Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan—The Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center I (DA-ATI-RTC I) conducted four (4) batches of Training on Agro-enterprise Clustering Development for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) at ATI-RTC I, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. Two (2) batches were allotted for the AEWs and another two (2) for the LFTs.
Through the Agro-enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA), this training program aimed to enable both groups to establish, manage, and sustain clustered rice-based enterprises that are geared towards improving agricultural and economic activities in the farming communities.
Each batch was conducted in three (3) phases. For batch 1 of the LFT level, the first and second phases were done on March 19-22, while the third phase was held on May 6-10. The first and second phases of the second batch were conducted on April 2-5 and the third phase was on June 10-14.
On the other hand, the first batch of the AEW level was done April 16-19 for its first and second phases and June 24-28 for its third phase. The second batch completed its first and second phases on April 23-26 and the third phase was held on June 24-28.
The first two (2) phases revolved around the fundamentals and steps in cluster development while the third phase focused on the development of farm business plans. A total of 60 AEWs and 60 LFTs from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan completed the training with a commitment to implement farmer-level trainings to capacitate and prepare their selected farmers' associations and cooperatives who will compete in the fourth PAlayTIMPALAK in 2025.
Different methods and approaches were used in the implementation of the trainings to provide the participants with optimum learning opportunities as manifested in each of the phases.
Phase 1 and 2: The training comprised a blend of lectures, workshops, and interview with the successful cooperatives, leading to a comprehensive understanding of agro-enterprise clustering concepts. The resource person introduced the participants to clustering commodities and the eight essential steps of AECA. This phase significantly broadened the participants’ understanding of uniting farmers and streamlining access to resources, equipment, and services more effectively. The newfound knowledge is expected to aid in capacitating and enhancing marketing skills within LGUs, focusing not only on commodity production but also on marketing aspects.
Additionally, participants visited the Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) in Barangay San Agustin, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. This cooperative demonstrated and described their journey toward creating a successful cluster, emphasizing the challenges that they encountered and how they overcame them. The Kalasag MPC's experience inspired the LFTs, motivating them toward similar achievements.
Phase 3: The third phase of the training guided the participants to develop business plans for rice-based enterprises. This is expected to contribute to the long-term success, sustainability, and economic resilience of agro-enterprise clusters. Participants also agreed to apply the financial skills acquired during the training to assist their farmers in creating realistic financial projections, budgeting, and managing finances effectively.
Participants honed their skills in agro-enterprise clustering under the guidance of experts including Ms. Maricel San Pedro of E-Agro Software Development Corporation Inc., Ms. Analiza R. Ramos, Development Management Officer V of DA-RFO I, Dr. Melinda F. Mangabat, Agricultural Extension Advocate, and Ms. Corazon Valdez, Marketing Specialist of DA-RFO I.
The AECA had initially impacted the participants as they expressed during the culmination of the training programs.
“Ito pong training na ito ay 100% na makakatulong at magagamit naming mga AEW. Alam naman po natin na ang isang malaking pagsubok sa larangan ng agrikultura ay ang paghikayat sa mga magsasaka na magkaisa at kung paano mapapaganda ang kanilang ani at kita. Kaya naman itong training na ito ay makakatulong sa aming bayan, lalo na sa mga association na may potential na maging cooperative. Hindi madali ang marketing process ng produkto sa agrikultura, pero kung susundin ang Agro-enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA) ay magiging maganda ang result ng product income ng farmers”, shared by Ms. Khristina Leodeth Gagote, AEW from LGU-Sto. Tomas
Mr. Allan Malapit, LFT from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, also expressed his insights from the training. He emphasized that the training is very relevant to the needs of the farmers as it provides the latest and modern information about agriculture, leadership, principle and methodology necessary in improving farmer’s competitiveness.
“Ang training na ito ay napapanahon dahil sa matinding problema na kinakaharap ng ating mga magsasaka, ay kina-kailangan natin silang tulungan sa pagbenta ng kanilang produkto through collective marketing para tumaas-taas ang kanilang kita. Sa pagbuo ng cooperative, dapat makahanap tayo ng leader na dedicated at handang tumulong dahil madaming government agencies at NGO na handang tumulong sa ating mga magsasaka para sila ay umunlad”, added by Ms. Glory Ann Baptista, AEW from LGU-San Jacinto, Pangasinan
The farmer-level trainings are set in July to August as action plans.
