On September 13, 2024, ATI-RTC XII successfully concluded the Training of Trainers on Farm Business School (Batch 2), an intensive program under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) designed to cultivate farm business acumen among Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs), farmer leaders, and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from Region XII and BARMM. The 10-day training, which took place from September 2-13, 2024, at ATI-RTC XII in San Felipe, Tantangan, South Cotabato, aimed to equip 30 participants with practical and strategic skills in farm business management and entrepreneurship to foster growth in their local farming communities.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in various sessions on essential business skills and financial management tailored for the agricultural sector. On September 6, 2024, Mr. John Mikel D. Ternida, Accountant I at ATI-RTC XII, conducted sessions on the fundamentals of record-keeping, saving, and financial mobilization, offering valuable insights to improve the financial sustainability of farm enterprises. Additionally, Engr. Teofilo T. Jumawan Jr., Planning Officer II at ATI-RTC XII, introduced methods for value addition, showing participants how enhancing the quality and presentation of farm products can boost marketability and profitability.

To reinforce the theoretical learning, the program incorporated a hands-on benchmarking activity where participants visited JND Integrated Farm Institute Inc., Nilda's Farm, and Organikian Urban Farm. These visits allowed participants to observe successful farm business models and learn innovative techniques that can be applied to their own enterprises, fostering a deeper understanding of effective, sustainable practices in farm management.

A critical component of the training involved developing and presenting business plans, with the guidance of Ms. Agripina A. Leonico, DPA, a resource person who supported participants in crafting detailed, actionable plans to put their knowledge into practice. During the program’s closing ceremony, certificates of completion and special recognitions were awarded, honoring outstanding contributions and achievements in the training. Notably, the team Masipag Palay Isdaan Enterprise received the award for Best Business Plan Presenter, exemplifying excellence in applying the training’s principles.

In her closing message, Ms. May A. Guiang, Training Specialist II at ATI-RTC XII, encouraged the participants to carry forward their newfound knowledge to advance sustainable agriculture and business-oriented farm management in their communities. This training underscores ATI-RTC XII’s commitment to building agricultural capacities and promoting economic resilience through robust farm business education.