The Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon (ATI-CL) spearheaded the “Thriving Ecosystems: Integrated Climate Adaptation, Disaster Resilience and Nutrient-Pest Risk Management Advisory – Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS) Batch 1,” successfully conducted from May 11 to 15, 2026 in Gerona, Tarlac, reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing climate-resilient, technology-driven, and sustainable agriculture.
The five-day training gathered 30 farmers from Gerona, Tarlac belonging to Buenlag Agriculture Cooperative, Samahang Magsasaka ng Barangay Matayuncab, and Climate Resilient Farmers Association of San Bartolome to strengthen their knowledge and technical capabilities in promoting the Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS) and climate-smart farming technologies in their respective communities.
The activity aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to effectively disseminate RCMAS in their respective clusters and integrate science-based and data-driven practices into local farming systems. Through the training, participants were prepared to become advocates of adaptive and resilient agriculture that supports increased productivity while minimizing environmental risks.
Key discussions during the activity included updates on the RCM Advisory Service and user registration, proper procedures for farmer and farm lot registration using GPS technology and GPX file uploading through the RCM Farmer and Farm Lot Registration (FFR) system, and demonstrations on the use of the RCM Farmer ID Maker.
Participants also learned the principles of Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) and Rice Crop Manager (RCM), which emphasize the efficient and accurate application of fertilizers based on the actual needs of rice crops and farm conditions. The training highlighted the benefits of digital technologies in improving farm management, reducing production costs, and increasing efficiency in agricultural operations.
Resource persons from the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office III included Ms. Amelita Londonio, Agriculturist II; Mr. Bryan Cruz, Science Research Specialist II; and Mr. Rudy Orpiada, Project Assistant II; who shared their expertise on various RCMAS-related topics. Meanwhile, Mr. Aldrin John Villas, TSS I, and Ms. Eula Dee Lañada, IO III of ATI-CL, conducted sessions on smartphone basics, accessing the internet, and internet safety basics to further strengthen the participants’ digital literacy and capacity to maximize online agricultural platforms and services.
The activity further introduced participants to the RCM Messenger Service, RCM Advisory Service Statistics, and the “Contact Us” feature of the application to improve communication, technical support, and farmer engagement. Discussions were likewise conducted on the integrated rice interventions monitoring and evaluation platform under 4D Farms, as well as the impacts of climate change on agriculture and the importance of disaster resilience and adaptive farming practices.
Participants expressed appreciation for the practical knowledge and technological innovations introduced during the training.
“Malaking tulong po ito sa aming mga magsasaka para mas lumawak pa ang aming kaalaman sa pagsasaka at mas mapabilis ang gawain namin sa bukid. Natutunan namin na may mas mabilis pa lang pamamaraan upang sukatin ang palayan gamit ang GPS at malaman ang tamang pag-aabono at tamang dami ng abono na ilalagay sa palayan gamit ang rekomendasyon na ibibigay ng RCM,” said Mr. Dicoroso T. Millado, farmer-member of Samahang Magsasaka ng Brgy. Matayuncab.
As part of the training outputs, participants prepared re-entry plans that will guide the dissemination and implementation of RCMAS technologies and advisory services in their respective communities.
During the closing program, Ms. Revilyn T. Yadyadoc, Municipal Agriculturist of Gerona, Tarlac, delivered a message expressing her appreciation and satisfaction over the successful conduct of the activity and the active participation of the farmers throughout the training. She also highlighted that the implementation of the training was very timely given that we are experiencing the effects of climate change.
The successful conduct of the activity reflects the government’s continuing efforts to modernize the agriculture sector through innovation, digital transformation, and climate-responsive interventions aimed at ensuring food security, sustainable productivity, and resilient farming communities.
