Fifteen Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) were equipped with basic competencies in extension services after completing the five-day Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) for Urban and Peri-Urban Coordinators held at Alaamid Bed and Breakfast, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, on March 24–28, 2025.
The BAEC aimed to enhance the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills of the AEWs to better empower farmers and fisherfolk in their respective municipalities.
Guided by Ms. Cristina G. Magnaye, Training Specialist III, the participants explored personal awareness and self-mastery through mindsets and mental models. They also took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test to assess their personalities and preferences, which sparked engaging discussions as many found their results different from what they had expected.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jayson N. Erondo, Senior Agriculturist, led discussions on agricultural extension approaches, strategies, modalities, interventions, and innovations. Through illustrative examples, the participants gained a deeper understanding of the topics.
As the highlight of the activity, a workshop on the ten steps of community organizing was conducted to assess the participants’ knowledge. Moreover, the participants engaged in a Participatory Rural Appraisal using SWOT analysis, which empowered locals to assess their living conditions while providing the participants with first-hand insights into the challenges faced by farmers.
“Para sa akin, ang BAEC ay isang malaking tulong hindi lamang bilang isang AEW kundi bilang isang tao. Napagtanto ko na kung hindi natin lubos na kilala ang ating sarili, hindi rin natin maibibigay ang pinakamahusay para sa ating mga kliyente. Sa pamamagitan ng participatory tools, mas mapapaunlad ko pa ang mga serbisyong ibinibigay ko sa kanila,” shared Mr. Enoc Rubite, AEW of the Provincial Agriculture Office-Palawan.
