Sharpening Skills, Shaping Minds: ATI trains AEWs in Davao Region
PANABO CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE – ATI-RTC XI successfully conducted a five-day Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in the Davao Region last June 23–26, 2025, at the ATI RTC XI Training Hall, Brgy. Datu Abdul Dadia.
This course forms part of ATI’s continuing commitment to build and strengthen the competencies of AEWs, who serve as vital frontliners in delivering agricultural technologies and services to farming communities.
Equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to effectively perform their roles as intermediaries between research institutions and farmers, BAEC is considered ATI’s core and foundational course, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of agricultural extension principles, systems, and practices.
During the course, the 30 AEWs from the Provincial and Municipal Agriculture Offices across the region were introduced to essential topics such as the philosophy and framework of extension, communication strategies, participatory approaches, and technology dissemination. Interactive lectures, workshops, case studies, and group activities enabled participants to translate concepts into practical applications.
Participants also engaged in sessions on responsible communication, presentation techniques, instructional design, and adult learning strategies. They developed learning activity packages and underwent critiquing sessions, boosting their confidence as future resource persons.
ATI-RTC XI Technical Experts Ms. Assel M. Mapayo, Mr. Omarbliss O. Dalam, and Ms. Ruby Jane P. Bentiroso served as resource persons during the course.
“I am profoundly grateful to the ATI staff for their expert facilitation, to all the participants for their active engagement, and to ATI for spearheading such an incredibly knowledgeable and practical BAEC for AEWs. This training has equipped us with essential skills and insights, and I am confident it will significantly enhance our effectiveness in the field. As an AEW or as a civil servant in general, we often encounter people with different backgrounds and perspectives. At times, this can lead to misunderstandings. However, if we truly understand ourselves, we can effectively connect with others and help them see our perspective as well. The idea of meeting halfway through effective communication will always prevail," shared Jose Aldrich B. Alivio, one of the participants.
The training fostered stronger collaboration among AEWs across different municipalities, enhancing their capability to respond to the dynamic needs of the agriculture sector in the Davao Region.
This initiative underscores ATI's mission to continuously professionalize extension work, ensuring that AEWs remain effective partners in advancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience in local farming communities.
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Contributor: Ruby Jane P. Bentiroso
