Local officials and farmer leaders of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental visited NTA Ilocos Norte to learn tobacco production as part of their educational tour in Region 1 on November 29. They were accompanied by the Mindanao-based staff of the NTA Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD), namely Ma. Mercedes Ayco, Nelly G. Alba, Lilibeth Rafisura, and Ralph Edward Abrazaldo.
The group, led by Sangguniang Bayan Members Jemielo C. Fabricante and Dean Laurence M. Ajonan, visited the Experimental Station at Barangay Tabug, and the Pest Clinic Laboratory, Seed Laboratory, and various tobacco products on display at the Industrial Research Department (IRD) at the PhilRice Building in Batac City.
Before the tour, FTSD and the Ilocos Norte Branch Office, headed by NTA Ilocos Norte OIC Luzviminda U. Padayao and FTSD OIC Felisa R. Aurellano, welcomed the group with a brief program for the orientation of various programs and projects of the agency.
[Rhonelle Sulicipan / Photo credits: FTSD]