The Agricultural Training Institute Central Luzon (ATI-CL) recently conducted a comprehensive Training Course on Community Organizing and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): Ladderized Training Course on Extension Delivery System (Phase II) to fortify the skills of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in Zambales.
The event was held at the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology in the Science City of Munoz from March 20 to March 24, 2023.
The program's primary objective was to enhance the knowledge of AEWs in Community Organizing (CO) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). Additionally, it aimed to delve into the important values outlined in the Values Restoration Program of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for public servants in Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
Mr. Ronie M. Orcino, one of the 23 participants from various municipalities of Zambales, expressed gratitude to ATI for providing valuable insights. "Maraming salamat sa ATI sa pagbibigay ninyo ng karagdagang kaalaman sa amin. Napakalaking tulong ng training na ito para sa aming mga AEWs na aming magagamit sa aming paglilingkod sa mga magsasaka sa bawat bayan ng Zambales," he said.
Participants actively engaged in the training, with Mr. Orcino acknowledging the support from the Training Management Team. Ms. Joanne N. Rosete highlighted the camaraderie built during the sessions, emphasizing the significance of shared experiences and the guidance provided by experienced speakers.
As part of the training, participants crafted and submitted re-entry plans, to be monitored and evaluated over the next 3-6 months. Ms. Nanette M. Mejia expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and shared a personal revelation, "Hindi ko malilimutan ang training na ito dahil sa mga kaalaman na aking nakuha at dito ko rin nalaman na ako po ay buntis, muli maraming salamat po sa ATI."
Dr. Dianne M. Lapuz, the Project Officer of the training, challenged participants in her closing remarks. "Ang mga bagong kaalaman na ating natutunan ay ang magiging sandata natin upang mas magkaroon pa tayo ng pagasa na mabigyan ng solusyon ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng ating mga magsasaka," she emphasized. Dr. Lapuz encouraged the AEWs to actively apply their learnings and contribute to the development of their communities.
