The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted Technical Guidance on Rural-Based Organizations' Extension Programs for RBOs Focal Persons of Region 3. The activity ran from March 1-3, 2023 at ATI-RTC III, San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan.
"Nakakataba ng puso na makita ang mabubuting mga adhikain ng bawat RBOs at kung paano sila nakakatulong sa ating pagpapalawig ng agrikultura hindi lang sa Region 3 kundi maging sa buong bansa. Sa activity din pong ito ay magkakaroon po tayo ng operational planning na kung saan kayo po mismo ang magbibigay ng mga inputs at kami naman po sa ATI ay gagawa ng mga aksyon upang maisakatuparan ang mga programa at proyekto na nais po ninyo sa inyong mga RBOs," said ATI-CL Center Director, Dr. Joey A. Belarmino.
Dr. Dianne M. Lapuz, RBO Focal Person discussed the SWOT Analysis and each province conducted their SWOT Analysis. Each province presented their output and were give due critiques by Dr. Lapuz.
As part of the outputs of the activity, each province presented their re-entry plans and work plans for 2023-2025.
After the Technical Guidance and Consultation, each province will re-echo what they have learned from the activity to their respective RBOs. It was agreed by the RBO coordinators of each province and municipality that they will use and mobilize the officials of the Municipal and Provincial 4-H Clubs and RIC Federations.
Ms. Leah Lombres, 4-H Coordinator of Aurora, recommended to the group that each focal person should first focus on a 4-H Club that will help them reach more youth who want to join the club. In addition, the group agreed that they will orient students from their respective barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces to reach more young people, especially those taking courses related to agriculture.
Mr. Renaldo Bautista-VLAP Regional President urged the coordinators to return to the old strategy of RBOs (The Farm Family approach) which encourages the mother to become a RIC member, the Father as MS/P4MP and their children to join the 4-H Club.
“Makakaasa kayo na bawat isa sa amin ay gagawin an gaming mga makakaya upang muling mabuhay ang ibang mga RBOs na hindi active at makakaasa kayo na bilang VLAP President ay lagi po akong handing magbigay serbisyo sa ating mga RBOS lalo na sa ating mga kabataan dahil minsan din po aking naging 4-H Club member,” he added.
“Isang oportunidad po ang mapasama dito sa ganitong pagpupulong at maraming salamat dahil sa loob ng tatlong araw ay naging siksik po ang mga kaaalaman na ibinahagi at maging ang mga best practices na napulot ko po sa mga ibang officers and coordinators ng obang probinsya. Salamat sa pagkakataon na ibinigay ninyo upang mas maging handa pa kami sa mga kakaharapin naming mga pagsubok para sa pagpapalago ng 4-H sa aming mga kanya-kanyang probinsya,” quipped Mr. Michael Grande, President of 4-H Federation of Bataan.
A total of 25 Agricultural Extension Workers and ten (10) RBOs Officers from Region 3 attended the said activity.
Rural Based Organizations are informal organizations which play vital role in sustaining agricultural and rural development through various significant services. They serve as channels to route useful and relevant information and other resources required in improving the living conditions in rural communities. These organizations also serve as the government’s partner that embraces modern knowledge, technologies, and opportunities in pursuit of both agricultural and economic growth and propagates it in their respective communities.
