The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with the University of the Philippines-Los BaΓ±os (UPLB), conducted the βTraining of Trainers on Farmersβ Scientist Training Program (FSTP)β held at ATI-RTC III, San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan, on May 22β24, 2024.
The topics were delivered by the resource persons, Wilma S. Velasco, UPLB-University Researcher II; John Christopher C. Bungar, UPLB-University Research Associate I; Bernard Panabang, UPLB-University Research Associate; and John Christopher C. Bungar, UPLB-University Research Associate I.
βThis training helps us become more efficient in our leadership skills. We also learned about corn management, production, and the corn itself. This training also enhanced our skills and helped us get more involved in community development projects,β said Ms. Karen R. Pacada, a participant from PeΓ±aranda, Nueva Ecija.
Furthermore, at the end of the training, the participants were able to prepare an institution-based action plan for FSTP implementation in their respective communities.
The said activity was participated by 25 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and 5 others from different 4th class municipalities in Region 3.
The Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program (FSTP) has been piloted in various upland barangays in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Compostela Valley, and Mindoro Oriental.
The trained farmer-scientists have shown great improvements in corn production utilizing improved technologies such as the use of high-yielding corn varieties, the application of organic fertilizers like Bio-N, detasseling for IPM, and others.
It has clearly demonstrated that technical empowerment for poor farmers can improve their quality of life beyond the poverty level.
