The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02) conducted a Refresher Course on the PalayCheck System for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from March 31 to April 4, 2025, at ATI-RTC 02, Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela. Thirty AEWs from the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya training successfully completed the training course.

The course aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitude of the participants by providing the latest updates on the PalayCheck System.

During the training, the Rice Industry Situationer of the region was discussed by Engr. Maria Lourdes Mateo-Mundoc, the Regional Seed Coordinator of DA-Regional Field Office 02. Participants raised queries on the distribution of inbred and hybrid seeds, as well as other DA interventions for rice farmers.

Key topics like, Rice Morphology and Growth Stages, were discussed by Engr. Beverly S. Orpilla, Media Production Specialist II of ATI-RTC 02. According to participant feedback, her explanation was clear and easy to understand, helping them grasp the phases and growth stages of the rice plant, along with the associated management practices.

Since most participants already had background knowledge of rice production and the PalayCheck System, the session on Key Checks 1-9, delivered by resource persons from ATI-RTC 02, PhilRice Isabela, and DA-RCPC, was engaging and interactive. To encourage participation, reward points were given to groups that answered questions or shared insights during the discussion.

Special topics under different Key Checks were also covered, including updates on newly released inbred rice varieties, land preparation machinery, crop establishment techniques, methods for raising healthy seedlings, Integrated Nutrient Management, MOET and MOET Application, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), fertilizer computation, crop cutting, and harvesting and post-harvest machinery and facilities.

To ensure that participants fully absorbed the knowledge shared by the experts, the training management team implemented daily recapitulation sessions and conducted a post-training examination.

Overall, the training received an excellent rating from the participants during the closing program, they expressed their gratitude to ATIs training management team for the excellent execution of the activities. To ensure that learnings would be cascaded to farmers, the Training Management Team (TMT) also facilitated re-entry planning for the AEWs.

Writer:  Jei-Ar Limos