The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Provincial Agriculture Office, in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), officially launched a One-Stop-Shop Center for local youth groups at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center Building in Laoag City, on April 14.
Under its mandate, ATI aims to train members of rural-based organizations, such as Rural Improvement Club (RIC) and 4-H Federated Club, to promote and accelerate rural development.
Ilocos Norte’s RIC and 4-H Federated Club, both organizations that champion the livelihoods of young Ilokanos through agricultural training, empowerment, and entrepreneurship, will lead the operation of the center.
The establishment of the One-Stop-Shop was initiated by the Provincial Government in 2018 through the leadership of former Governor, Imee Marcos, and was completed under this term of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc.
Gov. Marcos Manotoc highlighted the significance of PGIN’s partnership with the RIC and 4-H club, citing their contribution to agricultural innovations in the province:
“We need more innovations, kaya naman ang aming partnership sa 4H ay napakahalaga and we thank you for your partnership. Sa mga RIC naman, we know na ang ating [mga] Ilokana ay napaka reliable, that’s why we want to provide more opportunities for our women in Ilocos Norte kase kayo po talaga ang symbolic representation of Ilokano diligence and steadiness,” he said.
“Talagang napakalaki ng investment natin sa agrikultura, but we must make sure that these investments are properly directed to you, the people, our farmers, livestock growers, our fisherfolks, and of course our young farmers and female farmers who we have today,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc added.
Additionally, the Chairperson of Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Jonathan Torralba, commended the Provincial Government’s commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the agriculture sector. Meanwhile, Engr. Teressa Bacnat, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office, reminded beneficiaries to take care of and sustain the center’s goal of improving the livelihood of Ilokanos.
The center will serve as a station for displaying, processing, marketing, working, meeting, training, and showcasing signature products of the different towns of Ilocos Norte. It is expected to provide additional employment and income-generating opportunities to farmers and producers.
Products, namely, fruits and vegetables; longganisa (pork sausage) and other meat products; ornamental plants, high-value vegetables, and root crops; and souvenir items will be available at the shop.
(Kenneth Dhovan Natividad)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)
