The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program of the DA Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center XII conducted a Benchmarking Activity last November 28 to December 2, 2022 at selected Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) in Northern Mindanao Region.

The RCEF XII staff headed by Engr. Mokles P Buisan along with Region XII and BARMM LSA owners and representatives paid a courtesy visit to Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez who warmly welcomed the group and handed out corporate giveaways. Staff of ATI-RTC X also guided the group during the demo farm tour of the center.

The group visited various LSAs and Farm Schools which include Maricz Farm, Luis-Sesay Farming School, Aval’s Apiary, Alomah's Place & Nature Farm, Cervantes Farm, i-Farm, JPL Farm, and JIKA Farm, with Ms. Cherry Agbon as their LSA tour guide.

The activity was aimed to acquire latest rice production knowledge, skills, strategies, and innovation for the implementation of the RCEF Farm Schools in Region XII. It also gave an avenue for LSAs and farm schools of Region XII and X to share best practices to continuously improve the delivery of rice extension services to rice-farmer beneficiaries.