The foundational day of the Basic Agricultural Extension Course for Corn Coordinators officially launched, bringing together 28 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from both Region XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This intensive course is structured to standardize communication methodologies, reinforce community engagement strategies, and enhance the technical capacity of the regions' corn sector frontliners.

OIC-Center Director Dr. Jessie V. Beldia opened the training by reinforcing the critical role of extension workers as the primary link between modern agricultural innovations and grassroots farming communities. His opening address emphasized that the success of regional food security initiatives relies heavily on the ability of AEWs to effectively translate scientific research into actionable, climate-resilient field practices. Following the opening protocols, Course Coordinator Ma. Theresa B. Laxamana provided a detailed breakdown of the training curriculum, aligning the course's core objectives with the evolving operational demands of the corn industry.

The afternoon session pivoted toward professional development and personal leadership. Facilitated by Marnil Del Monte, the module on Personal Awareness and Self-Mastery challenged the coordinators to evaluate their interpersonal values and community leadership styles. This behavioral component highlights the Agricultural Training Institute XII's holistic approach to capacity building, demonstrating that technical expertise must be paired with strong communication skills and self-leadership to foster trust and drive meaningful behavioral changes among local corn farmers.