DA-ATI Region V awarded Sonrisa Farm a Certificate of Accreditation for becoming the First Extension Services Provider in the Bicol Region on 21 February 2021.
The activity was spearheaded by the DA-ATI Director, Ms. Elsa A. Parot with Chief of the Partnership and Accreditation Section, Engr. Joey Belarmino, Learning Site for Agriculture Coordinator, Mr. Alexander Vargas, and other DA staff.
The Regional ESP Accreditation Council headed by CBSUA President, Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, was also present to show support in the ceremonial launching. Along with the President were other Council Members from the Department of Agriculture, the local government unit, and the private sector.
The CBSUA became part of elevating the status of Sonrisa Farm, from School for Practical Agriculture to Extension Services Provider, by transferring the matured technologies of the university, like organic agriculture, stingless beekeeping, vermi-composting, soil conditioning, irrigation design and others. Experts from different colleges of the university, served as the technical consultant in improving the farm.
The 4.5 hectares farm-made history in becoming the first LSA to ESP in the Bicol. Behind this success was the owner of Sonrisa Farm, Ms. Cherry Lo, who provided everything for her farm from LSA to ESP. Director Parot expressed her thanks to the Regional ESP Council thru Dr. Alberto N. Naperi for the hard work and dedication in elevating the status of their partners.
βOur joy is overwhelming; our goal is not just to level up the status of farming. More importantly, it is to uplift the dignity of our farmers. With the distinction youβve given us, rest assured we will further enhance the service that we are providingβ concluded by Ms. Cherry T. Lo.