Agricultural Training Institute
Surian ng Pagsasanay sa Pagsasaka | |
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Agency overview | |
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Formed | January 30, 1987 |
Headquarters | ATI Building, Elliptical Road, Vasra, Quezon City 1100, Philippines |
Agency executive |
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Parent agency | Department of Agriculture |
Website | www |
The Philippines' Agricultural Training Institute (Filipino: Surian ng Pagsasanay sa Pagsasaka, abbreviated as ATI), is an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Agriculture responsible for training agricultural extension workers and their clientele; conducting multi-level training programs to promote and accelerate rural development; and ensuring that research results are communicated to the farmers through appropriate training and extension activities.
History
When the Department of Agriculture (DA) was reorganized in January 1987 under the Executive Order No. 116, the Bureau of Agricultural Extension (BAEx), the Philippine Agricultural Training Council (PATC) and the Philippine Training Centers for Rural Development (PTC-RD) merged, and paved the way for the establishment of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
The ATI started with ten training centers from the former PTC-RD when it became operational in 1987. A year after, the number of training centers nationwide rose to 26 when nine Regional Training Centers (RTC) and seven Farmers’ Training Centers (FTC) were set up.
In 1989, there was a total of 41 training centers nationwide after seven FTCs, seven Regional Fishermen’s Training Centers (RFTC) and the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH) were installed.
ATI’s role as the DA’s extension and training arm was strengthened with the Republic Act 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) of 1997. But in November 1998, the RFTCs were turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Also, the FTCs were renamed Provincial Training Centers.
At present, ATI, being the extension and training arm of the Philippine Department of Agriculture, is geographically situated nationwide to be able to reach its target clientele in the agriculture and fisheries sector. It has 16 regional training centers and one international training center, with its Central Office located at Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
Mandates
Republic Act 8435 (Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997)
- To lead in the formulation of the national Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) agenda and budget;
- To prepare an integrated plan for publicly funded training programs in agriculture and fisheries;
- To advise the Department of Agriculture in managing financial and logistical support for AFE;
- To formulate and issue guidelines in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating AFE programs; and
- To assist the local government units extension system by improving their effectiveness and efficiency through capability building and complementary extension activities such as technical assistance, training of personnel, improvement of physical facilities, extension cum research and information support services in coordination with state universities and colleges.[citation needed]
Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Thematic Programs
Enhancing Access to Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Knowledge Products and Services
The e-Extension Program for Agriculture and Fisheries, The Farmers' Contact Center (FCC), Nutrient Manager for Rice Mobile—a toll free messaging service of the Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the International Rice Research Institute
Strengthening Competitiveness and Capacities of the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
Expanding Partnerships in Advancing Excellence in Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Delivery
4-H Development Program for the Youth in Agriculture and Fisheries
Scaling-up Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Innovations
Strengthening Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Stakeholders' Capacity in Climate Change Resilience
Improving Enabling Environment and Quality of Governance
Major Services
Training on various agricultural technologies, agri-related livelihood enterprises focusing on the value chain, social technologies such as extension delivery systems, IEC development and ICT Literacy for extension workers, among others.
Technology Demonstration
Farm and Business Advisory through the Farmers' Contact Center (FCC)
Technical Assistance to Rural-based Organizations
RIC-HEEAP Entrepreneurial Projects as well as conduct of consultative meetings and other forms of technical assistance
Provision of multimedia IEC materials at the Agriculture and Fisheries Knowledge Center
e-Extension services through e-learning courses on A & F and digital learning resources
Accreditation of Extension Services Providers (ESPs)
Provision of extension grants to accredited ESPs
Scholarship Programs
Youth in Agriculture and Fisheries Program and Expanded Human Resource Development Program