The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL) successfully conducted the Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from June 15–19, 2026, at the ATI-CL Satellite Office in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
The five-day training gathered twenty-five (25) Agricultural Extension Workers from various provinces and local government units across Central Luzon. The course was designed to strengthen the participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies in agricultural extension, enabling them to effectively deliver farmer-centered and demand-driven services in their respective communities.
Throughout the training, participants were introduced to the fundamental concepts of agricultural extension, current trends and innovations in extension work, communication strategies, extension approaches and methodologies, and the roles of key stakeholders in agricultural development. The course also provided opportunities for participants to deepen their understanding of community engagement and enhance their capacity to deliver responsive and effective extension services.
Resource persons during the training were Guia D. Reyes, DMO II; Engr. Carla I. Bautista, TSS I; Jayson B. Nidua, TS II; Babelyn P. Lopez, TS II; Eula Dee A. Lañada, IO III; Krizzelle D. Galang, TS I; and Dr. Geena H. Pingol, Associate Professor V, from PSAU, who shared their expertise and experiences in various areas of agricultural extension.
One of the highlights of the training was the Homestay Activity, where participants stayed with host farm families in the barangays of Aulo, Popolon, Sapang Buho, and Imelda Valley. This immersive experience allowed the AEWs to gain first-hand insights into the daily lives of farming households and better understand the realities, challenges, and opportunities faced by farmers in their communities.
Following the homestay, a simple appreciation program was held, during which participants shared their experiences and expressed their gratitude to their host families for their warm hospitality and for providing valuable learning opportunities through their day-to-day farming practices.
During the closing program, participant Ma. Colleen Sarcillo, Agricultural Extension Worker from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, reflected on the significance of the training:
“Mas na-strengthen lang nila yung mga natutunan natin bilang extension workers sa paglipas ng mga taon at buwan ng ating panunungkulan. Kung mayroon man tayong mga agam-agam sa ating sarili tulad ng, ‘Tama kaya ang ginawa ko?’ o ‘Angkop kaya ang approach na ito para sa farmer na ito?’, mas nagkaroon tayo ng kasagutan sa mga tanong at pagdududang iyon.”
Her reflection highlighted how the course reinforced the participants’ existing knowledge and experiences while providing them with greater confidence in applying appropriate extension approaches in working with farmers.
The training concluded with the awarding of certificates to the participants in recognition of their successful completion of the course.
Through the successful implementation of the BAEC, ATI-CL envisions a stronger pool of Agricultural Extension Workers who are better equipped to serve as catalysts of agricultural development and effective partners of farmers in advancing a productive, resilient, and sustainable agriculture sector in Central Luzon.
Written by: Carla I. Bautista
