TAGO, Surigao del Sur – Thirty-two Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from different towns in Surigao del Sur completed the second phase of the Training Course on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): A Driver for Green Growth and Development held on September 22–26, 2025, at VFS Agritourism and Adventure Park, Barangay Hubang.

The training, conducted by the Partnership and Accreditation Section of ATI-RTC XIII, aimed to strengthen the AEWs’ skills in training and guiding farmers on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, especially those related to rice production.

Among the resource speakers were Mr. Matt Janfour B. Cabahug, Development Management Officer I/Project Officer, who gave a refresher on the basics of CSA and farm development; and Ms. Mary Grace B. Salve, Media Production Specialist II, who discussed effective communication, presentation skills, social mobilization and community engagement through interactive sessions.

Another highlight of the training was the field visit to three learning sites: the Campos Agricultural Learning Centre in San Agustin, the JUST-HIRO Rice-Based Farming System in Tago, and Baucawe Diversified Farm in Bislig City. The participants evaluated the CSA practices implemented in the CSA sites during the previous training phase. They served as resource persons and shared their knowledge with about 75 farmers from nearby barangays through short technical briefings and group discussions.

“Joining this training was a very meaningful experience. It helped me understand better how agriculture, climate change, and land management are connected. I also learned new ways to help farmers improve productivity and adapt to changing weather conditions,” shared Friedy Joy A. Darato, AEW from LGU-San Miguel.