The search is on for the best information and technology services providers nationwide.

As part of the upcoming National Techno Gabay Summit on July 9-10, PCARRD will hold the first Techno Gabay Program (TGP) Award for centers and individuals that have contributed in realizing the goals of the program.

The awards will recognize and honor individuals and institutions for their outstanding contribution to the modernization of the agriculture, forestry, and natural resources  (AFNR) sectors. Through the award, PCARRD can also show its appreciation for the support and commitment of program implementers towards the sustainability and institutionalization of TGP.

There would be two award categories: the Best Farmer’s Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center and the Outstanding Magsasaka-Siyentista (MS) awards.

The best FITS center award would be given to the center that has the best delivery of various services to the clients in the AFNR sectors. The services are in relation to PCARRD’s goal of bringing science-based information and technology services closer to the grassroots level.
The FITS center is a one-stop facility that allows access to a wide variety of information and technologies needed by agricultural extension workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, processors, traders, and other clients.

The outstanding MS would be awarded to the MS whose commitment as active partner of the FITS centers reinforces the link between the information and technology service providers and PCARRD’s target beneficiaries. The MS should have complemented the FITS centers through their successful application of science and technology based and indigenous technologies in their farms and promotion of the same through farmer-to-farmer advisory services.
The MS supports the FITS center by providing farmer-to-farmer advisory services in trainings, and in technology field days in his/her farm to showcase feasibility and viability of agricultural technologies.

The winner of the best FITS center award would receive a plaque of recognition, cash prize of P50,000, and a grant of P200,000 to be allocated for the implementation of FITS projects, capability-building programs, and for new initiatives to improve the operations of the FITS centers.

The outstanding MS will take home a plaque of recognition as well, and a cash prize of P30,000. The host FITS center will receive a P20,000 cash prize.

The awarding ceremony will be held on July 10 at the SMX Convention Center beside the SM Mall of Asia.

For more details on the application and nomination process, please coordinate with the PCARRD’s Technology Outreach and Promotion Division or visit the PCARRD website at www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph

(Pia Paula P. Mateo, S&T Media Service)

Source: DOST-PCARRD Website