LOS ANGELES, Butuan City - In its continued effort to enhance the knowledge and skills of the rice farmers in the region, the Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center XIII conducted the Training of Trainers (TOT) on the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization (batch 1) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP), from February 19 – March 1, 2024 at the Golden Tara Hall, ATI-RTC XIII, Los Angeles, Butuan City.
A total of 31 trainees composed of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), Officers of select Irrigators Association and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization, and farm school staff from the RCEF-provinces particularly from Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, graduated from the training. These new sets of trainers will complement the development efforts for the rice industry in the region, not only through technology adoption but also in teaching other farmers and stakeholders through knowledge sharing and future conduct of farmers' field schools.
The TOT covered lectures and interactive discussions on the concepts and principles of the PalayCheck System in rice production, Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) of the DA, facilitation skills, adult learning principles, ICT tools, financial literacy, and transformation leadership. It aimed to enhance their capabilities as trainers and leaders in their respective farm schools and associations.
After the lectures, the trainees explored the proper operation of farm machinery and equipment and field demonstrations such as Agro Eco-system Analysis. They also practiced their presentation and communication skills through micro-teaching activities.
In his message, Dr. Jessie V. Beldia, OIC Center Director, encouraged the new set of TOTs to help educate other farmers and stakeholders on modern rice technologies for increased productivity and income.
The Resource Persons are the following: Renante R. Abado and Junkevin V. Arbelo of the Department of Agriculture – Caraga Region; Lita Amancia M. Yandug – Agricultural Center Chief III of the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services – Region 13; Henry A. Jimenez – Science Research Specialist II, Agapito E. Lincuna Jr. – SRS I, and Belen S. Mejia-Tabudlong – Senior SRS, all of PhilRice Agusan Station; Gilbert V. Anguay – Senior Aquaculturist from the Provincial Agriculture Office – Province of Dinagat Islands; Joan B. Dela Torre – Agricultural Technologist from City Agriculture Office-Butuan City; Decemboy B. Tiu – Agricultural Technologist of the City Agriculture Office – Cabadbaran City; and, Pastor Oronito G. Abendanio, PNP 13 Moral Recovery Program Coordinator. ATI personnel who also served as resource speakers included Matt Janfour B. Cabahug – Technical Staff; Caerian B. Muga – Development Management Officer I; Ginalyn V. Arbutante – Information Officer II; Maria Den B. Parro – Agriculturist I, with OIC Assistant Center Director Violeta T. Laguna, as Project Officer.
The ATI RCEF team will conduct two more batches of TOT until April 2024. (with the report of Matt Janfour B. Cabahug).
