With the goal of promoting e-Learning for Agriculture and Fisheries to students, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XI (ATI-RTC XI) collaborates with the Department of Education (DepEd) Panabo Division to conduct an orientation about the platform to secondary schools in Panabo City.
The collaboration began earlier this year when both agencies agreed to work together to improve students' agricultural knowledge through the use of this alternative learning modality.
To kick off the activity, ATI met with DepEd personnel and school principals on April 8, 2022, to formally discuss the program with them and set the orientation mode of delivery and schedules.
The orientation to schools commenced last May through face-to-face and virtual sessions. Since then, it has accommodated more than 500 students and teachers.
Among the schools oriented were Kauswagan National High School, Little Panay National High School, Panabo City National High School, AO Floriendo National High School, Sindaton National High School, Don Manuel National High School, San Vicente National High School, Mabunao National High School, and Malativas National High School. The remaining schools will follow in August.
During the orientation, Assel M. Mapayo, Information Officer II and e-Learning Focal Person, presented the background, features, and usages of the e-Extension for Agriculture and Fisheries website, highlighting its e-Learning component that offers free online courses related to agriculture and fisheries.
The e-learning focal person also talked about the benefits the students will gain after completing an e-learning course, such as gaining a certificate that will be useful when they apply for jobs after college.
In addition, Ma. Cristin Rosan T. Besario, Media Production Specialist, briefed them on ATI's functions and programs as the extension arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Olivia D. Gatus, Assistant Center Director, emphasized the role of e-learning courses in heightening students' awareness and interest in agriculture and fisheries, thereby preparing them for future careers in the industry. "Through e-learning we can encourage the students to take an agriculture course in college," she said.
Jenneth Marie L. Jorolan, the principal of Kauswagan National High School, thanked ATI for the orientation, noting that it will benefit the students at her school, which offers an Agri-Fisheries Arts strand. "Napakalaking tulong nga orientation na ito na ibinigay nga ATI para sa mga mag-aaral,” she said.
To further boost agricultural learning in the schools, ATI also distributed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials after the orientation.
