To enhance the participants’ knowledge and develop their skills in using the RCMAS and MEL Tool, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA, through the Information Services Section, successfully conducted the Training on Rice Crop Manager Advisory Services (RCMAS) with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Tool Batch I at ATI-MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on March 10-12, 2026.
In his opening message, OIC-Assistant Center Director Jayson N. Erondo encouraged participants to make the most of the training and ensure their participation was both productive and meaningful.
“Sana ang training na ito ay hindi lamang ninyo gamitin bilang pagkakataon na mapalawak ang inyong kaalaman kundi upang mapatatag din ang inyong dedikasyon sa paglilingkod, inobasyon, at patuloy na pag-unlad ng sektor ng Agrikultura,” he said.
Thirty Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) participated in the training, which included lecture discussions covering topics such as an overview of 4D farms, RCMAS user registration, sampling, the online and offline use of RCMAS, strategies for field deployment, and data management practices.
Moreover, the participants engaged in a hands-on activity in which they registered their own RCMAS accounts and interviewed 15 farmers from Brgy. Barcenaga.
Mr. Erlan D. Pasana and Mr. Michael Daven T. Jugno, both Information Officer II from ATI-MIMAROPA, and Ms. Marilyn M. Sanchez, Senior Science Research Specialist, from the Department of Agriculture (DA)- Research Division, served as resource persons.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jhon Lloyd Ian M. Largado, an AEW from Mogpog, Marinduque, shared that, as a newly employed staffat their office, this training is a great opportunity for him to learn more about agriculture.
“First time ko po dito sa ATI-MIMAROPA dahil ako ay isang fresh graduate at bagong board exam passer, kaya napakalaking oportunidad po ito para sa akin na makasama sa training ng RCMAS. Pinadala po ako ng aming LGU dito upang mamulat sa mundo ng agrikultura. Marami po akong natutunan, at lalo po akong na-enhance sa paggamit ng MEL Tool upang makuha ang tamang datos mula sa ating mga farmers. Overall po, sobrang pasasalamat ko po sa ATI-MIMAROPA sa mainit na pagtanggap sa amin, he said."
Through this training, the participants are expected to serve as partners with ATI-MIMAROPA and DA-MIMAROPA Region in conducting briefings, interviews, and other activities in the region to ensure effective implementation of the programs.
