How San Agustin FITS center being established and launched

The Local Government Unit of San Agustin has already established a research and development sector in the Municipal Agriculture Office. The Local Chief Executive (LCE) aimed to establish a center wherein farmers could access new technology and information about farming particularly Natural Farming Technology System. It was November 13, 2009 when orientation of FITS held at Auditorium of Surigao del Sur Polytechnic College Main Campus and it was attended by the Municipal Agriculturist together with the SB member Committee Chairman on Agriculture. After that orientation, the LCE was convinced that it is an opportunity to join the Techno-Gabay program and then the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution for the establishment of FITS center was being formulated hereafter being approved by all members. On the 5th of January 2009, the letter of intent approved by Municipal Mayor together with the SB Resolution RE: Establishment of FITS Techno-Gabay Program in the Municipality of San Agustin was submitted to the CARAGA Consortium for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (CCARRD). A month after the CCARRD replied our application and they required us to pass all the necessary documents and information for the approval of establishment of FITS center. Last April 23, 2009, they conducted site evaluation for the proposed FITS Center at the same time assessment of the proposed Magsasakang Siyentista as our partner in the promotion of banner commodity of our municipality. Later in June 16, 2009 we received a notice from CCARRD that our application for the establishment of FITS center was approved during the joint RRDCC and RTWG Meeting and they will wait for the schedule of launching and MOA signing. Since we celebrated Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Day every August 25-26 annually, the Local Chief Executive then recommend that the launching shall be held simultaneously during this occasion. For us, it is a right venue to launch the FITS Center because there were 100 farmers, 50 fisherfolks and 100 expected visitors could witness. They will be then acquainted with the services of FITS center and how they could access the benefits in this program. So, on August 24, 2009 FITS Center was launched and MOA was signed. It was a successful event and witnesses were more than what we expected.