STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 1 (Ilocos) is encouraging people who are stuck in their homes this quarantine period to enroll in online agricultural courses.
In an interview on Wednesday, ATI-1 center director Rogelio Evangelista said the Department of Agriculture’s e-Extension Program, in collaboration with other government agencies, state universities and colleges, and non-government organizations, offers 70 online courses in agriculture and fisheries.
ATI is the lead implementing agency of the program.
“Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis, we have already thousands of graduates under this program,” he said.
Evangelista said anyone who has Internet connection could avail of the courses being offered such as crops, livestock, sustainable agriculture, social technology, marine, and fisheries.
“There is no age limit or educational requirement,” he said, adding that those who complete the courses will get certificates.
Aside from the certificate, Evangelista said the skills and knowledge that online students would acquire are “very useful” in starting their own backyard or urban gardening or farming.
“Since many are at home and most are using the Internet, then why not learn something new and useful?” he added.
The e-Extension program is free and accessible via http://e-extension.gov.ph/
“They may inquire further regarding the program or ask assistance through our Facebook page ATI Ilocos region (https://www.facebook.com/
Meanwhile, ATI-1 also posts instructional videos on their official Facebook page that are free and accessible to all.
“Topics are how-tos – how to do urban agriculture, container gardening, how to prepare fertilizer, among others,” he said. (PNA)
