ATI CALABARZON Kicks Off 39th Anniversary Celebration Highlighting Excellent Service and Teamwork

The DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON officially kicked off its 39th Founding Anniversary Celebration today, marking nearly four decades of commitment to agricultural excellence under the theme “Loyalty in Action: Driving Agricultural Excellence through Service and Accountability.” The weeklong celebration, running until January 23, recognizes employee contributions while promoting collaboration, wellness, and innovation in agriculture.

The opening day began with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the Anniversary Kick-off Program, setting a reflective and celebratory tone for the milestone event. One of the highlights of the day was the Huntahan sa ATI CALABARZON with loyalty in service awardees, which recognized long-serving employees whose dedication and consistent performance have significantly supported the Institute’s mandate and accomplishments through the years.

DA-ATI CALABARZON Center Director Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, RAgr emphasized the importance of honoring the people behind the agency’s success, as well as the reminder of commitment to its mission.

“Kung anuman ang dahilan ng pagpili at pananatili natin sa ATI at pagiging bahagi ng celebration sa ating 39th anniversary, kaakibat nito ang commitment, accountability, at kagustuhang maka-contribute sa objectives ng ATI para sa ikauunlad ng pamumuhay ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” said Dr. Maningas.

Following the opening activities, the DA-ATI CALABARZON has begun the conduct of its FY 2026 Operational Planning, which will continue until January 21. The activity aims to ensure the effective, coordinated, and timely implementation of programs and activities for the whole fiscal year, aligning strategies with the evolving needs of farmers, fishers, and agricultural stakeholders in the region.

As the celebration continues, DA-ATI CALABARZON will roll out a series of employee-centered activities aimed at promoting wellness, teamwork, and camaraderie. From January 19 to 22, employees will take part in a mini sports fest featuring Larong Pinoy, board games, and ball games, including basketball and volleyball.

On January 22, the celebration will also highlight the awarding ceremonies for the sports fest, as well as the launching of the Silang Livestock Agriculture Cooperative (SLAC) in Silang, Cavite as the newest Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) in the region, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to both employee engagement and agricultural development.

The anniversary celebration will culminate on January 23 with the awarding of employees in recognition of their exemplary performance and contributions to agrifishery extension services, and oath-taking of Magsasaka Siyentista (MS). The celebration will conclude with a seminar for MS, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to knowledge sharing, innovation, and farmer-led research.

As DA-ATI CALABARZON moves forward, the 39th Founding Anniversary stands as both a celebration of past achievements and a renewed commitment to uphold the values of service, accountability, and purpose—ensuring that agricultural excellence continues to benefit farmers, fisherfolk, and communities across the region.