First satellite FITS center launched in Banga, Aklan

By Salvacion R. Villasis
Representative, Regional Applied Communications
Aklan State University

The Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center of the Municipality of Banga launched its first satellite center at Barangay Daja Sur, Banga, Aklan on December 8, 2010.

The creation of a FITS Satellite Center was realized through the generous support of the Daja Sur Farmers Association and one Joseph Ibardolaza, who donated a lot to the Association where the FITS Center was constructed.

The Center serves the lowland and upland farmers, freshwater fishermen, processors and entrepreneurs from three barangays of Banga, namely: Daja Sur, Daja Norte and Tinapuay.

In her message, Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, Regional Techno Gabay Program Coordinator whorepresented the WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward O. Idemne, acknowledged her appreciation to the people of Barangay Daja Sur who shared their resources for the Techno Gabay Program to serve more farmers.

Relingo also presented the importance of the Techno Gabay Program through the establishment of FITS Center as one of its components that provides information and technology services to its stakeholders.

The farmers center's launch was witnessed by some 75 participants composed of Banga Municipal officials headed by Magsasaka Siyentista and Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Margarito R. Andrade; employees from the Municipal Agriculture Office, Provincial Agriculturist William Castillo, Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center VI Director Allan V. Alimodian and the barangay officials and members of Daja Sur Farmers Association.

Present also during the launching were the ASU Techno Gabay Team led by Dr. Clyde G. Abayon, Regional Management Information System Committee Representative Lelisa J. Teodosio and Regional Applied Communication Committee (RACC) Representative Salvacion R. Villasis.

The center was also launched in time with the Graduation of Season-Long Farmer School for Palay Check System and Palayamanan.

FITS BANGA BRANCHES OUT. RTG Coordinator Dr. Anna Mae Relingo and Hon. Margarito Andrade (left photo) lead the ribbon cutting ceremonies to formally open the Banga FITS Satellite Center.