The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL) successfully conducted the Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in Region III, culminating on April 30, 2026, at ATI-RTC III in Palayan City.
The five-day training, held from April 26 to 30, brought together 21 AEWs from various urban and peri-urban areas across Central Luzon.
As frontliners in delivering agricultural services, participants were equipped with essential extension tools, communication strategies, and modern methodologies aimed at improving the delivery of technical assistance to farming communities.
A key component of the program was the Community Immersion activity, where participants engaged directly with local stakeholders through a transect walk and focus group discussions (FGDs).
AEWs collaborated with farmer-leaders and community-based organizations to better understand on-the-ground realities. They later consolidated their observations through group discussions and presented formal reports highlighting their findings and recommendations.
The program concluded with a closing ceremony, where participants reflected on their learning experience. Kenny “Rara” Francisco, an Agricultural Technologist from the Local Government Unit of Subic, emphasized the value of the training.
“Lagi kong babaunin ang mga natutunan ko sa training na ito at sisikapin kong maibahagi at magamit ito sa aming munisipalidad. Sabi nga, kahit gaano ka na kahusay bilang AEW, mahalagang balikan ang BAEC dahil ito ang nagsisilbing pundasyon ng aming kaalaman,” she said.
With the completion of the course, ATI-CL aims to further strengthen the capacity of AEWs in the region, ensuring a more responsive and effective delivery of agricultural extension services and enabling innovations and government programs to reach grassroots farming communities.
Written by: Carla I. Bautista
