Through the funding support from the National Rice Program (NRP), the Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon (ATI-CL) successfully conducted the Basic Training on Farm Business School (Batch 1) on June 1-5, 2026, at the Aurora Provincial Agricultural Development Training Center (APADTC) in Baler, Aurora.
The five-day training equipped thirty (30) farmer leaders and members of rice clusters from different municipalities in Aurora. The training aimed to strengthen their knowledge and skills in managing farming not only as a means of livelihood but also as a profitable and sustainable business. The activity supports the Department of Agricultureโs rice clustering program by helping farmers develop a more entrepreneurial mindset and improve the management of their farm enterprises.
Throughout the training, participants learned important concepts and practical approaches in farm business management. Topics covered included farming as a business, the role of farmers as entrepreneurs, farm profitability, market analysis, goal setting, business plan preparation, and farm record keeping. These sessions were designed to help participants make informed decisions, better manage their resources, and increase the profitability of their farming operations.
Participants were also introduced to basic accounting concepts such as assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses. These activities helped improve their analytical thinking, planning abilities, and decision-making skills in managing their farm enterprises.
Learning was made more engaging through a combination of lectures, workshops, group activities, and presentations. One of the highlights of the training was the market survey activity, where participants visited the Aurora Public Market to observe market conditions, compare prices, identify potential buyers, and gain insights into costumer preferences, wholesaler, farmers, and transport service provider. This hands-on experience allowed them to better appreciate the importance of market information in planning and managing a farm business.
The training was facilitated by ATI-CL resource persons composed of Reinalyn C. Gulen, Senior Agriculturist; Jayson B. Nidua, Training Specialist II; Giselle Ann G. Mangubat; and Jessica N. Datu, both Technical Support Staff IV. Through their guidance and expertise, participants were encouraged to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, and apply the concepts learned to their own farming situations.
โNaniniwala po ako na ang training ay isang investment. Sa halip na nasa bahay o nasa bukid, narito tayo upang matuto ng mga bagay na magagamit natin habambuhay. Ang mga kaalamang natutunan natin dito ay hindi madaling makakalimutan dahil nakatatak na ito sa ating mga isip at magagamit natin sa ating pang-araw-araw na gawain bilang mga magsasaka at lider ng ating mga samahan. Napakaganda rin po ng pagkakataong ito dahil nabibigyan tayo ng pagkakataong magbahagi ng ating mga opinyon at matuto mula sa isa't isa,โ Maria Elena F. Nicer farmer from Bangco Kabisig Association shared during the closing program.
As an output of the training, participants developed farm business plan and action plan that they can implement and further improve within their respective farms and rice clusters. Participants then presented their farm business plans and shared their insights and realizations from the training. Many expressed that the activity helped them see farming from a different perspective-one that emphasizes planning, financial management, and market opportunities.ย
Written by:ย Giselle Ann G. Mangubat
