ATI-10 to launch ‘Gastronomica:’ food from NorMin

• Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023374
• Friday June 21, 2019

By Jasper Marie O. Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) region 10 is set to launch two books this month, success story “From Arms to Farms” featuring rebel returnees from Lanao del Norte and Plaridel Misamis Occidental and the second book, Gastronomica, a feature of food products by ATI’s learning sites in Northern Mindanao.

Maria Lydia A. Echavez, OIC-Center Director, ATI regional training center during Talakayan sa PIA, said there is a need to promote agriculture and ensure young ones to engage and develop love for agriculture.

Based on statistics, average age of farmers now are 57 years old.

According to her, farming is not really that hard.

“You don’t need a big space to be able to plant your own food,” she added. Especially living in cities, there are new technologies such as vertical gardening and container gardening to allow even with the smallest space to produce their own food, she said.

Among the advantages of urban agriculture is that families will be assured of the quality of food they will put on their table. Further, families can also earn income if they have more than enough vegetables in their backyard.

She emphasized that as they are promoting agriculture, they are also developing farms in Northern Mindanao.

ATI’s approach is ladderized. This means, Echavez explained trainings are not just for production but for farmers to go into marketing, processing and value adding.

First step in the ladder involves farmer leaders to develop their own farms. When this happens, ATI acknowledges the farm as learning site. The farm becomes a school and the farmer will become a teacher, she stressed.

Second, is they become school for practical agriculture. They can conduct their own trainings and to some extent become tourism destination.

In Bukidnon, learning sites developed by ATI include Alomah’s Place in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich where owners produce organic lettuce and herbs. They also offer fresh salad, 7-in-1 locally produced tea, horseback riding and overnight stay.

Second is Kumaykay river farm which features rustic ambiance; next is Binahon agroforestry farm in Lantapan Bukidnon, accredited by Department of Tourism as farm tourism site. They produce their own organic vegetables and fruits and also have ATV for adventure.

Mt. Kitanglad Agro-Eco Farm owned by Mr. Benjamin Maputi, Malaybalay City is a tourist destination in Malaybalay Bukidnon which features hobbit houses.

Jaya Secret Garden also lies in the heart of Malaybalay. According to ATI, this farm used to be a garbage dumping area but now it has a beautiful landscape with only 200sqms land area. They have pig, chicken, vegetables and growing healthy food free from insecticide and chemicals.

In Misamis Oriental, Buhian Diversified Farm in Initao also offer organic food. Meanwhile Iligan City features Balay sa Jardin. They offer fresh vegetables with outdoor nature ambiance. People eat here leisurely, they do not rush while eating.

ATI advises tourists not only promote products of the farmer but to patronize organically grown. She said, we should eat food that are safe from pesticide and inorganic fertilizer.