Agricultural Training Institute (Philippines)
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| Established: | January 30, 1987 |
| Director: | Asterio P. Saliot |
| Website: | http://ati.da.gov.ph |
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.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] Major strategies
[edit] Needs-based extension agenda
The implementation of the National Extension Agenda and Programs (NEAP), which was anchored on the needs of technology users, aims to hasten the information flow and networking among extension providers. The NEAP also allows the possible convergence of Research and Development Programs of ATI and DA’s field units.
[edit] Access to technology and knowledge management
The ATI will soon utilize and maximize the use of cyberspace to disseminate information among Filipino farmers and fishers. Sooner, extension services and knowledge products will be accessible through the web.
[edit] Alliance building
Partnership and networking with other government agencies and some state colleges and universities will be strengthened, thus, extension and training will be regulated according to quality standards.
[edit] Resource build-up
Through fortified partnership and networking initiatives, the ATI was able to upgrade its facilities and improve its manpower. The Institute aims to sustain the richness of its linkages.
[edit] Refocused services
To make good use of its limited budget allocation, the ATI will prioritize the more urgent needs; technical services and field posts will be expanded so that more front liners can attend to the needs of the clientele. Also, extension providers will be accredited and information and communication technology will be maximized.
[edit] Professionalized work ethics
To become a model government agency, the ATI will work its way to an International Standard Organization Certification. To carry out this goal, an incentive package will be awarded to its people who imbibe the culture of a service-oriented, honest and committed team player.
