The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon, in collaboration with Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office III, conducted a five-day Training of Trainers on Rice Clustering and Consolidation for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) funded by the National Rice Program held at the ATI-CL, San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan from April 21-25, 2025.
The training commenced by Ms. Reinalyn C. Gulen, OIC Assistant Center Director of ATI-CL, who warmly welcomed participants from different provinces across Central Luzon. She also, delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of Rice Clustering and Consolidation Program.
A total of the twenty-seven (27), which aims to increase the production and quality of rice for human consumption and to improve the livelihood of Filipino farmers, as well as empower the stakeholders to increase their income, thereby improving their quality of life.
Additionally, this training enhanced the capacity of AEWs to support small farmers in improving their rice productivity and income, by equipping AEWs with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate rice clustering and consolidation, also it will contribute to the development of the rice industry and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Lastly, during the closing program Dr. Joey A. Belarmino, ATI-CL Center Director, in response to the participants’ feedback, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation, saying, “Salamat sa mga nagbigay ng impression, nakakataba ng puso ang inyong mga pahayag, Nagpapasalamat ang ATI dahil na appreciate Ninyo ang aming facility, training hall hanggang sa ating mga resource person. Mandato ng ATI na magpalaganap ng mga impormasyon pang agrikultura sa ating mga magsasaka at kayong mga AEWs ang aming katuwang upang maisakatuparan itong aming mandato”. Dr. Belarmino also encourages the participants to apply all the knowledge gained during the training and share in their respective communities.
The training was led by the ATI-CL Rice team including Ms. Reinalyn C. Gulen, OIC-Assistant Center Directo/Chief, PAS, Ms. Frevalyn V. Atienza, Mr. John Patrick Gutierrez, Technical Support Staff IV, and Ms. Jessica Datu, Administrative Support Staff III.
This initiative was made possible through the effort of various implementing agencies including Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office III, Cooperative Development Authority, who were instrumented in delivering the training modules, and Cupang Multi-Purpose Cooperative served as the venue for the benchmarking activity.
