Josephine Keith Aben
BS Agricultural Engineering 1972
Distinguished Alumna in Training Development and Management
The activated and strengthened 4-H club in the Cordillera, an association of young farmers, was brought about through her leadership when she was in charge of the sector at DA-CAR. By engaging in partnerships with other regional coordinators, management was convinced to provide funding to 4-H Clubs nationwide. She was instrumental in empowering the members of the Rural Improvement Club, an association of women enabling them to plan and implement livelihood programs. With her expertise, she became a member in crafting the national policies and guidelines of DA’s 4MPs (Mag- uuma, Magbabaul at Magsasaka ng Pilipinas).
She initiated the adoption of Mokusako, a Japanese technology to produce wood vinegar for pest management, with Mr. Kawasaki Yokomori, the promotor. Along with this, young farmers were sent to Japan through the Japan Agricultural Exchange Program (JAEx) and LGU Benguet.
From the DA Regional Office, she was assigned to the ATI Central Office. In her short stint, more private sectors were accredited as Extension Service Providers. Other ATI Regional Training Centers also adopted the Mokusako Technology.
Recently, she was transferred to ATI Region I as Assistant Center Director where she continues to advocate the vision of the Institute in the farming communities. During her few visits, she was proud to see BSU alumni serving in almost all areas of the agriculture sector. She said, “with BSU alumni as my workmates, there is no doubt that the tasks given to us will be accomplished”.