The Agricultural Training Institute- Central Luzon (ATI-CL), conducted Training of Trainers (TOT) on Certified Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Groups Towards Accreditation as Organic Certifying Bodies (OCBs) among farmers and agricultural extension workers from Nueva Ecija held at Sierra Madre Suites, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on May 27-31, 2024.
The training participants are members of Sakalipunan ng Organikong Magsasaka ng Nueva Ecija (SOMNE), Gratia Plena, and MASIPAG.
Dr. Jovita Agliam, Acting Provincial Agriculturist of Nueva Ecija, delivered an Inspirational message and encouraged the participants to embody and share the knowledge and skills that they learn from the training.
Ms. Zarah Jane N. Sendrijas, ATI-CL OA Focal Person, and Ms. Lea Barrion, Project Assistant II of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III), served as the Resource Speakers.
" Sa limang (5) araw na aming pag-te-training, napakalaking tulong sa bawat organisasyon na mailahad ang pagpatuloy ng pag-aaral para makuha ang aming mga mithiin para maging isang grupo ng isang PGS,” said Mr. Ariel V. Tena, one of the participants.
Dr. Joey A. Belarmino, ATI-CL, Center Director, graced the graduation ceremony and thanked the participants for their dedication and commitment in pursuing their goal of becoming OCBs.
Dr. Belarmino said, "Maraming salamat sa inyong dedikasyon at commitment na tapusin ang training na ito. Alam ko marami kayong natutunan mula sa ating mga speaker at hangad naming sa ATI na lahat kayo ay ma-certify as PGS Group at ma-accredit as OCB sa mga susunod na araw. Makakaasa kayo na kami sa ATI sa tulong ng DA ay laging naka-antabay sa inyo para sa pagkuha ng ating mga mithiin.”
Ms. Sendrijas assured to the participants that ATI will be assisting them throughout the process of being accredited as OCBs.
The group also conducted peer-review at the Villegas Farm located at Palayan City, Nueva Ecija and Tessa's Garden and Mini Farm located at Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.
As part of their outputs, the participants prepared and submitted their final Internal Standards and Manual of Operations.
