CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – TESDA Regional Director, Director Ashary A. Banto presented certificates of training to at least 50 graduates, including IPs and FRs, during the Farm Field School (FFS) Graduation Ceremony held at Sitio Impadiding, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, May 18, 2021.
The 50 graduates hailing from the Impadiding Higaonon Pangibabasok Association, received certifications on Rice Production Training (Modernized Production in High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization).
The graduation ceremony was also attended by the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion and Kinoguitan National Agricultural School (KNAS) Vocational School Administrator II, Miraflor B. Emata, Ph. D. Mr. Ram Shurab Landiza representing the City’s Agriculture Office in Gingoog City also attended to grace the occasion.
The solemn ritual conducted and spearheaded by the elders/ Datus of the Higaonon Tribal Group to ward off evil spirits and welcome guests and visitors to their place was one of the highlights of the activity. Before the ceremony, however, some cloth face masks were distributed to the graduates as part of the school’s support to reduce the chances of the COVID-19 virus spreading.
With the introduction of the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) and the development of Farm Field Schools (FFS) at all TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs) across the country, the Kinoguitan National Agricultural School (KNAS) has undertaken at least four rice production batches in Gingoog City and Sitio Impadiding, Minalwang in this province. Within the year, KNAS expects to execute at least another five (5) batches.
In his statement, RD Ashary A. Banto stated that they will increase their efforts to better serve our Higaonon brothers in far-flung, remote areas who have been denied of necessities like electricity. More initiatives and trainings, such as Project Lamdag, carpentry training, and other needed trainings, are being pursued for the identified geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.
On the other hand, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer, 58IB, assured the agency partners of the assistance they require, noting that it is encouraging to see national agencies like TESDA leading this kind of initiatives. “The Army is very much happy and willing to support and suffice whatever is required to accomplish these endeavors. We are your partners for development, and we both want the same thing: to provide just service to our countrymen.”
