DA execs see need for more agri learning sites in NorMin

DA execs see need for more agri learning sites in NorMin Mindanao News

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - More Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) are needed in Northern Mindanao to further promote modern farming, especially among the youth. By Nef Luczon

This was according to officials of DA’s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Region 10, who said rice farms -- in particular -- are better suited for the establishment of LSA to teach the young generation the value of farming. courses of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

“Tesda is in need of rice-based LSA now because they lack the school for their rice competitiveness fund,” Akut said.

Maria Lydia Echavez, ATI-10 training center’s officer-in-charge superintendent, on Sunday said Region 10 already has 91 LSA and 14 “School for Practical Agriculture.” In addition to LSA, two Extension Service Providers (ESP) in the region also have the capacity to conduct training independently and can directly receive funding based on approved projects.

Maria Eloisa Akut, OIC-chief of ATI-10 Information Services Section, underscored the importance of more agriculture training sites to supply the demand for rice-based vocational ATI considers LSA as farms “practicing applicable agricultural technologies, employing doable farming strategies and operating successfully, thus, worthy of emulation,” according to DA-ATI website.