The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA Region, successfully concluded the pilot batch of the Expanded Basic Agricultural Extension Course (EBAEC), with 27 DA Contract of Service (COS) personnel who completed the training on April 16, 2026, at ATI-MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The EBAEC was conducted in two phases: Phase I from December 16–20, 2025, and Phase II from February 23-March 30, 2026. It aimed to equip DA COS personnel with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for effectively supporting farmers and fishers in their respective areas.
The lectures and hands-on activities covered personal awareness and self-mastery, agricultural extension principles and trends, extension approaches and communication, community organizing and social mobilization, Participatory Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPME), Stakeholder Needs Assessment (SNA), and data collection and management.
As part of the course requirements, participants developed Area-Specific Action Plans (ASAP) as strategic interventions tailored to their assigned communities. These were presented to resource speakers, training management staff, and representatives of the DA MIMAROPA Region, including the Rice Focal Person and Rice Report Officer. To further enhance the outputs, inputs were also provided by OIC-Center Director Vianney T. Ojerio and PAS Chief Merigine C. Otara of ATI-Central Visayas, the first ATI Regional Training Center to implement the EBAEC.
During the final presentation of ASAP, the five groups presented before a panel composed of Deputy Director Antonieta J. Arceo of ATI; Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos of ATI-MIMAROPA; Dr. Ma. Theresa S. Aguilar, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulation of DA MIMAROPA Region; and Mr. Renie B. Madriaga, OIC-Chief of the Field Operations Division of DA MIMAROPA Region.
This was followed by the graduation ceremony of the participants. In his message, Center Director Barrientos expressed pride in the growth of the participants throughout the training.
“ATI has witnessed the remarkable growth of the participants—from who they were on the very first day to the capable and empowered extension workers they are today. Kayo ay magiging katuwang ng ATI-MIMAROPA, mga indibidwal na handang magbahagi ng kaalaman at maging tulay ng pagbabago sa sektor ng agrikultura,” he said.
Deputy Director Antonieta J. Arceo, Director III of ATI, also delivered a message emphasizing the importance of continuously strengthening the capabilities of extension workers as key providers of knowledge and technology in agriculture. She encouraged graduates to apply and share what they learned in their communities and to continuously listen to and understand the real needs of farmers.
“Ang layunin ng extension ay bigyang kapangyarihan ang ating mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng tamang kaalaman upang makagawa sila ng mas mahusay na mga desisyon,” she shared.
One of the participants, Ms. Veronica R. Enriquez, shared that the training helped her reconnect with real community situations and strengthen her professional skills in extension work.
“Malaking tulong po ito sa amin dahil na-refresh ang aming pag-unawa sa mga problema sa field. Hindi man kami sanay sa workshops, natutunan naming harapin at tapusin ang mga ito. Bukod sa technical skills, nadagdagan din ang aming kumpiyansa sa pag-presenta at pagsusulat,” she said.
After completing the course, graduates will be deployed in municipalities to help transfer knowledge and technologies to farmers and fishers, supporting better productivity, food security, and rural development.
