The second batch of the Training of Trainers on Inbred Rice Seed Production and Farm Mechanization has commenced at the Agricultural Training Institute-Training Center XII (ATI-STC XII), located at the USM Compound, Kabacan, Cotabato. This program is designed for Farm School Owners (FS), Cooperators, Local Farmers Technicians (LFTs), and Agricultural Extension Workers from Region XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). During the opening program, Mr. Joseph M. Simpao, technical staff at CDMS-RCEF, warmly welcomed the 30 participants from Region XII and BARMM, providing them with an overview of the training program.
Dr. Gelyn V. Amilbahar, an instructor at the University of Southern Mindanao's College of Agriculture, delivered an insightful lecture on transformational leadership. She highlighted its importance for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in encouraging, inspiring, and motivating communities, particularly farmers, to embrace positive change. Dr. Amilbahar emphasized that effective leadership can significantly enhance community resilience and development, which is crucial for the agricultural sector's growth and sustainability.
The participants engaged actively in exercises designed to apply transformational leadership principles to real-world problems. These activities aimed to equip the participants with the skills needed to disseminate crucial agricultural information to farmers, enhancing their capacity to address challenges in rice production and mechanization. The hands-on approach ensured that participants could translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions, fostering a collaborative environment for learning and innovation.
This comprehensive twelve-day training is organized by the ATI-RTC XII Career Development and Management Section (CDMS) and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). It aims to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve rice production and mechanization practices in their respective communities. The training will conclude on May 17, 2024, marking a significant step forward in the region's efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.