The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in collaboration with Villar Foundation Farm School, organized an 11-day Training of Trainers on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed and Farm Mechanization under Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) held at St. Isidore “The Farmer” Resort Inc., Sta. Ana, Pampanga on May 13-23, 2024.
Mr. Romeo Cordova, St. Isidore “The Farmer” Resort Inc., farm owner/LSA Cooperator, warmly welcomed thirty-one (31) participants who came from various municipalities in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, and Bulacan. He alsodelivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of training for farmers.
The training aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants, who will be train in their respective areas and implement the Modified Season-Long Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds. It’s goal is also to improve the overall productivity, efficiency, and quality of rice production, seed management, and farm mechanization practices.
Ms. Xyrhel N. Sta Cruz, a participant from Nueva Ecija, shared her thoughts on the training, stating “Ang masasabi ko po sa training na ito, malaking tulong po ito sa mga magsasaka para magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman sa pagsasaka, bagamat maalam na sila malaking tulong pa rin po ito para ma improve at madevelop pa ang mga kakayahan ng mga magsasaka para bumaba ang kaniang gastos at tumaas po ang kita. Makakaasa po kayo na ibabahagi ko po ito sa mga studyante ko na anak ng mga magsasaka para maibahagi din nila sa kanilang mga magulang”.
Dr. Joey A. Belarmino, ATI-CL Center Director, served as the guest speaker during the graduation ceremony. In response to the participants’ feedback, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation, saying, “Salamat sa mga nagbigay ng impression, salamat sa matatamis na pahayag, nakakataba ng puso na itong training program na ito ay nagkaroon ng malaking epekto especially sa inyo, sa inyong mga natutunan at sa inyong mga plano.” Dr. Belarmino encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training and shared in their respective community.
The training was spearheaded by the ATI-CL Rice and RCEF teams including Ms. Reinalyn C. Gulen, Agriculturist II/OIC-Chief, PAS; Mr. Jayson S. Baldoz; Ms. Frevalyn V. Atienza; Mr. John Patrick Gutierrez, Technical Support Staff IV; and Ms. Giselle Mangubat, Administrative Support Staff III.
This initiative was made possible through the effort of various implementing agencies of RCEF-RESP, including ATI-CL, DA-RFO III, PhilMech, TESDA Pampanga, PhilRice, Provincial Agriculture Office -Pampanga, and Municipal Agriculture Office of Sta. Ana, Pampanga, St. Isidore “the Farmer” Resort Inc, Felisidro Farm, LBP Pampanga, BPI-NSQCS, and DA-RCPC.
Written by FREVALYN V. ATIENZA
