The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted a three-day training on leadership and organizational management cum sweet potato processing (Agripreneurship Training for Farmer-Leaders of FCAs) held at the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) on October 1-3, 2024.
During the opening program, Ms. Maria Theresa S. Villanueva, Training Specialist II, ATI-CL, and RBO Alternate Focal Person, acknowledged the participants. Ms. Aira F. Waje, Director of the Rootcrops Research and Training Center, TAU, welcomed the attendees, stating that TAU continually supports sweet potato farmers.
Additionally, Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson, University President, represented by Dr. Agnes C. Perey, Director of Extension and Training, delivered an inspirational message.
βAs we gather here, we embark on a journey to enhance our skills in leadership and organizational management while exploring the fascinating world of sweet potato processing. Leadership is about vision, integrity, and inspiring others. Throughout this training, letβs always remember that effective leaders empower their teams and foster an environment of collaboration and innovation. Each of you has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change, not only within your organization but also in your community,β she said.
She further emphasized that sweet potatoes are more than just a nutritious food source; they embody resilience, adaptability, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. She also thanked the ATI-CL for supporting the sweet potato farmers in Tarlac.
Dr. Dianne M. Lapuz, Project Officer of Training and RBO Focal Person, provided the training overview, while Ms. Villanueva facilitated the leveling of expectations.
Dr. Lapuz, Ms. Aira Waje, and Dr. Rizalina Tablarin, Chief of the Income Generating Project and Special Projects, served as speakers during the training. Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Angela Dancel and Mr. Jayson Enriquez, Technical Staff, led the hands-on demonstration on how to process sweet potatoes.
Moreover, the participants prepared polvoron, camrind, buchi, and camote chips made from sweet potato leaves, teas, juices, yema, and puto-kutsinta.
The Santa Maria Kapatanian Agricultural Cooperative received extension support to start their sweet potato processing business.
As part of their output, each cooperative submitted a re-entry plan, which will be monitored 3-6 months after the training.
