Empowering one another: Learning exchange between ATI CALABARZON and ATI CAR

Learning exchanges within the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) network are crucial for strengthening and enhancing agri-fishery extension services.

By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the network ensures that best practices, innovative solutions, and effective strategies are disseminated across different agricultural communities in various regions. This exchange of insights and experiences helps bridge gaps by empowering the staff—down to extension workers and farmers or fisherfolks. In the long run, it contributes to increased agricultural productivity, sustainability, and community development, driving the overall growth of the agri-fishery sector.

A testament to the power of collaborative effort to empower one another is the Learning Exchange Visit of ATI Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to ATI CALABARZON on March 3-7, 2025. This aimed at benchmarking innovative methodologies, best practices, and unique strategies that could further enrich extension programs for agricultural extension workers (AEWs), farmer beneficiaries, and other stakeholders in the Cordillera.

This initiative was made possible through the unwavering support of ATI CALABARZON Center Director, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, who has consistently paved the way for knowledge-sharing and inter-regional cooperation among Regional Training Centers (RTCs). With Dr. Maningas at the helm, ATI CALABARZON remains committed to fostering an open and engaging learning environment, ensuring that best practices in extension services are shared and adopted across regions.

CALABARZON was chosen as the benchmark location because of its remarkable innovations and exemplary performance in agricultural training and extension work. The men and women of the Center, under the leadership of CD Maningas, continuously implement cutting-edge approaches that empower farmers, strengthen agribusiness enterprises, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By learning from these initiatives, ATI CAR aims to integrate new insights into its programs to improve efficiency and effectiveness in extension services.

During the visit, ATI CAR personnel engaged in fruitful discussions with key personnel and explored CALABARZON’s best practices in technology transfer, innovations, and agribusiness enhancement support.

ATI CAR paid a courtesy visit to the Center and was warmly welcomed by ATI CALABARZON through a short ceremony. Ms. Sherylou C. Alfaro, Assistant Center Director of ATI CALABARZON, shared some quick facts about the region and expressed gratitude and joy for the visit of the Center’s counterpart in the Cordillera. Each section from both RTCs also introduced their personnel and engaged in the benchmarking.

Following this, ATI CAR visited some Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) in the region that offer unique innovations in agricultural practices. Auspere Nature Farm (Silang, Cavite) showcased cacao processing, while Luntiang Republika Ecofarms (Alfonso, Cavite) highlighted value addition in their agricultural produce.

Included also in their itinerary is Gintong Bukid Farm and Leisure (Nagcarlan, Laguna), which was recognized as one of the first members of Samahan ng Organikong Industriya ng Laguna or SOIL – a Certified Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Organic Certifying Body (OCB). Meanwhile, Bukid Amara (Lucban, Quezon) demonstrated innovative and effective methods of planting using greenhouses.

At these LSAs, they interacted with farm owners and operators, gaining firsthand knowledge of sustainable farming technologies, agripreneurship approaches, and innovative farming systems that could serve as valuable references for ATI CAR’s extension initiatives.

In addition to the field visits, ACD Alfaro facilitated a Gender and Development (GAD) learning session on leadership development for the ATI CAR staff. This session focused on the elements and key concepts of leadership and inclusivity, characteristics of an inclusive leader and organization, best practices, and eliminating barriers to achieving inclusivity in the workplace. By integrating these leadership insights, ATI CAR aims to cultivate a more dynamic and inclusive approach to managing its programs and personnel.

This Learning Exchange Visit provided substantial insights not only to ATI CAR staff but also to ATI CALABARZON by broadening each other’s perspectives and equipping one another with innovative strategies that could be applied in both regions. More importantly, this initiative strengthened collaboration among RTCs and can contribute to achieving a more excellent agricultural extension service.

As Dr. Maningas emphasized, “Collaboration and continuous learning drive progress in agricultural extension. Through knowledge-sharing and best practices, we empower each other and strengthen the communities we serve. Let’s carry forward these insights, strengthen partnerships, and work together for a more sustainable and progressive agricultural sector.”

ATI CAR and ATI CALABARZON highlighted the power of collaboration in strengthening agri-fishery extension services. Such kinds of learning exchange initiatives not only broaden perspectives but also foster stronger partnerships, reinforcing the shared commitment to advancing effective and best practices across regions.

Through continued cooperation and knowledge-sharing, the ATI network remains steadfast in its mission to build a more resilient, efficient, and inclusive agri-fishery sector that meets the evolving needs of farmers and fisherfolk nationwide.