Eighteen Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), along with staff from ATI-MIMAROPA, MAYA interns, and representatives from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), were equipped with basic competencies in extension services after completing the Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) at ATI-MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on April 13-17, 2026.
Senior Agriculturist and OIC-Assistant Center Director, Mr. Jayson N. Erondo, graced the opening program of the training. In his message, he emphasized the importance of strengthening extension capabilities to better serve farming communities.
Mr. Ruben P. Jugno, former TCS I of ATI-MIMAROPA, and Ms. Cristina G. Magnaye, TS III, served as resource persons during the five-day training. The topics covered included agricultural extension, approaches, strategies, methods, extension modalities, interventions and innovations, and community work.
As part of the training, the participants took part in a community immersion activity at the Pinagsabangan Vegetable Growers Association in Brgy. Pinagsabangan II. During the immersion, participants were paired and assigned to households, allowing them to experience firsthand the daily lives and challenges of community members.
The participants also conducted a simulation of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), or community diagnosis, within the same barangay. Representatives from various sectoral groups, endorsed by the Sangguniang Barangay, actively participated in the activity.
In his closing message, Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos underscored the significance of the training, noting that as partners of ATI-MIMAROPA in delivering quality extension services, participants must continuously enhance their skills and knowledge—especially those who are new to the service.
Ms. Glaizel Marie L. Loro, an AEW from Pola, shared her experience during the community immersion, highlighting the warm welcome they received from the community.
“Extension work is not about telling farmers what to do, but about working with them to determine what is best for their situation,” she said.
