The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with Villar Foundation, PhilRice, PHilMech, TESDA, LandBank of the Philippines, and BPI-NSQCS, concluded a comprehensive 11-day Training of Trainers (TOT) which focused on the production of high-quality inbred rice and seeds and farm mechanization (Batch 22) held at the Tarlac Agricultural University, Camiling, Tarlac on August 5-15, 2024.
This training equipped farmer leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to be recommended to the TESDA Regional Office III for potential inclusion in the roster of trainers for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) Farmer's Field School.
Mr. Joe-Deo E. Arevalo from Santa Ignacia, Tarlac, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the training management team, sponsors, and resource speakers for their dedication in enhancing the skills of farmers and agriculturists. He acknowledged the valuable insights and expertise shared by the speakers, which inspired participants to excel in their respective fields.
He also thanked the Geromo Farm School and Training Center for the opportunity to join the training, and Tarlac Agricultural University for providing a comfortable venue and warm hospitality. Arevalo emphasized the importance of learning and collaboration in transforming the agricultural landscape.
Furthermore, the participants are expected to 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.
The training delivery incorporated different methods, including lecture-discussion, hands-on/practicum, open forum, microteaching, workshops, and the utilization of available Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials from the ATI-CL.
A total of thirty (30) farmer leaders from different provinces across Central Luzon participated in the said training program.
These farmer leaders are now well-prepared to contribute effectively to the RCEF-RESP Farmer's Field School and support the agricultural community in their respective provinces.
Moreover, the farmer leaders who took part in the training submitted their re-entry plans, outlining the activities to be carried out in their respective areas.
