The Agriculture Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in collaboration with Central Luzon State University (CLSU), conducted a four-day Specialized Training Course on Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach for High Value Crops with GAP among agricultural extension workers (AEWs) on July 23 - 26, 2024 at RET Training Hall, CLSU, Science City of MuΓ±oz, Nueva Ecija.
A total of 31 participants composed of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and farmer-leaders from different provinces across Central Luzon participated in the training, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge needed to implement agro-enterprise clustering in their areas.
Ms. Krizzell D. Galang, ATI-CL HVCDP Focal Person, welcomed the participants during the opening program. Additionally, Dr. Eugenia G. Baltazar, CLSU-University Extension Program Office, Chief in Applied Communication Division, delivered words of encouragement, urging the participants in the training.
Furthermore, during the training, the participants engaged in a series of hands-on activities and lectures covering topics including Introduction of Agro-enteprise Clustering Approach, Eight steps in the implementation of Agro-enteprise Clustering Approach, and GAP Certification and its Importance.
Mr. Raymart C. Santiago, AEW from the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bulacan and Ms. Yolanda G. Gervacio, Farmer Leader from Dinalupihan, Bataan, respectively shared their experience regarding this course. βSa aming lalawigan ay bago po talaga si AECA pero, naririnig na namin siya sa F2C2 before, but ngayon lang po talaga namin mas nakita ang kahalagahan nito sa organization. Dito po ay makakaasa kayo na maiimplement po namin ito at isasama namin sa isa sa module ng amin FFS,β quipped Mr. Santiago.
Ms. Gervacio added, βFirst time ko talagangΒ natutunan ang AECA at marami akong nakuhang impormasyon dito at maibabahagi ko ito pag nagmeeting kami ng aking association at pipilitin ko rin na ma-cluster ang aking mga miyembro.β
Moreover,at the end of the training, the AEWs and farmer-leaders submitted their group re-entry plan enhancing their knowledge and skills in agro-enterprise clustering approach.
