The Agricultural Training Institute- Central Luzon (ATI-CL) concluded its five-day Basic Agricultural Extension Course at the ATI-RTC III, Satellite Office, Brgy. Singalat, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on July 15 to 19, 2024.
This training aimed to enhance participants' skills and knowledge in communication, facilitation, social mobilization, and fundamental community work, and ensuring that they are well-equipped to assist farmers in their respective areas, which include homestay sessions with local farmers, providing Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) a firsthand understanding of community dynamics.
Mr. Alvin S. Rivera and Mr. Cesar D. Calderon, Jr., AEWs from San Ildefonso and Pulilan, Bulacan, shared an insight from their homestay experiences. βNapansin namin na βyung pisikal na katawan ng mga farm workers ay hindi na fit para sa mabigat na trabaho, pero ginagawa parin nila dahil kailangan, para maka-survive,β Mr. Rivera shared.
Mr. Calderon added, βTinanggap kami ng buo ng mga magsasaka na nakasama namin. Kahit na nakikita namin na hirap din sila, hindi parin sila nagdalawang-isip na ipakita at ibahagi βyung buhay nila sa amin.β
The participants were also inspired by the stories of farmers who, despite the challenges, managed to provide good education for their children through their hard work in farming.
Moreover, the training featured distinguished resource speakers who contributed significantly to the success of the course including Ms. Eula Dee A. LaΓ±ada, ATI-CL OIC-Chief, Information Services Section; Ms. Reinalyn C. Gulen, ATI-CL OIC-Chief, Partnership and Accreditation Section; Dr. Geena H. Pingol from Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU); and Mr. Christopher Ryan G. Banaag from the City Agriculture Office of Palayan City.
A total of 20 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from Bulacan took part in the said training.
Written by:Β KIEZHA ANNE DAPROZA
