the 3-day activity, the tribe was joined by alternative learning system (ALS) learners as they tried their hands on abaca waste materials as prime material for their handicrafts. ATI 8 also conducted From Crops to Cash: Container Gardening for the PWDs of MacArthur, Leyte to encourage them to practice container gardening because it is easy to do and inexpensive. Aside from access to safe and healthy food like vegetables and herbs, container gardening also develops the social skills of PWDs as they get involve with community activities. The training aims for PWDs to establish container gardening for continuous availability of healthy and nutritious food and make it a small-scale business.

CHILDCARE The Center has been providing programs that help raise awareness about the agricultural efforts in the region especially among the youth sector. One of these is the Appreciating Agriculture through Arts (3As) in collaboration with the DepEd Baybay City Division Office which aims to help students learn and appreciate various agricultural commodities common in the Philippines. This year, 3As focused on Jackfruit. ATI 8 also collaborated with Biliran National Agricultural High School (BNAHS) for its youth development program, “Garden in the School”. This intends to educate and develop the youth’s appreciation on organic agriculture and raise awareness on the government’s 4H program. Another activity is the Rice and Organic Agriculture Awareness Reach Schools (ROARS) in partnership with the Sagkahan Elementary School. This program aims to promote awareness on the importance of rice and organic agriculture among elementary pupils. The pupils were taught on the ways on how to save rice and practice organic agriculture thru the RicePonsible and Gusto Ko Organiko videos.

SENIOR CITIZENS, IPS PWDS

A participant tries his hand at mushroom

production - one of the technologies promoted by ATI 8.

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SCHOLARSHIPSYOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH A SUSTAINABLE PROGRAM In partnership with the Foundation for People Development, Inc. – Molding Future Inno-vations (FPD-MFI), the Center offers a two-year scholarship program to the members of 4-H clubs nationwide. This is especially focused for the out-of-school youth (OSY) and high school gradu-ates to equip them with knowledge and skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship technology. The program aims to have a new generation of farm-ers who will continue and sustain the agricultural activities in the country, ensuring food security for all. For 2017, the 2nd batch of scholars, 27 scholar 4-hers received their Diploma in Entrepre-neurship as well as NC III certifications from the Vi-sayas State University (VSU) and TESDA, respec-tively. Two of these 4-H scholars, Ms. Anna Lea M. Layola and Ms. Shiela Mae T. Sarco, graduated with Honors.

YOUNG FILIPINO FARMERSTRAINING IN JAPAN After careful deliberation at the ATI-Central Of-fice, twenty-two (22) trainees of the Young Filipi-no Farmers Training Program in Japan (YFFTPJ) were identified to participate and undergo the 40-day homestay module in different farms around the country. Mr. Virgilio P. Bajan from Region 8 is one of the 22 trainees to take part in the said program. Bajan is a young farmer from Baybay City, Leyte and hopes to gain technical knowledge on new farming techniques and build agricultural and co-operative management skills through the YFFTPJ program. The YFFTPJ module is scheduled on No-vember 18, 2017 to December 27, 2017 in the farms of YFFTPJ alumni nationwide.ACADEMIC AND TECHNOLOGY

INTEGRATION EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH (ATI-EP) PROGAM

Twenty (20) Out-of-School Youth from Region 8 joined the Academic and Technology Integration Education Program for Out-of-School Youth (ATI-EP) Program at Fair Gems Academy Inc. Catubig, Northern Samar. The program aimed to develop the potentials and capabilities of the out of school youth and ultimately harness their innate inclinations to improve their economic status. Af-ter the program, they graduated in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of DepEd and were accredited as NC I holder on Poultry and Agri-Crop.

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LEARNING SITES As part of the ladderized approach to extension service, the Center support the development of rural farms by certifying them as model sites or Learning Sites that serve as demonstration areas for hands-on learning. The following are the Learning Sites established in 2017:

1. Paysud Farmers Association Farm (David D. Bello, Brgy. Paysud, Palapag, Northern Samar)

2. JJ Farm (Jessie C. Pagulong, Brgy. Cambaro, So. Leyte Macrohon)

3. Dampigan Farmers Association Mini (Roque B. Pito, Jr., Brgy. Dampigan Sta. Rita, Samar)

4. Osmeña - Panan-awan Farmers Asso ciation (former Osmeña Rice Farmer Association) (Remegio O. Mista, Brgy. Osmeña, Marabut Samar)

5. Tag-alag Fisherfolks and Farmers Association (TAFFA) (Rodolfo P. Malinao, Jr., Brgy. Tag-alag, Marabut Samar)

6. Sustainable Agriculture Learning Farm (Reyna Tagana, Brgy. Guirang, Basey Samar)

7. Buenavista Mini Farm (Rosana A. Grado, Brgy. Buenavista, Basey Samar)

8. Cogon Farmers Organic Association (Eduardo P. Duran, Brgy. Cogon, Basey Samar)

9. New San Agustin Mini Farm (Romeo C. Colinayo, Brgy. New San Agustin, Basey Samar)

10. SM Fresh Farm (Sammy O. Macawile, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar)

11. LRG Farm (Lucio R. Gerona, Bontoc, Southern Leyte)

12. Pitahaya Farm (former Strawberry Farm) (Jose L. Castillejos, Jr., Tacloban City)

13. Navga Farm – Nahaong Vegetable Growers Association (Edgar C. Pagalan, Libagon, Southern Leyte)

14. EcoFARMI VSU Learning Site (Rommel B. Armecin, EcoFARMI, VSU, Baybay City, Leyte)

15. Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro (Bosis) Family Rural Farm School (Danilo O. Miralles, Paranas, Samar)

16. Duday’s Herbal Eco Farms (Dr. Vicente A. Quinton, Brgy. Cangubang, Palo, Leyte)

17. Balay ni Tatay Eco Farm Resort (Dr. Floro Camenforte, Camenforte, Babatngon, Leyte)

18. Ramirez Farm (Felipe B. Ramirez, So. Candimas, Makiwalo, Mondragon Northern Samar)

19. Can-abay Small Farmers Association (Pio A. Bacayo, Brgy. Can-abay, Basey, Samar)

20. Goshen Farm (Billy T. Montes, Sitio Ngulokulo, Poblacion 10, Lawaan, Eastern Samar)

21. PhilRootCrops VSU Learning Site (Dr. Erlinda A. Vasquez, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte)

22. Ormoc Rice Seed Growers (Renato Quilantang, Sitio Dao, Brgy. Lilo-an, Ormoc City, Leyte)

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23. St. Isidore Nature Farm (Pablo Quimen, Jr., Brgy. San Isidro, Alangalang, Leyte)

24. Tres Marias (Lerma A. Matus, Brgy. Sto. Nino, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar)

25. MUFDA (Maximo Locop, Jr., Brgy. Mercedes, Silago, Southern Leyte)

26. ORSEPRO (Renato Quilantang, Sitio Dao, Brgy. Liloan, Ormoc City, Leyte)

27. Andreley’s Farm (former Friends Farm) (Pruto A. Adora, Brgy. Tumbo, Alang-Alang, Leyte)

28. St. Francis of Assisi (Rowena Y. Elardo, Brgy. Sta. Elena, Tacloban City, Leyte)

29. JF Healthy Farm (Jesus Felipe Subingsubing, Sitio Tinago, Brgy. Binolho, Albuera, Leyte)

30. Shitogo Farm (former Opeña’s Farm Learning Site) (Elmer C. Opeña, Brgy. Barugohay Central, Carigara, Leyte

31. Kamalig ni Tinglay Christopher Gonzales, Brgy. Bilwang, Isabel, Leyte)

32. Sustainable Agriculture Learning Farm – Farmers Association (SALFA) (Claro D. Labuae, Brgy. Guirang, Basey, Samar)

33. Aragon Nature Farm (Saturnina A. Aragon, Brgy. Curva, Ormoc City, Leyte)

34. SULPA Elementary School (Patricio, R. Sanaco, Brgy. Sulpa, Villaba, Leyte)

35. Happy Farm (Jay Milan, Brgy. Bagong silang, Macrohon, Southern Leyte)

36. Bees Farm (Elmer Sacro, Brgy. Upper Ichon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte)

37. Progressive Farms (Paciano T. Quirol, Brgy. Domonar, Ormoc City, Leyte)

38. Yo Herb and Veggie Farm (Rogelio A. Licayan, Jr., Brgy. Gaas, Ormoc City, Leyte)

39. Cabintan National High School (Ma.

Patria D. Quilantang, Brgy. Cabintan, Ormoc City, Leyte)

40. VSU Alang-Alang Organic Agriculture Demonstration and Training Farm (Dr. Manuel S. Rona, VSU Alang-Alang Campus, Alang-Alang, Leyte)

41. Palo 1 Central School (Lea P. Bolic, Brgy. Cavite West, Palo, Leyte)

42. SOFTEA Garden (Sofia F. Trani, Brgy. Bato, Biliran, Biliran)

43. BIKFA - Brgy. Ilaya Kikoy’s Farmer Association (Victorio A. Dagohoy, Brgy. Ilaya, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte)

44. Totskie Farm (Basilio L. Miranda, Jr., Brgy. Bantolinao, Rosario, Northern Samar)

45. Avenido’s Farm (Crisanto C. Avenido, Brgy. Bantolinao, Rosario, Northern Samar)

46. RGB Vegetable Farm (Roberto P. Balondro, Brgy. Guadalupe, Macrohon, Southern Leyte)

47. Cipriano Nature Farm (Marvin H. Labang, Zone 4, Brgy. Lonoy, Kananga, Leyte)

48. MICA Farm (Candice Calibo, Brgy. Milagro, Ormoc City, Leyte)

49. Probo Diversified Farm (Probo G. Muyalde, Brgy. Tuburan, Hinungan, Southern Leyte)

50. BFFA (Rebecca P. Adobas, Brgy. Buenavista, Bontoc, Southern Leyte)

51. A.I. Farm (Arnaldo B. Salem, Brgy. Tigbao, Libagon, Southern Leyte)

52. AKAMAFA (Fortunato P. Balele, Sitio Kawarayan, Brgy. Rizal, Kananga, Leyte)

53. Fidel Cabale Family Farm (Fidel Cabale, Brgy. Bagong, Ormoc City, Leyte)

54. AVES Farm (Maria Avelina P. Virrey,

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Brgy. Macalpi, Carigara, Leyte)55. PMPC Farm (Partners Multi-Purpose

Cooperative) (Roberto P. Decio, Brgy. Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte)

56. J & D Farm (Dahlia D. Atok, Brgy. Concepcion Ormoc City, Leyte)

57. Bolomen Farm (Melinda M. Sinangote, Sitio Kalye, Brgy. Pili, Almeria, Biliran)

58. LGU Lope de Vega Farm (Benjamin Rebamonte, Brgy. Poblacion, Lope de Vega, Samar)

59. Victorio Olivar Farm (Victorio B. Olivar, Brgy. Bante, Calbayog City, Samar)

60. Bunga Compact Farmers Association (Pepito F. Solano, Brgy. Bunga, Baybay City, Leyte)

61. VSU – Phil Rootcrops (Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte)

62. Dencor Nature Farm (Socorro S. Codilla, Brgy. San Jose, Ormoc City, Leyte)

63. Arneda’s Farm (Olivia Arneda Esquilla, Brgy. Buac Gamay, Sogod, Southern, Leyte)

64. Beautiful Hands Nature Farm (Nelia S. Biyu, So. Mahaba, Brgy. San Jose, Ormoc City, Leyte)

65. JKL Sunrise Farm (Diosito S. Diaz, Brgy. San Isidro, Baybay City, Leyte)

66. Sagkahan Elementary School (Danilo R. Guido, Brgy. 62-B, Sagkahan, Tacloban City, Leyte)

67. Abrillo Farms (Geranfel Abrillo, Brgy. Buri, Burauen, Leyte)

OTHER CONTINUING LEARNING SITES

1. 3G’s Farm (Felixberto C. Udtohan, Brgy. Binulho, Javier, Leyte)

2. A&A Farm (former Corn Learning Site) (Hermoginis N. Alvarez, Brgy. Casilda, Merida, Leyte)

3. Abloy’s Farm (Felixberto C. Udtohan, Brgy. Brgy. Tugas, Bato, Leyte)

4. Alex Abad’s Farm (Alex Abad, Brgy. San Antonio, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte)

5. Basti’s Farm (Albert P. Rosillo, Brgy. Kilim, Baybay City, Leyte)

6. Cervantes Integrated Organic Farmer As-sociation (CIOFA) (Nestor Esplago, Brgy. Cervantes, Catarman, Northern Samar)

7. Eden of the Southern Pacific (Romel Modellar, Brgy. Calag-itan, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte)

8. Godoy Organic Land Diversification

(GOLD) Farm (Loreto Godoy, Brgy. Can-ipa, Baybay City, Leyte)

9. Guinduyugan 4H Club of Barangay Borseth (Dino P. Antoni, Brgy. Boresth, Alangalang, Leyte)

10. Ike mantilla’s Farm (Ike Mantilla, Brgy. Molopolo, Macrohon, Southern Leyte)

11. Kika-Gawa Anuronhon (Remedios B. Quirante, Brgy. Anuron, Mercedes, Eastern Samar)

12. La Granja de Reyna Farm (Martina D. Rey-na, Brgyy. Bagacay, Tacloban City, Leyte)

13. SM Organic Farm (Sandy Matunog, Brgy. Bangcas, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte)

14. Vegetable-Based FS (Ditas Dela Peña, Brgy. Anahaway, Palo, Leyte)

15. Palayamanan Plus sa VSU (Ed Allan Alc-ober, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte)

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SCHOOL FOR PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE The Schools for Practical Agriculture or Sanayan ng Pagsasaka at Adhikaing Agrikultura (SPA) is a holistic, integrated community-based agribusiness-ecotourism program of ATI. The SPAs are learning sites further developed in accordance with the SPA framework of the ATI. That is, the chosen SPA’s farm shall become the “school” for hands-on training and the farmer-owner shall be the “teacher” and com-munity extension worker serving the other farmers to further enhance their farming knowledge and skill as well as for those who would want to venture in farming. Once the farm is fully developed and made capable to be an effective and efficient venue for training and extension activities, it shall be labelled as a “School for Practical Agriculture”. These are the SPA established in 2017:

1. Aborita’s Farm (Alexander O. Aborita, Villaconzoilo, Jaro, Leyte)

2. Bethany Hills Farm (Welito A. Ang, Brgy. Caucab, Almeria, Biliran)

3. Cabintan Livelihood Community Association (CALCOA) (Eselito Quejano, Brgy. Cabintan, Ormoc City, Leyte)

4. Mike Pedroso Farm (Miguel A. Pedroso, Brgy. Carayman, Calbayog City, Samar)

5. LP Organic Farm (former Family Health Program (FHP) Farm) (Alijandro Pugosa, Brgy. Binabaye, Merida, Leyte)

6. Ursing’s Farm (Ursolo B. Dela Peña, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Capoocan, Leyte)

7. Canaan Hill Farm (Sandro Espinaso, Brgy. Uson, Caibiran Biliran)

8. Merida Agricultural Diversified Services (MADS) (Andresa B. Regis, Brgy. Cambalong, Merida, Leyte)

OTHER CONTINUING SPAs

1. Juanito Eco Farm School for Practical Agriculture (JEFSPA) (Olegario F. Paredes, Jr., Brgy. Montebello, Kananga, Leyte)

2. La Caridad Farm (Benjamin D. Gerona, Jr., Brgy. Buac-Gamay, Sogod, Southern Leyte)

3. McKinley Integrated Diversified Organic Farming Farmers Association (MIDOFSFA) (Rogelio Benesisto, Brgy. McKinley, Catarman, Northern Samar)

4. Mercedes Upland Farmers Development Association (MUFDA) (Maximo T. Locop, Brgy. Mercedes, Silago, Southern Leyte)

5. Enderio’s Farm (Marianito A. Enderio, Brgy. Campesao, Borongan City, Eastern Samar)

6. Uncle Job’s Farm (Job D. Abuyador, Brgy. Brgy. San Isidro, Mahaplag, Leyte)

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“We have already been implementing programs but based on what I see, only ATI showed a systematic implementation. Before we started the program, we as LGU implementers, were being prepared and given guidance on where we are heading. They have a method for us to interact well and this camaraderie that we’ve developed is very helpful as we implement our program. We can coordinate with each other. The proposal making was simplified and we find it easy. “

Mr. Agustin L. DignosLGU-Calubian

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EXPANDING PARTNERSHIPS

IN ADVANCING EXCELLENCE

IN AF EXTENSION DELIVERY

thematic program 03

ATI 8 highly values its partnerships to ensure

that more people are reached by its quality

extension services. Forging alliances is

important as it facilitates the convergence of

ideas, opportunities, and services that will better serve the stakeholders.

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EXTENSION SERVICE PROVIDERSThe Center accredit organized institutions to become P-ESPs that serve as partners in the provision of extension services to farmers/fishers and their organizations. It aims to hasten and improve the delivery of extension services to the client system; provide opportunities and wider participation of the private sector in the conduct of agricultural extension services; recognize the efforts and capabilities of private institutions/service providers dedicated to the delivery of agriculture and fisheries extension services; and provide a variety of training programs/extension activities for farmers and fishers in support of the thrusts of the agriculture and fisheries modernization program. The following are the accredited ESPs of the Center:

1. Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education Foundation, Inc. (SHIFT) (Brgy. Doña Lucia, Mondragon, Northern Samar – Sister Maribel V. Carceller (Executive Director)

OTHER CONTINUING ESPS:

1. South Pacific Integrated Area Development Foundation, Inc. (SPIADFI) (Hinundayan, Southern Leyte – Beerly C. Capeña (Executive Director))

2. Family of God’s Little Children – Foundational Center, Inc. (FGLC-FCI) (53 Real St., Tacloban City – Prof. Richard V. Cagara (BOT Chairperson)

3. Fair Gems Academy, Inc. (Catubig, Northern Samar – Mr. Eleodoro J. Angeles (Board of Director)

4. La Granja Farmers and Agri Venture Association (Brgy. 93, Bagacay, Tacloban City – Engr. Martina D. Reyna (President) – National ESP

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES SPEARHEADED BY ESPS

1. Becoming Agripreneurs: IDOFS (Fair Gems, February 7 - 9, 2017)

2. Livestock - based Farming System (SPIADFI, March 14 - 16, 2017)

3. From Crops to Cash: Organic Farming (FGLC – FCI, March 29 - 31, 2017)

4. GAP on Cacao Production (Fair Gems, March 21 - 23, 2017)

5. From the Garden to the Kitchen: Enhancing Household Nourishment

(SHIFT, July 5 – 7, 2017 and December 8-10, 2017)

6. Organic Farming in the Highlands (FGLC – FCI, July 20 – 22, 2017)

7. Training for PWDs (Seminar Workshop on Container Gardening) (Fair Gems, October 10 – 11, 2017)

8. Aged to Ablement: Making Senior Years Meaningful (Training for Senior Citizens) (FGLC – FCI, October 24 – 26, 2017)

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AGRICULTURE AND FISHERYEXTENSION NETWORK ACTIVITIES

ATI 8 strengthens alliances and partnerships for deeper development impacts particularly in the delivery of extension projects and services. The Center once again converged the provincial AFENs (Agriculture and Fishery Extension Network) to discuss significant interventions and strategies in pushing agricultural development. On August 4, the SoLACE (Southern Leyte Alliance of Community Extension) met in Maasin City, Southern Leyte to assess the implementation of planned extension activities, what went well and what went wrong. The group also identified extension projects for 2018 together with priority training intervention. Twenty-two (22) SoLACE members participated the activity. On August 16, the BIRD-C (Biliran Integrated Rural Development Council) chaired by the Provincial Agriculturist met in Naval, Biliran to plan for 2018 extension interventions for the province of Biliran. The ESAFEN (Eastern Samar Agriculture and Fishery Extension Network) on August 31 and NorSAFEN (Northern Samar Agriculture and Fishery Extension Network) on September 6. The LeCAFE (Leyte Council for Agriculture and Fishery Extension) and the AFENS (Agriculture and Fishery Extension Network of Samar) did their meeting on September 14 and 26 respectively. ATI 8 organized the provincial AFENs where its respective provincial local government unit is an active member of the ViCAARP (Visayas Consortium for Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Program) and RRDEN (Regional Research Development and Extension Network).

OTHER COLLABORATIONS

• Regional Council Management Meeting was held on January 5, 2017 at DA-RFO 8, Tacloban City. Plans on how to help farmers and associations with great potential, specifically, Aborita’s Farm, an accredited learning site of RTC 8 was discussed during the meeting.

• ATI 8 assisted the PLGUs in the curriculum development for the conduct of trainings for the 50 LFTs/per province as agreed during the SAAD Launching and Planning on January 16, 2017.

• As output of the GIZ-BRIA Farmers Planning Workshop on January 18 – 21, 2017 in Makati City, RTC 8 assisted in the establishment of 30 demo plots, conduct of 3 batches of BRIA school day and orientation of LGU partners.

• Partnered with TESDA during the Brainstorming Session on the Farm Tourism on January 24, 2017 at Paraclete Renewal Center, Tacloban City. TESDA will accredit farm tourism camps as technical vocational institutions for agriculture and tourism courses.

• RMIS and RACO Meeting on February 2, 2017 at CCE, VSU, Baybay City, Leyte. Participants were RMIS and RACO representative from the national government agencies and SUCs in Region 8. The meeting tackled updates on upcoming activities of the consortium.

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• SCNO Project Management Team Meeting on February 9, 2017 at Sogod, So. Leyte. Highlighted during the meeting included baseline survey among coconut farmers results, training curriculum, implementation arrangement for training of the 600 coconut farmers and agreement on next steps.

• Farmers, Fisherfolks and Women Summit on February 28, 2017 at the Municipal Gymnasium of Basey, Samar

• Supported the Regional OA Congress in Ormoc City on July 4, 2017 at Ormoc City, Leyte

• BSWM Consultation Workshop on updating of the national soil and water resources research and development agenda on July 24-26, 2017 at Bayfront Hotel, Cebu City.

• Coordinate with CDA on coop matters and Report Updates per component on Sogod Abaca Rehabilitation Project of Sogod on July 19-21, 2017 in CDA, Tacloban City and Sogod, Southern Leyte

• ViCAARP-RRDEN Cluster 1 Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Review on July 27-28, 2017 at the Philippine Coconut Authority in Palo, Leyte.

• RMC Meeting held on July 31, 2017 at DA-RFO 8, Tacloban City.

• CPOWLI Meeting (meeting of Human Resource Officer in Westen Leyte) on August 23, 2017 at Conference Hall, DepEd Division Office, Ormoc City

• Co-sponsored the RP honorarium for the Training on Coco By-Products as requested by OMA-Sulat, E. Samar. The training was participated by Sulat Palay Check Field School Association.

• Pabulhon Agri-Aqua Fair on August 10, 2017 at Maasin City, Sothern, Leyte.

• Co-sponsored the Ajonay sa mga RBOs Sayawit Night on August 10, 2017 at the City of Maasin, Southern Leyte. ATI 8 Center Director Dr. Vilma M. Patindol recognized the big role of RBOs in agricultural production in Region 8 and she thanked them for this. Dr. Patindol also encouraged them to continue with their “pag-ajonay” so that they may inspire other municipalities. To embolden RBOs to be more proactive and productive, the Center with the LGU of Maasin City awarded the 3 Most Outstanding Farmers Association, 3 Most Outstanding Rural Improvement Club, 3 Most Outstanding Fisher Folks Association, Farmer of the Year, Fisherman of the Year, and Outstanding 4H Scholar. Among the awardees were United Farmers of Baugo (Outstanding Farmers Association) and Malapoc Norte (Most Outstanding RIC). Ms. Anna Leah Layola, an ATI scholar who just graduated from the Visayas State University with a Certificate in Agriculture Science, was awarded as the Outstanding 4H Scholar.

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• ATI 8 co-sponsored and assisted the 16th National Vegetable Congress held on September 27-29, 2017 in Tacloban City. The activity was led by the Philippine Vegetable Industry Development Board and the Department of Agriculture-RFO 8. The 3-day event included expo, learning journey, and plenary sessions which tackled emerging challenges in the vegetable industry as well as highlights on the best practices in vegetable production, post-harvest and marketing.

• Focus Group Discussion with farmers using Standardized Assessment Tool relative to the rate of adaptation and effectiveness of RCM on September 13-14, 2017 at Sta. Fe, Leyte.

• Participated in monitoring BRIA demo plot with the local BRIA implementing team on September 14, 2017 at Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.

• Participated in the 5th Savvysherpa Asia Science Fair on September 15, 2017 at Cebu City and presented From the Garden to the Kitchen extension project.

• BRIA Farmers Rice Harvest Festival on September 18, 2017 at Catublian, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.

• National Rice Technology Forum (Rice Derby 2017) on September 22, 2017 at Basey, Samar.

• 1st Service Excellence Summit for Leaders on September 22, 2017 at Tacloban City.

• Co-sponsored the Agri-Fishery Fair 2017 and Farmers Olympic in Culaba, Biliran on October 14-16, 2017

• Co-sponsored Agricultural Sustainable Initiatives (ASI), Agri-Klinik, and RBOs Night in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte (Hudyaka sa Grupo sa mga Mag-uuma 2017) on October 18, 2017

• National Hybrid Rice Forum on November 10, 2017 at DA-RFO 8.

• Facilitated the Extension Service Providers Summit on November 20-23, 2017 at Acasio

Hotel, Tacloban City, Leyte. The summit was attended by more than 70 delegates coming from different regions.

• 29th Joint ViCAARP and RRDEN Regional Research, Development and Extension Symposium on November 27-28, 2017 at RDE Hall, OVPRE Building, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte.

• Supported the Training of DepEd Teachers on Cacao Production on November 27-29, 2017 at Ormoc City, Leyte

• 1st Regional Farm Tourism Development Consultative Workshop on November 28, 2017 at Palo, Leyte.

• Supported the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on their training on Resource Person Development Program (RPDP) on December 5-7, 2017 at Training Hall C, ATI-RTC 8, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte

• Supported the training entitled Enabling Certification for SCNO Project on December 5-8, 2017 at Agalon Resort, Albuera, Leyte. Sustainable Certified Coconut Oil Production (SCNO) Project is a collaborative project of PCA, ATI, GIV, CARGILL, and ViFARD. The training was conducted to enable AEWs and CDOs of Sogod, Bontoc, and Tomas Oppus to meet the standards for certification of Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) Standard / Rainforest Alliance.

• 2nd Regional Conference on Climate Change Research, Development and Extension

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Scaling Up AFEthematic program 04

Innovations

To provide excellent extension services is something ATI 8 takes very seriously. This is evidenced by the different innovations it has instituted to better serve its stakeholders.

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In collaboration with the DepEd Baybay City Division Office, ATI 8 annually conducts the activity, 3As: Appreciating Agriculture thru Arts, which aims to discuss the importance of agriculture for food, source of livelihood and economic growth with student friendly learning activities. It transforms learning into artistic outputs and inter-school contest which is participated by the elementary pupils near VSU. On August, the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Program and Regional Research Development and Extension Network (VICARP-RRDEN) hosted the International Jackfruit Farm and Industry Encounter through Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) as part of the activities during the VSU Anniversary. This year, 3As focused on Jackfruit. The activity was held on August 9, 2017 in ViCAARP Booth, VSU New Oval, Baybay City, Leyte and was participated by 69 elementary pupils and 12 teachers.

In support to the Rice and Organic Agriculture Awareness Month, ATI 8 has come up with the Rice and Organic Agriculture Awareness Reach Schools (ROARS) which calls for the promotion of rice and OA among the young generation. Being the future of the agricultural and fishery sectors, ROARS aims to inculcate in the minds of the young the importance of rice as well as OA practices. Their enthusiasm and vigor can be tapped to promote sustainable practices even at an early age. This year, the activity was held on November 23, 2017 in Sagkahan Elementary School, Brgy. Sagkahan, Tacloban City, Leyte and was participated with 122 elementary pupils.

RICE AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AWARENESS REACH SCHOOLS (ROARS)

3As (APPRECIATING AGRICULTURE THROUGH ARTs)ON JACKFRUIT

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ATI 8 in partnership with the members of Organikong Magsasaka ng Rehiyon Otso (OMRO) and some learning sites cooperators continued in helping the farmers, teach them, and motivate them to practice organic farming by conducting Lakbay-Alay activities in different areas this year.

• June 26-27, 2017 in Eastern Samar, Basey, and Quinapondan• September 5-7, 2017 in Merida, Ormoc, Albuera, and Baybay• September 28-29, 2017 in Alangalang, Palo, and Tacloban• December 3-5, 2017 in Babatngon

LAKBAY-ALAY

Since its first journey in October 2015, the Lakbay-Alay by the Organikong Magsasaka sa Rehiyon Otso (OMRO) left a significant impact to the visiting farmers. The innovation has now become popular in the region and is recognized by the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB). The journey includes sharing of knowledge, inputs, and technology. The group usually visit new farms and invite 10-15 farmers during the visit in that particular farm. During the farm visits, members of the OMRO gave impressions about the farms and later on gave suggestions on how to improve the productivity of the farms. The Lakbay Alay won’t be complete without the sharing of farm inputs by OMRO to the visited farm owners and associations. The members also explained the importance and value of the gifts that were shared. Learning exchange on farming practices and experiences particularly the promotion of organic farming also takes place. Question and answer portion are also part of the activity.

The Lakbay-Alay family has become bigger. From the first Lakbay-Alay with only twenty participants, this KITS Journey had eighty four (84) participants. More people are getting engaged in organic farming and are willing to share what they have to their fellow farmers. On their Lakbay-Alay conducted on December 3-5, 2017 in Babatngon, the OMRO held their election of representatives in the different provinces of Eastern Visayas and the following members were elected, namely: Gregorio Pelonia for Northern Samar; Loreto Godoy for Leyte; Samuel Espinazo for Biliran; Bendicar Gerona for Southern Leyte; and Sammy Macawile for Eastern Samar. At the end of their activity, the group came up with a motto saying, “Magtulungan tayo, para makatulong” . (Let’s help to help.)

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Through his family, hard work, perseverance in learning new things in agriculture and fishery, and faith in God, the farm of Magsasakang Siyentista Bendicar Gerona in Brgy. Buac-gamay, Sogod, Southern Leyte was recognized as Farm Tourism on July 2017. Magsasakang Siyentista Bendicar Gerona, is a 51 year old typical Filipino farmer, with a not-so-typical plan for his farm. He started farming on 1991. He owns a total of 10 hectares farm area and cultivated 5 hectares. He graduated in Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) with a degree of BS in Industrial Technology. Bendicar Farm Agri Eco Tourism has a fishpond of about a hectare and areas for rice production. It has also an area for vermicomposting that produces vermicast and vermitea which is used as fertilizers for the farm. He is also able to earn an income from it. During wet season, they plant rice and grow tilapia while during dry season, vegetables, soybeans, corn, and peanuts are planted in the farm. Food products are also offered. Their rice yields are processed into bibingka, bananas and jackfruits into banana cake and jackfruit cake, sticky rice into calamay, and soybeans into soya milk and coffee as well. Through becoming farm tourism, his organic farm

FARM TOURISMproducts were no longer need to be sent to the market, buyers can already purchase these within the farm. Bendicar is practicing integrated and diversified organic farming. He was awarded as Outstanding Rice Farmer (Integrated) for Gawad Saka 2017 on May 31, 2017 at LAC Gym, Palo, Leyte. His careful farm planning has able to maximize the farm area and has able to add value on his farm products. As a product of his innovative mind, a mini volcano can be seen on his farm. The farm became a destination of farmers and other visitors of an average of about 500 visitors a year. Since the visitors pay an entrance fee, he could also gain income from it. He also accepts students for on-the-job training (OJTs) like the scholars from the ATI. This way, he gets to teach first-hand experiences about farm practices to the young ones. With the help of the ATI 8, Bendicar get to attend trainings and learn from it. He is also an active member of Organikong Magsasaka ng Rehiyon Otso (OMRO) and has participated in different activities like the Lakbay-Alay where he shares what he has learned and what he has from his farm.

PALAYAMANAN PLUS IN THE LOWLAND FARM The Department of Agriculture actively promotes the Palayamanan System, a diversified inte-grated rice-based farming system directed towards farm diversification to increase farm productivity and profitability to address food security and economic stability of farm families. The Palayamanan System has been upgraded into the Palayamanan Plus. Palamayanan Plus is an intensified rice-based production system with an innovative approach to promote diversification, intensification and integration of different farming components to gain more income, enhance value-adding and move towards marketing. It is also a poverty and unemployment reduction strategy by spin-off rural agribusiness or industries that can cre-ate employment and income-generating opportunities in the rice farming communities.The Palayamanan plus program is composed of four (4) components namely: Component 1: Benchmarking and Site Profiling Component 2: Design, Establishment and Evaluation of different Palayamanan Plus Models Component 3. Capacity Building Component 4. Sustainability Sixty eight (68) farmer-members of Barangay Ilaya Kikoy Farmers Association (BIKFA) in Brgy. Ilaya, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte participated in the program which was conducted on July – December 2017.

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Strengthening AFE

Stakeholders Capacity in

Climate Change Adaptation &

Readiness thematic program 05

All over the world, agricultural industries are taking in the negative impacts of climate change. The increasing and significant effects of climate change prodded ATI 8 to continue capacitating its stakeholders with climate adaptation and readiness knowledge and skills. At the same time, ATI 8 also recognizes the efforts being done at the farmer and community levels in relation to climate change so farms remain productive.

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INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

ON CLIMATE CHANGE DISASTERS

5,313IEC materials on Organic

Agriculture

2,598IEC materials on Climate

Change

Tree planting activities areconducted in the accredited School for Practical Agriculture (SPA) of the Center for them to be aware on their social responsibility in climate change adaptation/mitigation.

The Center also taught lo-cal livestock raisers on producing IMos and Probiotechs as a mean of reducing the production of car-bon monoxide. Ali Pogosa Farm of Merida and Gerry Gonzales Farm of Isabel are now adopting the technol-ogy as a simple contribution in min-imizing the negative effect of climate change.

PARTICIPATORY 3-DIMENSIONAL MAPPING FOR DISASTER

This year, the ATI 8 has continued the used of Participatory 3-Dimensional Mapping (P3DM) for facilitating the participation of local communities for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). P3DM basically comprises the building of stand-alone scaled relief maps made of locally available materials (e.g. carton, paper) which are overlapped with thematic layers of geographical information. It enables the plotting of landforms and other geographical features, land cover and usage, anthropogenic features and vulnerability, which are depicted using push pins, yarn, and paint. Members of the community eventually delineate hazard-prone areas and locate local resources to face these threats. It is

then easy and quick to evaluate disaster risk based on hazards, threatened assets, vulnerabilities and capacities. P3DM then enables the planning of disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures based on multi-stakeholder group discussions, helping to find consensus among participants. Thus, there has been recent drive towards the use of P3DM for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The Center conducted P3DM in 8 barangays in Baybay City, Leyte, namely, Brgy. Kansungka, Brgy. Igang, Brgy. Maganhan, Brgy. Makinhas, Brgy. San Juan, Brgy. Kantagnos, Brgy. Canipa, and Brgy. Kabungaan.

Due to the onslaught of disturbing weather patterns caused by climate variability and change, there is a need to create a general consciousness on the flexibility of climate change adaptation and coping practices including reduction of disaster risk in the communities. ATI recognizes the role extension to create awareness in the community as well

TRAINING COURSE ON THE USE OF CLIMATE RESILIENT VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

as realization of the households on the real impacts of climate change. Thus, the training aims to assess climate risks (current and future) and vulnerabilities that will influence the communities’ prioritization of livelihood projects, adaptation measures and monitoring of their early warning systems.

LIVESTOCK EMERGENCY GUIDELINES STANDARDS (LEGS): RISKPROOFING LIVESTOCK ENTERPRISE Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards (LEGS) is a set of international guidelines and standards on the design, evaluation and implementation of various livestock interventions among communities affected by various types of disaster. There are two basic strategies that are being supported by LEGS. First is to identify the most appropriate livestock intervention during emergencies. Second, it provides standards, key actions and guidance notes for these interventions based on good practice. This program is primarily designed for individuals who are engaged in livestock-related projects and activities especially during emergencies and disasters. It includes first responders during emergencies, policy and decision-makers, educational institutions and other community-based organizations. The Center conducted 2 batches of LEGS training this year. The first batch is conducted on September 12-14, 2017 and batch 2 on September 26-28, 2017. The activity was attended with a total of 50 extension workers and 7 farmers.

CLIMATE SMART FARM BUSINESS SCHOOL (CSFBS)

To further strengthen its existing interventions, the DA-ATI implemented the Climate Smart Farm Business School (CSFBS). It aims to create new thinking, new ways of upgrading farmers’ awareness, understanding, and learning to adapt not only to changing climate but also to reorient their families’ ecological and farm resources into economic units that will enable them to acquire knowledge on business farming. The shift to a market-oriented farming will enable them to learn proper matching and selection of farm technologies and safe farm supplies to reduce crop damages and packaging of fresh and finished farm products acceptable to the market and safe consumption standards local and global markets. This year, ATI 8 conducted 20 CSFBS in different areas in the region, namely: Can-isak, Barugo, Leyte; Cabatuan, Calbayog City, Samar; Rawis, Dulag, Leyte; Bongdo, Julita, Leyte;

Casilda, Merida, Leyte; Sta. Fe, Carigara, Leyte; Sitio Tabugokon, Lilo-an, Ormoc City, Leyte; Malitbogay, Javier, Leyte; Purok 1, Poblacion, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar; Lanawan, MacArthur, Leyte; Bakante, Lao, Ormoc City, Leyte; nahaong, Libagon, Southern Leyte; San Antonio, MacArthur, Leyte; Palanas Cara, Calbayog City, Samar; Bagong Lipunan, Carigara, Leyte; Southern Maylemon, Jipapad, Eastern Samar; San Joaquin, Macrohon, Southern Leyte; Poblacion 1, Hindang, Leyte; Libagon, Southern Leyte; and Magsaysay, Palompon, Leyte.

CLIMATE RESILIENT LIVELIHOOD PROJECT

The Agricultural Training Institute is committed towards contributing to the DA’s thrust for the country’s sustainable development and national food security amidst the perpetual challenge of climate change to the agriculture sector. To reduce the vulnerabilities of the resource and information to poor farmers and fisher folks there is a need for a purposive intervention of the government. Twenty five farmers from Brgy. Camayse, Sta. Rita, Samar were identified as the beneficiaries of the livelihood project of the Center based on the color-coded maps. They were located in flood prone areas and is susceptible to diseases like diarrhea, and other water-borne illnesses. There is no source of potable water in the area. Plants and animals were also affected. The farmer beneficiaries were given non-wash swine, assorted vegetable seeds, mallard ducks, does, native chickens, root crops, fruit trees, and banana suckers. Supplies received varies on their knowledge and skills and on their location.

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35

Improving Enabling Environment and Quality of

Governancethematic program 06

Innovative ideas which become solutions

to stakeholders’ problems are born from a conducive

working environment. ATI 8 puts a premium on staff performance

hence it gives continuous capacity

building and meaning rewards.

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GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

Taking steps to tame the stressors in the daily office grind at ATI 8 and at home, the staff underwent collaborative learning thru Grace under Pressure: Taming your Stress on June 1-2, 2017 at Kalanggaman Island, Palompon Leyte. The island is 753m in length and uninhabited. It is best known for its beautiful sandbars. The staff were divided into 4 groups: Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow. Donning their color-coded bandanas, each member of the group was able to tap into his/her physical and mental prowess as each showcased skills while actively participating in the different collaborative learning activities such as Human Tic Tac Toe, Memory Match, Bulagaan, Team Pen, and Knot Job. The topic “Unclutter your Life to Eliminate Stress” was shared during the activity. The topic emphasized that there is a message in the mess that is seen in our homes and in the office. This mess has a psychological connection to one’s state of mind and heart. The key to an uncluttered life is to simplify. One can do this by focusing on what one has and not on what one doesn’t have; living on less and delighting in more. Some ATI 8 staff were also recognized at the end of the activity for a job well done. The following were given special awards specific to

the activity: Ma Helen P. Seco (Live Wire Award); Annabelle M. Garciano (Green Warrior Award); Jorgen H. Buzon (Carpe Diem Award); Vanissa L. Asis (Tough Cookie Award); Dennis Boyd R. Baltazar (Dove Award); Daniel T. Ecleo, Jr. and Joshua C. Sinoc (Life Saver Award); Mary Jane P. Pepe (Starbust Award); and Venus June J. Taghoy and Dalmacio L. Pajanustan (Beach Candy Award). Overall, the Red Team emerged victorious in the collaborative learning activities.

LEARNING BY DOING TO CREATE EARNINGS: AN EVALUATION STUDY ON 2016 TRAINING ON MEAT PROCESSING

Results showed that 97.4% of the participants were not able to apply their learnings from the training for them to have an additional source of livelihood. The income of these respondents remains the same. Only 2.4% has an increased in earnings by practicing what she had learn from the training through engaging into meat processing business. One avenue for income to increase will be for the households to engage in business. However, this may not happen immediately because it requires financial resources to put up a business. Since, this study was conducted one year after the training, there is no immediate change. Maybe in the long run, household income will increase if there are opportunities for them to engage in business. This study also found out that the unavailability of the ingredients in the locality; the

inaccessibility to materials that will be used, the limited resources, and the absence of proper place to start a business are the other problems that hinder application of knowledge and skills in meat processing. The issue could limit the positive effects brought by the training on the socioeconomic development of a household. In order to address these issues, starter kits, assistance or enough amount of capital to start a business must be given after the training and alternative ingredients that are available in the locality should be taught or suggested. On the other hand, the a g r i c u l t u r a l extension workers of the Municipality of Hinabangan and Quinapondan already conducted re-echo or demonstrations to some of their farmers. At first, these farmers practiced what they have learn but due to limited financial resources, these activities have been discontinue.

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FROM THE GARDEN TO THE KITCHEN: CAPACITATING WOMEN ON VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AND WASTES RECYCLING IN ROSARIO, NORTHERN SAMAR

This project was implemented to improve the availability of vegetables in the municipality of Rosario by encouraging the residents to raise vegetables in their backyards and adopt organic

home gardens. It aimed to increase productivity and income of the household, contribute to the reduction of malnutrition incidence among the children, ensure food availability, and promote environment conservation. It was implemented in the 11 barangays of Rosario, Northern Samar. As a result, the seventeen (17) respondents without gardens before the program raised an average of 11 types of vegetables. Those who had gardens prior to the program increased the number of types of vegetables raised from 3 to 11 during the program implementation. The average yield increased from 29 kg to 83 kg per cropping for households with gardens prior to the program while those without gardens before were able to obtain mean yields of about 59 per cropping during the program implementation. This also increased the monthly income of respondents with gardens prior to the program from about Php 4284 during the implementation, up from their income of about Php 1219 before the project. Respondents without gardens before the program had a mean income of about Php 2982. Also, as an effect of having fresh and safe vegetables available in the backyard, there are no longer malnourished children in their households. The 1st batch which was conducted by the ATI was composed of 54 participants. Two of these graduates are now trainers of their co-farmers resulting to the conduct of 2 more batches led by the LGU. It is also noted that almost each of the beneficiaries was able to influence their neighbor to establish their own gardens and adopt the 3Rs.

FROM THE GARDENTO THE KITCHEN

Capacitating Women on Vegetable Production and Wastes Recycling in Rosario, Northern Samar

Vilma M. Patindol, Ph.D., Mary Jane P. Pepe, Rhea P. Tarrayo, Graciel V. Gacutan

An Evaluation Study by theAgricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center VIIIVisayas State University Campus, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte

TRANSFORMING FARMERS AS AGRIPRENEURS: AN EVALUATION STUDY ON CLIMATE SMART FARM BUSINESSS SCHOOL

The data revealed the following findings: (1) 92 out of 127 respondents adopted the technologies/techniques taught in the training; (2) the knowledge of the participants increased by 157.14% and 94.5% of the respondents became moderately skilled while 4.7% became highly skilled as shown in their knowledge tests; (3) the yield of the respondents who adopted increased by an average of 4 sacks per cropping; (4) the mean income of the adopters is Php 11,371, much higher compared to the Php 6,000 mean income of those who did not; (5) and 98% of the

respondents also observed that the training brought changes or improvements to their community and other people duplicated their practices learned from the training. This training course yielded significant results, especially on income and yield of the training participants, hence, it should be continued and properly monitored so that the change will be constant and will bring more positive effects to the training participants and their community.

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HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTINTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

Dr. Vilma M. Patindol, Training Center Superintendent, attended the Japanese Food Industry Tour on September 3-12, 2017 at Tokyo, Japan. The Japanese Food Industry tour for Development of Food-Value-Chain in ASEAN is a project for Human Resource Development in Food-related Areas through partnership with universities in ASEAN region. It is funded by the

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF), Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) and different Japanese private company sponsors with afh (ASEAN FOOD Industries HUMAN Resource Development Association) as the implementing body of the scholarship program. Group B which is composed of the delegations from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Brunei attended said event last September 3-12, 2017. The main activities of the tour included visiting farms applying the concept of sixth sector industrialization, visiting companies related to food production, processing and marketing. It also included a visit to Nagoya University that has strong research involvement and exposure to Japanese culture through sightseeing in four major cities of Japan’s significant landmarks and traditions: Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto and Tokyo. Short lectures regarding the company’s activities, profiles and advocacy were conducted and on site observation of their activities. Every participant was also given the chance to ask questions as well.

IN-HOUSE CAPABILITY BUILDING

• Continued the conduct of Values Restoration Program. Small lectures were held every after flag ceremony. This activity is another manifestation of ATI’s support to the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CFRV) fot a graft-free society.

• Seminar on Basic Customer Service Skills on January 11, 2017 at ATI 8. This activity equipped ATI staff with skills in frontline services to ptovide customer satisfaction, one of the primary focus of the management.

• Training on Resource Person Development Program on January 12-13, 2017 at ATI 8. This training was designed to hone staff to become effective resource persons and facilitators.

• Training on Project Proposal Development for ATI 8 Staff on Feb. 27-28, 2017 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU, Baybay City, Leyte

• Seminar on First-Aid on April 10-12, 2017 at the VSU Beach and Garden Resort, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte. The training is essential for staff to be knowledgeable in administering first-

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aid to ensure that immediate and proper health care can be given to an injured participant in case of accidents while a professional medic is requested.

• Seminar on Work Ethics and Values Reformation on September 19-20, 2017 at the ATI 8, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte. Work ethics is a set of moral principles designed to compass employees in executing their duties and responsibilties. The training aided in the recollection of the virtues/values that are vital in achieving office goals

• Training on Problem Solving and Decision Making on November 7-8, 2017 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte. The training presented a structure, process and the tools to help solve problems in the workplace and make decisions that would bring value to ATI and its beneficiaries..

• Excel Day’s 3Rs: Reflect on Lessons, Renew Relationship and Reward Endeavors on December 5-8, 2017 at ATI-RTC VIII Training Hall C, VSU Campus, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte

REGION 8 RICEACHIEVERS AWARDEES

• Outstanding Municipality was awarded to Hinundayan, So. Leyte with Php 1,000,000 prize

• Outstanding Irrigators Association (IA) was awarded to Hingatungan IA, Silago, So. Leyte with Php 1,000,000 prize

• Special Prize for Kasaganahan IA, Anahaway, Palo, Leyte with Php 100,000 prize

BEST EXTENSION PROJECT AWARD Dr. Vilma M. Patindol presented ATI 8’s on-going extension project “From the Garden to the Kitchen (FGTK): Capacitating Women on Vegetable Production and Waste Recycling” and was awarded as Best On-going Extension Project among the four extension projects presented

during the ViCAARP-RRDEN Cluster 1 Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Review on July 27-28, 2017 at the Philippine Coconut Authority in Palo, Leyte. Another project, “Increasing Agricultural Productivity towards Food Security and Poverty Alleviation: Extension Support to the Twenty Two Provinces with Highest Poverty Incidence in the Philippines” or ATI Tier 2 was also presented as on-going project of the Center. The Tier 2 on-going program was presented by Ms. Hazel Grace T. Taganas, TCS 1.

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CSC PAG-ASA AWARD (GROUP CATEGORY)

Ms. Hazel Grace T. Taganas received the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Pag-asa Award (Group Category) last September 20, 2017 at the Malacañang Palace. Together with other VICAARP members, they were honored for “being the driving force in the delivery of research and development services, technology transfer, and agricultural training to farmers in Eastern Visayas.” The consortium was recognized for its scientific interventions that led to the recognition of jackfruit as a high-value crop, providing people in Eastern Visayas with profitable livelihood.

SEARCH FOR BEST RDE POSTER The FGTK (From the Garden to the Kitchen Project of VMPatindol, MJPPepe, RPTarrayo, and GVGacutan made it to the Search for the Best RDE Poster Competition during the 29th Joint ViCAARP and RRDEN Regional Research, Development and Extension Symposium on November 27-28, 2017 at the RDE Hall, OVPRE, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte.

STUDY ON CSFBS PRESENTED AS PLENARY PAPER Center Director Dr. Vilma M. Patindol presented Transforming Farmers as Agripreneurs: An Evaluation Study of Climate Smart Farm Business School (CSFBS)” during the 2nd Regional Conference on Climate Change Research, Development and Extension with the theme “Building Local Community Resilience to Climate Change” on December 19-20, 2017 at the Visayas State University Convention Hall, Baybay City, Leyte. The study evaluated the respondents’ knowledge, practical learning application after the training and socio-economic development of the household of the respondents. The study concluded that the CSFBS for farmers demonstrated

effectiveness in disseminating climate and weather information, climate change adaptation strategies, farming as a business from planning, financial management, marketing, packaging, and labelling to the respondents; majority of the respondents adopt the techniques taught during the training; the adoption and application of the CSFBS techniques and technologies by the majority of respondents in their farms brought significant effects on their yield and income; and CSFBS has significantly transformed the farmers from mere producers to agripreneurs with climate proof livelihoods. The CSFBS is a curriculum based approach to extension aimed to help farmers build knowledge and skills to make their farms more

profitable and resilient amidst the unprdictable effects of climate change. The conference served as platform in the sharing and dissemination of best practices and initiatives on climate change mitigation and adaptation from local communities, and facilitate the process of scaling-up such proven models and initiatives towards building communities resilient to climate change. Other Center staff who attended the activity were Mr. Dalmacio L. Pajanustan, Ms. Ma. Helen P. Seco, Ms. Conception B. Miro, Ms. Emie M. Omila and Ms. Mary Jane P. Pepe.

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES FOR THE 1ST SEMESTER 2017

Admin (JO): Jorgen H. BuzonAdmin (Regular): Annabelle M. GarcianoTechnical: Venus June J. Taghoy

PANATA AWARDSManagement Choice Award (making a positive

impact on the institution and demonstrating exceptional reliability, quality of work, initiative and professionalism): Gizell Jill D. Nuñez

Light Breaker Award (early to come, late to go): Venus June J. Taghoy

Scrapper Award (giving worth to cost): Daniel T. Ecleo, Jr.

Facelifter Award (giving miles of smile): Ruel Francis A. Galenzoga

Tide Turner Award (great, “crazy ideas” creative): Bethel John L. Sinon

Tide Turner Award (great, “crazy ideas” innovative): Melinda P. Petalcorin

Back Packer Award (ready to help, fast to serve): Eleno D. Bagarinao

Equalizer Award (striking a balance in the workplace): Venus June J. Taghoy

Bloomer Award (clutter-free): Luvilla G. Alcober

Mountain Mover Award (efficient multi-tasker): Venus June J. Taghoy

Cliff Jumper Award (risk-taker): Maria Helen P. Seco

Decoder Award (finding solutions to problems): John Cesar S. Oyao

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STAFF RECOGNIZED IN THE NATIONAL LEVEL

Exceptional Performance Award

This award was given to Ms. Ma. Helen P. Seco for her exceptional performance and dedication to the ATI Rice Program in Year 2017. The ATI recognized her consistent delivery of excellence which exemplifies a true partnership of talent delivery, customer service and competitiveness, engagement management, priority commitment, and program collaboration.

CRFV Outstanding Values Restoration Officers

Ms. Luvilla G. Alcober and Ms. Melinda P. Petalcorin, Values Restoration Officers of ATI 8, were each awarded the Outstanding Values Restoration Officer for 2017 (National) by the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values during the Grand Launching of the GMRC/VRP at One Vittoria Hotel in Ilocos Sur on October 2017.

RENOVATIONS AND UPGRADING Under the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Re-construction Program (YRRP) of the Department of Agriculture, the ATI 8 Admin Building, Cafeteria and Directors’ Cottage were repaired/improved.

ISO CERTIFICATION

With its continued commitment to deliver quality agricultural extension and training services, ATI-RTC 8 together with 6 ATI Trainings Centers and Central Office passed the ISO 9001:2015 Surveillance Audit conducted by TUV-SUD-PSB on December 1, 2017.

Republic of the PhilippinesDepartment of AgricultureAGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER VIIIVisayas State University (VSU), Visca, Baybay City, Leyte

@ATIEVisayas ATIEasternVisayas @ati_easternvisayas www.ati.da.gov.ph/ati-8

www.e-extension.gov.ph/elearning ati_rtc8@yahoo.com.ph

EXCELLENT EXTENSION SERVICES BEYOND BOUNDARIES