Thirty-two agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and farmer-leaders take part in the “OA Level Up: Capability Building for Local Government Units on Organic Agriculture” held on June 16–20, 2025, at the Agricultural Training Institute—Regional Training Center 02, San Mateo, Isabela.
The training is organized by the Partnership and Accreditation Services (PAS) of ATI-RTC 02 in collaboration with the National Organic Agriculture Program–National Program Coordinating Office (NOAP-NPCO). The training aimed to enhance local implementers' competencies in the 5Ks Program—Kababaihan at Kabataan para sa Kalusugan, Kalikasan at Kabuhayan.
The 5Ks training program is vital to build the capacities of women and youth—equipping them not only with technical skills but also with the leadership, organizational, and entrepreneurial abilities needed to sustain healthy, environment-friendly, and income-generating community initiatives.
The objectives of 5K are to address malnutrition—including stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and childhood overweight—among children by providing access to safe, organic, and nutritious food; promote organic agriculture by fostering the development of community-based organic agriculture systems nationwide; and empower women and youth by enabling them to actively participate in organic farming, equipping them with the skills, resources, and income-generating opportunities necessary for sustainable livelihoods.
Experts from NOAP led the technical sessions. Ms. Alexandrea D. Suñga discussed food security and organic farming frameworks under JMC 1, s. 2021, Ms. Lea C. Deriquito facilitates financial planning workshops, while Ms. Susanna Jane G. Sinay emphasizes balancing work and family values.
Participants joined benchmarking visits to the Department of Agriculture Cagayan Valley Research Center (DA-CVRC) Annex Organic Farm and ISU-Roxas Vermi Production Site, reinforcing their classroom learnings through field exposure.
“We gain not only technical knowledge but also learn that values are crucial in sustaining farming enterprises,” said Millard A. Espiritu, Agricultural Extension Worker from PLGU-Isabela.
In her message, OIC-Center Director Dr. Claris M. Alaska emphasized the role of AEWS, women, and young individuals in promoting organic agriculture.
The activity aligns with ATI’s mission to strengthen local agriculture systems and promote sustainable, community-based development through organic farming.
