The 3rd Anniversary of Sustainable and Innovative Agriculture (SINAG) took place on Tuesday, December 12, at Balay sa Oma, located at the Provincial Agricultural Center in Barangau Irawan, Puerto Princesa.
Organized by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), the event showcased the achievements and impact of SINAG in fostering sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.
It included a field harvest, tours displaying crops and products, and a solemn mass to express gratitude led by Rev. Fr. Buddy Saturnino and key figures such as Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Romeo Cabungcal.
Dr. Cabungcal highlighted crucial facilities at the site, emphasizing its certification by the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) as a learning site for agriculture.
ATI MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos commended the facility, expressing its potential as a farm school that can impart knowledge to Palawan’s farmers.
“As a learning site, this will be visited by our clients, especially farmers and extension workers. This becomes our sample area or demo, where this learning site developed by ATI, by law, is a requirement to become a farm school. So, from a learning site, let’s remove the ‘L’ to become an earning site,” Barrientos said.
The event also marked the handing over of a P1.2 million check from ATI MIMAROPA to the Provincial Government, supporting the implementation of the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES).
This funding aims to enhance the capacity of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and Municipal Agriculture Officers for effective knowledge dissemination and services to farmers in the province.
Simultaneously, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed for the Collaborative Provincial Agriculture Extension Program (CPAFEP) involving various government agencies, solidifying their commitment to supporting Palawan’s agricultural sector.
SINAG at Balay sa Oma boasts facilities like the Farmer’s Field Center, Rice, Corn, Cassava, and various other production areas, providing opportunities for Palaweños to learn about agriculture through free training sessions.
The event was also attended by Board Member Ariston D. Arzaga, Gng. Socorro S. Tan, Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs), and representatives from collaborating agencies.