𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝙏𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨-𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 TAU, ATI sign deal on agri training

“When ATI (Agricultural Training Institute) is there, TAU (Tarlac Agricultural University) is there. We have been working together for years.” Such were the words of Dr. Max P. Guillermo, TAU President, during the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TAU and ATI at the Office of the President (OP) Conference Room on 29 April.

“Wala akong matandaan na hindi inapprove na request ng TAU,” Dr. Guillermo continued, suggesting that TAU has long been recognized as a key partner of ATI. “I hope that the next TAU President will have a heart for farmers. Ipagdasal niyo na bigyan kami ng Panginoon ng karapat-dapat na pangulo,” Dr. Guillermo stated in reference to the end of his term and the impending search for the next TAU President.

“Open lagi ang TAU. We’re always supportive of programs, especially those that uplift the lives of farmers and students,” Dr. Guillermo ended as he expressed his hopes that the collaboration between TAU and ATI would continue.

Likewise, Engr. Joey A. Belarmino, ATI Center Director, thanked the TAU President for his generosity. “This is another opportunity to make an impact for our stakeholders,” Engr. Belarmino said. 

According to Engr. Belarmino, the MOA specifically serves as a guide for the conduct of Binhi ng Pag-asa Program. Funded by the Office of Senator Grace Poe, the said project will be implemented in three provinces, Laguna, Mindoro, and Tarlac, this year. It will be the second time the project will be carried out in Tarlac. 

TAU’s counterpart is to provide training facilities, food, and accommodation for young farmers from 18 municipalities in the Province. The University will also be the source of experts in small ruminants who will serve as resource speakers and training specialists. Aside from these, Engr. Belarmino encouraged the University leadership to pursue research and extension activities in consonance with the endeavor. 

Commencing in June 2024, the three-day training of participants from local government units (LGUs) is divided into three modules: small ruminant technology; leadership development; and business and commercialization. Engr. Belarmino also mentioned that such undertaking is the government’s response to reports of aging farmers and youth’s disinterest in agriculture. “We encourage young farmers to work in the agricultural sector,” the Center Director emphasized.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Yolanda S. Guillermo, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training (OVPRET), expressed her gratitude for the unceasing trust and confidence of ATI to TAU. “We will try our best to implement the second round of training efficiently and effectively,” Dr. Guillermo conveyed. 

Other TAU officials present in the ceremonial signing were Mr. Marlon B. Espedillon, Acting Director of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA), and Dr. Erlie SD. Totaan, Acting Director of Department of Extension and Training  (DET).

#TAU #GreenandGlobal #ATI #BinhingPagasa

Article | Information Unit 

Photos | Planning and Development Office