The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 2 prepares youth and farmer-leaders to become successful farm entrepreneurs through a Training on Farm Planning, Development and Management. The training was segmented into 3 phases from May to July.
Preparing them to become successful farm practitioners, the training intends to provide opportunities for youth and farmer-leaders to become knowledgeable, skilled, develop resource management strategies, at the same time, adopt technologies and modern farming techniques. In the three phases of the training, the participants were expected to realize the importance of farm planning and development. More so, they were to identify activities in farm management operation, potential farm enterprise adaptable to their areas and source out programs that they can avail to improve their farm.
The training was participated in by 20 youth and farmer-leaders who signified their interest to be abreast with the current trends in agriculture. It catered youth and farmer-leaders from the different municipalities in Isabela and Quirino. Meanwhile, they were also tasked to come-up with a farm plan.
During the first phase of the training that was conducted on May 24-26, 2022, Center Director Imelda M. Guillermo briefed the participants about the Concept of Farm Planning and Development, and the data to be collected. After which, the participants were toured in the 12 Learning Sites for Agriculture in Isabela as a way to inspire and educate them about the technologies, practices, services, and potential of farms in agricultural industry.
On June 29-July 1, 2022 series of lectures were conducted in the second phase of the training. Before the second phase formally started, the participants were asked to share their experiences and insights during the farm visit in which according to them, they were inspired to develop their own farm and learned to start small and dream big. On the same hand, lectures were composed of different topics on Farm Management, Farm Resources Assessment and Planning for the Market.
Enhancing the potential of youth and farmer-leaders, the third phase of the training continued on July 19-21, 2022 comprised of different activities. The participants prepared a farm development plan applicable in their own farm. Discussion on Farm Management was also done to ensure that the participants have equal understanding about their future goal. Moreover, discussion and practicum on business analysis highlighted the third phase.
Partner agencies were also invited during the last day of the third phase of the training. Mr. Louterio A. Sanchez, Jr. of Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Mr. Angelo V. Capurian of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) region 2, Mr. Nelson B. Corla of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), Ms. Michelle Joie M. Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 2, and Ms. Norma A. Neroma of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 2 shared the programs offered by their agency where youth and farmer-leaders can avail.
Possible programs to be availed, qualifications and requirements were the main topics tackled during open forum.
During the culminating activity of the 3-phase training, Engr. Georel Jordz Saguibo, one of the participants said, “Bago ako nag-attend ng training na ito, parang wala pa akong concrete plan kung paano ko ba i-improve ang farm kasi personally, wala pa naman akong sariling farm. Pero hindi naging hadlang yun para i-widen ko ang aking kaalaman sa farm planning, development and management. Throughout the different phases, may mga ideas. I also learned that in a square meter, kaya mong magkaroon ng income at kaya mong maka-influence sa community.”
Through this training, potential of youth and farmer-leaders were enhanced and has given them ideas and opportunities to grow in the field of agriculture.
