The Agricultural Training Institute- Central Luzon (ATI-CL) implemented a five-day Training Course on Corn Production and Management among agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and farmer-leaders held on August 11–15, 2025, at the ATI-RTC III Satellite Center, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
The primary objective of the training was to capacitate AEWs and farmer-leaders on modern technologies in corn production and management, as well as to strengthen their communication skills for more effective knowledge transfer to farmers. It also aimed to support their professional growth by providing advanced knowledge, skills, and values, along with the granting of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units.
Topics covered included the status of the corn industry, production technologies, sustainable farming in sloping areas, corn-based farming systems, economics of production, agripreneurship, and potential corn-based enterprises.
During the training, Mr. Arljie Mhar M. Catacutan, AEW from San Rafael, Bulacan, expressed his gratitude to the training. “First of all, I would like to sincerely express my gratitude. Napakahuhusay at napakatiyaga po ninyo sa pagbabahagi ng inyong kaalaman at karanasan. Hindi lamang po ninyo ipinapaliwanag nang malinaw ang bawat paksa, kundi ramdam din namin ang inyong dedikasyon na turuan at gabayan kami,” he quipped.
Furthermore, combination of lectures, workshops and practicum are the methodology used in the training. The practicum was conducted on the last day of training at Atanacio Farm – Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) of ATI-RTC III, where Mr. Marc Alfred Atanacio provided an orientation about their farm.
The hands-on activities included field laying-out, land preparation using machinery, seed sowing, and fertilization, facilitated by Mr. Abayan, Mr. Atanacio, and Ms. Calderon.
The training featured the following resource persons; Mr. Genesis C. Martin, Agriculturist II (DA RFO III); Ms. Biverly V. Calderon, Agriculturist II (LGU-Rizal, Nueva Ecija); Mr. Arnel V. Abayan, Supervising Agriculturist (OPA-Zambales); Ms. Shirley J. Sta. Ana, Economist III (OPA-Nueva Ecija); Ms. Babelyn P. Lopez, Training Specialist II (ATI-RTC III); Ms. Lily D. Dela Cruz, Agriculturist II (ATI-RTC III); Ms. Guia D. Reyes, Development Management Officer II (ATI-RTC III); Mr. Evergilio M. Aquino Jr., Science Research Specialist II (DA-RFO III RCPC) and Mr. Mark Anthony L. Parducho, University Researcher I (UPLB).
Moreover, the participants developed their re-entry plans, which will serve as their guide in cascading the knowledge they acquired to farmers in their respective localities. Further, the activity was attended by thirty-three (33) AEWs and farmers from various provinces and municipalities across Region III.
