A participant, who is also a member of Pecuaria Development Cooperative, shows the control panel of rice machinery during the field visit on the farm.
MAGARAO, Camarines Sur- The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), serving as the capacity builder, knowledge bank, and catalyst of the agriculture and fisheries extension system, conducted a 10-day "Training of Trainers (TOT) on Farm Business School with GAD Concepts" from August 12-23, 2024, at Sonrisa Farm Assessment and Learning Center Inc. in Magarao, Camarines Sur. The training aimed to equip trainers with essential skills in farm business management and integrate Gender and Development (GAD) concepts into their teaching.
The training was attended by 32 participants, including RCEF-LSA Trainers/Cooperators, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs), Local Farmers Technicians (LFTs), and staff from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Camarines Sur I. The participants, representing municipalities and cities from the provinces of Masbate, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon, included 19 females and 13 males. The organizations represented were the Camarines Sur Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Magel Golden Integrated Farm, Goodgrass, KAT Farm, RASTI Integrated Farm, Zeraphio’s Integrated Farm, Barbridge Integrated Farm, and Little Acre Integrated Farm. ARBOs in attendance included San Antonio Farmers Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFIMCO), San Pedro Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization, Inc. (SPFRABA), DRUFA Inc., and LARUFA Inc.
The training was officially opened by Ms. Louise M. Vargas, Technical Support Staff of RCEF, who presented the training overview, objectives, expected outputs, and schedule of activities. Acknowledgment of guests, participants, and the Training Management Team was handled by Ana Lea D. Villaluz, Technical Support Staff of the Rice Program. The initial sessions included setting house rules, forming host teams, and conducting pre-tests to assess participants' knowledge levels before delving into the training's core content.
Throughout the first week, participants engaged in various topics such as communication and facilitation skills, financial literacy, farm vision and mission development, marketing strategies, and business plan preparation. A hands-on market survey activity was conducted at Naga City Public Market, where participants, divided into groups, interviewed wholesalers, retailers, transport providers, and end-users of rice products. This practical experience underscored the importance of understanding market dynamics and customer behavior, providing valuable insights for future trainers.
Ms. Frilliane Mae N. Bicaldo, Director of University Business and Affairs at CBSUA, led a session on business plan development, highlighting its significance in enhancing entrepreneurial skills among the trainers. The participants presented their business plan outputs the following week, receiving critiques from Ms. Bicaldo. Other notable sessions included lectures on record-keeping, financial management, risk assessment, and benchmarking led by Ms. Victora Balderas of CBSUA.
During the second week, the participants visited Pecuaria Development Cooperative, known for producing organic rice products, and Nesting Place in Calabanga, an integrated farming farm. These benchmarking activities allowed participants to learn from successful farms and gain inspiration from the owners’ experiences and best practices.
Microteaching sessions were also integrated into the training, allowing participants to practice teaching skills on selected topics within a limited time. This approach aimed to boost their confidence and refine their teaching methodologies, ensuring effective knowledge transfer to future trainees. A session on Gender and Development (GAD) concepts was facilitated by Mr. Dennis Rañon, Associate Professor at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, emphasizing the crucial roles of both men and women in agricultural endeavors and promoting equal participation in decision-making processes.
The training concluded with a closing program where Ms. Louise M. Vargas presented the course synthesis and video summary. Reflections were shared by selected participants, and closing remarks were delivered by Engr. Kristine O. Olila, Project Officer. The post-training evaluation showed a 100% increase in knowledge among participants, as evidenced by their post-test results. The excellent ratings of resource persons from ATI Bicol and various state universities further affirmed the training's success in enhancing the participants' skills and knowledge in farm business management and gender inclusivity.
