ATI-Caraga forges strong partnership with the academe through Agri-IGNITE

Butuan City- The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XIII (ATI-RTC XIII), through its Information Services Section (ISS), recently pitched a digital initiative to the faculty and staff of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) of Caraga State University (CSU) in Ampayon, Butuan City, introducing the Agri-IGNITE Program.

ISS Section Chief and Information Officer III Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac, together with Media Production Specialist II Vic Thor A. Palarca, presented the Agri-Innovation Generating New Ideas & Technology for Excellence (Agri-IGNITE). The said initiative aims to advance digital innovation in agricultural extension and training services, serving as a dynamic platform for transformative partnerships between ATI and academic institutions across the region.

The Agri-IGNITE program also provides selected Information Technology (IT) students with opportunities to showcase their skills and IT expertise to a broader audience, including farmer clients of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). During a 3-month on-the-job training, the students will gain hands-on mentorship through ATI and its farm partners dubbed as Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), where they engage with best farming practices and innovative agricultural approaches. This immersive experience not only enhances their technical abilities but also deepens their understanding of practical, cutting-edge farming techniques.

Representing the CCIS were (from left to right) Ms. Jen Asis, Project Leader of Agri-Aqua DA-DTI (ATBI); Dr. Riah Encarnacion, CSU Professor; and Mr. Kenneth Boyles. Agri-IGNITE unfolds in three phases: Ideation and Pitching (Phase 1), Development and Refinement (Phase 2), and Pilot Implementation (Phase 3), fostering collaborative capacity building and technological growth.

Earlier in March this year, the program was successfully launched at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) of the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) in Bunawan, introducing cutting-edge digital solutions designed to empower farmers and revolutionize agriculture in the region.