REGIONWIDE. In the Philippines, corn, sometimes known as maize, is a major crop and a staple meal. It is important for nutrition, culture, and the economy and is grown throughout the nation.

Despite being a major corn grower, the Philippines has occasionally imported corn to suit domestic demand, especially when local supplies were insufficient. This highlights the necessity of developing plans to increase domestic output and lessen reliance on imports.

Ensuring sustainable corn production is essential for a variety of environmental, economic, and social reasons.

In addition, the need to exposed individuals to new knowledge and skills requires training of new trainers. Creating a multiplier effect on the larger agricultural sector, this information transfer is essential to the continuation and sustainability of enhanced corn production practices.

In this regard, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) VII conducted the training entitled MAISaCluster Tayo: Training of Trainers on Corn Cluster Development held at ATI-7 Training Complex, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol on July 10-14, 2023.

A total of 20 participants composed of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and farmers trained.

Generally, the training aimed to enhanced the knowledge and skills of participants on the Corn Cluster Development.

“This training on Corn Cluster Development has given us the knowledge and importance of farm clustering. This training also improved our skills and knowledge in financial management. This improvement and knowledge will be passed on to our different corn clusters in our Local Government Unit (LGU). To increase the income and profit of our corn cluster members they can also be efficient in their cluster. TOT on Corn Cluster Development have a big role to AEWs on Corn for them can assist the cluster members and officers effectively, in making the cluster development plan and to be more well-built and secure,” shared Daisy M. Calibo, AEW of LGU-Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.