ATI-Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in collaboration with the Villar SIPAG Foundation, concluded a comprehensive 11-day Training of Trainers (TOT) focused on the production of high-quality inbred rice and seeds and farm mechanization held at the Duran Farm Agribusiness and Training Center Association, Inc., in Brgy. Basuit, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, from March 12 -22, 2024.
The training was attended by thirty (30) farmer leaders representing different provinces across Central Luzon. These individuals are now prepared to be recommended to the TESDA Regional Office 3 for inclusion in the roster of trainers for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) Farmer's Field School.
The participants are expected to either implement Farmer's Field School programs focusing on high-quality inbred rice production, seed certification, and farm mechanization in their respective municipalities or establish farm schools, aligning with the primary objective of the training.
Ms. Micah D. Tabunday, a participant from Zambales, expressed her newfound confidence following the training, stating, "Having gone through this training, I now have the confidence to share my knowledge about farming. I always say that agriculture is our future."
Dr. Joey A. Belarmino, ATI-CL Center Director, served as the guest speaker. In response to the participants' feedback, he quipped, "We hope that you will be our partners in spreading programs like this that will help rice farmers in the region."
Moreover, the training was spearheaded by the ATI-CL Rice and RCEF teams comprised of Ms. Reinalyn Gulen, Mr. Jayson S. Baldoz, Ms. Frevalyn Atienza, Ms. Justine Abaco, and Mr. Patrick Gutierez.
It was made possible through the efforts of different implementing agencies of RCEF-RESP, including ATI-CL, DA-RFO 3, PhilRice, PhilMech, TESDA Pampanga, BPI-NSQCS Region 3, DA-RCPC, LBP Bulacan Lending Center, Felisidro Farm, and Duran Farm, particularly in delivering the training modules.
