BREAKTHROUGH
Orabi
● Internationally inspired, locally rooted. Similar to the cross-pollination process
used in agriculture, ATI-MIMAROPA extended its partnerships across borders by
accepting the challenge of cultivating Egyptian rice varieties—namely Orabi #3,
Orabi #4, and Orabi #5—at at Gabutero Organic Farm, owned by Mr. Nelson B.
Gabutero, Sr., one of ATI’s Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) in Bongabong,
Oriental Mindoro.
The results of the experiment showed that these specific varieties can grow well in
the local environment. Orabi #3 achieved an impressive average plant height of 95.1
cm, followed by Orabi #4 at 93.1 cm. Orabi #4 also stood out in terms of the number
of productive tillers and filled grains, indicating a higher potential for yields compared
to the other two varieties. Although Orabi #5 showed potential, it did not surpass the
other two in height or tiller productivity but excelled in milling recovery.
With the success of the experiment, it is right to say “from the world to your farm"—
another door to food security has been opened, leading to new opportunities for
innovation. This advancement aims to uplift the livelihoods of local rice farmers,
enhance local agricultural practices, and facilitate further research to gather more
comprehensive data on the adaptability of the Orabi varieties across different
seasons in the region.
Hydroponically Grown Green Barley
● Green beyond grain. With the continuous increase in the inflation rate in the
country, the production costs for swine and broilers have also risen, particularly in
terms of feed, which is essential for producing quality meat for consumers. As feed
prices increase, farmers' desire to find alternatives to commercial feeds also grows.
This is how the introduction of hydroponically grown green barley became a game-
changer. Its use as an alternative feed for swine and broilers yielded positive results.
One group of pigs and chickens was fed 100% commercial feed, while another group
was given a mixture of commercial feed and chopped barley. The results showed
that the green beyond grain movement was a success. The group fed with the
mixture of commercial feed and chopped barley gained more weight, produced
higher-quality meat, and demonstrated promising market acceptance. This
innovation, with its immense potential to transform meat production and
consumption, is indeed a breakthrough.
TESDA ASSESSMENT CENTER
● NC II-ed Institute: ATI-MIMAROPA always operates with a double-edged sword:
one edge represents its continuous efforts toward achieving food security and
sustainability in the region, while the other focuses on equipping local farmers with
the fundamentals of Organic Agriculture. Achieving these goals is always possible
because the center is one of the TESDA-accredited Assessment Centers for Organic
Agriculture. It provides participants not only with knowledge related to the field but
also with practical skills through demonstrations of proper practices. After the
training, participants are rewarded with valuable benefits. They not only take-home
insights and information but also receive a National Certificate II. This certification
enhances their professional credibility, increases employment prospects, and
validates their skills in this field.
PALAY ISDAAN
● Fins and Field. Can you imagine a rice field in the middle of a fishpond? If you think
you cannot find one in real life, then you might want to visit Gabutero Organic Farm
in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro where they integrate this concept through their
Palay Isdaan technology. Spanning one-fourth of a hectare (2,600 square meters),
the rice field, planted with black rice, is surrounded by a fishpond where various fish
species, such as mudfish (dalag), catfish (hito), tilapia, and even soft-shelled turtles,
swim freely. At certain times, the fish are allowed to enter the field through a
connecting hole for two weeks. During their stay, they feast on insects and pests in
the shallow waters of the field, while their feces fertilize the rice plants. With this
technology, it's truly a combination of fins and fields. The farm recently harvested a
total of 69 cavans of black rice, and the fish raised around the field were also
available for consumption and market purposes. This success is likely to continue
due to their innovative farming methods.
ATIng Gulayan sa Sentrong Pasanayan
● Center Sprouts. “You cannot teach what you don’t practice.” Since ATI’s vision and
mission revolve around building the capacities of agriculture and fisheries
stakeholders through various programs to achieve food availability and affordability
in the region, ATI-MIMAROPA also practices what it preaches. Upon entering its
premises, you will be welcomed by a variety of vegetables. Known as “ATIng
Gulayan sa Sentrong Pasanayan,” this mini-garden, measuring ten square meters,
was established to maximize the space within the institution and to encourage the
community to contribute to food availability by creating their own gardens at home.
Office Amenities and Facilities
● Tuloy po Kayo. What complements excellent service? A great atmosphere and
amenities, right? That’s why providing a comfortable and welcoming office can be
considered one of the center’s innovations. Through its relentless efforts, ATI-
MIMAROPA has continuously improved its facilities to better serve its clientele,
especially during seminars and training. And by facilities, we mean not just the
training halls but also the lodging and accommodations for guests and
participants, ensuring they feel at home during their stay.
So, what’s inside ATI? Halika, tuloy po kayo! Aside from the designated offices
for each section/unit, anyone who enters the premises can visit the three café
halls. Café Hall A is the largest, accommodating up to 150 individuals.
Meanwhile, Café Hall B, which is adjacent to the office of the Center Director, as
well as the Accounting and Finance, Supplies, and PMEU units, can hold up to
80 individuals. Café Hall C can fit up to 20 individuals.
Another significant innovation of the facility is the new guest dormitory, where 40
guests can stay comfortably in its well-maintained, fully air-conditioned rooms
and bathrooms. As a TESDA-accredited Assessment Center, it also has its own
processing hub for demonstrations during training and techno-demo farms for
Organic Agriculture. Additionally, to provide clients with relevant Information,
Education, and Communication (IEC) materials for reference, the center has an
e-Learning Lounge, which is also ideal for formal meetings and conferences. So,
what are you waiting for? Step inside ATI and discover a world of learning,
comfort, and innovation.
