The Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) had conducted the fourth Training of Trainers (TOT) under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, dubbed as TOT on Native Chicken Production and Management on May 15-19, 2023 at ATI-RTC 1 Satellite Training Center, Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
This training is one of the initiatives in the CFIDP to capacitate the agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and farmer-leaders in providing technical guidance and assistance in improving their productivity and income through coconut and native chicken integration. This endeavor is a tool to support community-based farm enterprise encompassing production, processing, value-adding, and entrepreneurial capabilities of Filipino coconut farmers.
The ToT was conducted through lecture-discussions, practicum, and field visits covering six (6) modules to include Introduction to CFIDP; Farm and Production Management of Coconut Native Chicken Production Technologies and Practices; Record Keeping; Cost and Analysis and Presentation Skills.
Engr. Bonlizardo Cabrera, Senior Agriculturist of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) discussed topic on coconut production and management techniques. He also facilitated the demonstration of planting and fertilization of coconut seedlings at Romaine Organics Agriculture Academy (ROAC) in Brgy. San Mateo, Batac City, Ilocos Norte. The field practicum provided the participants with an opportunity to learn additional knowledge and acquire skills about the required planting distance and nutrient requirements for coconut plants.
On the other hand, Dr. Elino Requidan, owner of Vaughn’s Eco Farm in Rosario, La Union delivered modules on native chicken production and management and this also include feed formulation. Meanwhile, Dr. Melinda Mangabat, former Assistant Center Director of ATI- RTC 1 capacitated the participants to become more effective trainer through her discussion on the principles of adult learning and facilitation of their microteaching activity.
A total of 20 AEWs and Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) Cooperators completed the training and are expected to take part in the implementation of two (2) farmer-level trainings in July and August.
