Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City---The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) recently conducted a consultation and a training needs assessment with stakeholders for various commodities and programs. The activity, held in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City, aimed to evaluate the requirements of ATI's clients in the region and create comprehensive training and extension plans for 2025 and beyond. Representatives from Municipal Agriculture Offices, Provincial Agriculture Offices, Provincial and City Veterinary Offices, and Municipal Agri & Fishery Councils in Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Camiguin participated in the three-day event.
Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez, in her opening message, underscored the importance of understanding data and priorities to effectively assist stakeholders. During her presentation on the 2025 ATI Policy Directions, Director Echavez shared how the center operationalizes and channels the directives of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to achieve tangible results in 2025, emphasizing the need to exceed expectations without excuses.
Training needs assessments are conducted to determine performance requirements, skills, and knowledge needed by an agency's workforce. Conducting consultations is vital for local development planning that affects the province's training needs. The FY 2025 Consultation and Needs Assessment with Stakeholders took place from February 18-20. Senior Agriculturist and PAS Section Chief acknowledged and welcomed participants from Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Camiguin.
A consultation workshop was held using the "World Cafe Workshop" concept, where participants could engage in one-on-one consultations at designated booths. Each participant received a "Consultation Engagement Passport," which they used to establish linkages, forge partnerships, and inquire about programs. A stamp on their passport indicated completion of a consultation or visit to a booth of their choice. Participants could consult on ongoing programs and services, including the Rice RCEF Program, HVCDP Program, CFIDP Program, NUPAP, Organic Agriculture Program, Livestock Program, Corn and Cassava Program, Social Technology, and Information Services.
One of the most visited booths was the Information Services Section (ISS), where participants from Misamis Occidental inquired about establishing and enhancing Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers for their municipalities. OIC-Info Chief Honeylou C. Bastasa briefed participants that FITS establishment covers IEC materials, FITS kiosks, and other collaterals. FITS Centers provide fast access to information and farming technologies tailored to clients' needs.
On the second day of the consultation, delegates and representatives from the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental participated. Atty. Joshua B. Mercado, Media Production Specialist-II of the CDMS, acknowledged and welcomed the participants. The consultation and training needs assessment focused on pressing issues such as Livestock (Artificial Insemination for swine and large ruminants, animal health and disease management, ASF-related concerns), Corn and Cassava Program (corn production and management, cassava processing and value-adding), CFIDP (coconut integration with livestock and intercropping), HVCDP (training on high-value crops for LGUs and processing), Information Services (FITS establishment and enhancement, SOA, e-Learning, and Digital Farmers Program), Rice RCEF Program (marketing and record keeping, rice machinery operation, and upland rice production and management), and Organic Agriculture Program (utilization of rotary composters).
Senior Agriculturist Javier P. Andalan welcomed participants, including municipal and provincial agriculturists, extension workers, city vets, municipal and provincial vets from Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. He emphasized that the activity serves as a platform for open dialogue, data collection, and knowledge sharing. "Your voices matter, and together we can draft strategies that will improve technology transfer, capacity building, and sustainable practices across the region," Mr. Andalan said.
Planning Officer II and PMEU Chief Cheaster Kimberly Magat stressed the importance of strengthening communication and collaboration among stakeholders. "We need to identify current and future trends, address training needs, and ensure mutual benefit and feedback for effective program development," she explained.
OIC-Assistant Center Director Efren C. Macario, CPA, noted during the last day of the consultation, "A good quality activity starts with a good plan. To have a viable plan, we conduct consultations like this and gather data. We also refer to your regional, provincial, LGU, or municipal commodity investment plan and LGU profile, as we have different training needs. Taking this activity seriously will be a wise move since our activities are anchored on these plans."
