Anecito M. Anuada, University Researcher II/Resource Person from ASI-CAFS-UPLB, demonstrates corn pollination and detasseling of corn with the participants.
BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – Twenty-nine Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from various Local Government Units (LGU) in the region participate in the Training of Trainers on the Farmer Scientists Training Program on August 7-9, 2024 at INA Farmers Learning Site & Agri-Farm Inc. with the support of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
“The Farmer-Scientist Training Program is one of the holistic approaches in carrying out extension services to the farmers level by engaging and involving them in the process from pre-implementation to production. This training on FSTP would capacitate us and enhance our knowledge and skills in dealing with the farmers and implementing this program. Overall, this TOT on FSTP would benefit us participants, especially the farmer scientists, who will undergo training in the future. This endeavor will maximize productivity and profitability of corn farmers and help attain food sufficiency,” said Niko L. Mambusada, Agriculturist II from Provincial Agriculture Office-Iloilo Province during his impression.
Niko L. Mambusada, Agriculturist II from Provincial Agriculture Office-Iloilo Province, discusses their group output about fertilizer computation.
AEWs from different LGUs have committed to accelerating and scaling up their efforts to uplift the morale of corn farmers in the region, including improving access to quality farming practices and services and strengthening farmer leadership. They also committed to adapting the Farmer Scientist RDE Training Program as stated in their action plan. These commitments build a progressive and transformative corn industry in Western Visayas. The program expands as an extension modality, providing AEW focal persons/LGU and other collaborating agency personnel the capabilities to implement the program in their respective areas.
The participants eagerly listen and observe as Jay Mark Ian G. Caindoy, University Research Associate II/Resource Person from ASI-CAFS-UPLB, demonstrates weighing and measuring the average length of corn ear.
This activity involves learning and problem-solving processes in farming as an enterprise through lectures, field experimentation, and value formation for the love of God, country, people, and resource mobilization from various stakeholders. FSTP focuses on transferring agricultural technologies from research centers to farmers through partnerships with service providers to create meaningful changes in rural communities.
To cap the event, Victorio T. De Joseph Jr., Regional Corn Focal Person/Project Officer from ATI Region 6, encouraged the participants. He said, “Being an Agricultural Extension Worker is a noble profession. You will be the face of our farmers, and at the same time, you will be the one who encourages them to improve their farming practices. Be proud of yourself. Keep raising the bar and continue to inspire our corn farmers. Nasa inyong mga kamay ang pag-unlad ng pagmamais sa ating rehiyon.”
The Training of Trainers (TOT) on FSTP aims to enhance the capabilities of the participants in carrying out the activities of the FSTP as a training modality in the development of corn farmers in the communities.
SA FSTP BIDA KA: Photo Opportunity after the conduct of training together with Victorio T. De Joseph Jr., Regional Corn Focal Person/Project Officer from ATI Region 6, Anecito M. Anuada, University Researcher II, Romnick C. Talde, University Researcher I, Augustus Franco B. Jamias, University Researcher I, and Jay Mark Ian G. Caindoy, University Research Associate II all from ASI-CAFS-UPL
