For many farm school trainers, learning never truly ends—it evolves in the field, with every cropping season and every farmer they guide.
From February 2–6, 2026, the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8) gathered 30 Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund–Training of Trainers (RCEF-TOT) graduates at Alde Farm in Babatngon, Leyte for the Coaching and Mentoring on Training Management for Farm Schools (Batch 1). More than a refresher course, the five-day activity became a venue for reflection, relearning, and renewed commitment to empowering rice farmers across Eastern Visayas.
The participants—composed of 25 farm trainers and five Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from batches 2019 to 2024—underwent intensive sessions designed to strengthen their role as facilitators of the Modified Farmers Field School (FFS) on the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization under RCEF 2.0.
Grounded on ATI’s learner-centered approach, the coaching and mentoring focused on the Updated Palay Check System, Participatory Technology Demonstration (PTD), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA), and effective facilitation of FFS. Through field assessments and hands-on activities, participants revisited core principles of rice production while sharpening their skills in guiding farmers toward science-based and location-specific technologies.
The farm setting of Alde Farm provided a fitting backdrop for experiential learning. Participants analyzed field conditions, assessed crop health, and discussed adaptive strategies that could address common production challenges in their respective areas. The exchange of insights and best practices among trainers further enriched the learning experience, reinforcing the value of collaboration within the farm school network.
For Mr. Rey A. Capili, Trainer from Bibar’s Farm, the activity reaffirmed the importance of continuous professional growth. “This training was well-planned and efficiently implemented. The facilitators were highly knowledgeable and effective, making the sessions engaging and easy to understand. Through this activity, I gained additional knowledge and insights that are valuable to my work. Overall, the training significantly contributed to my professional development,” he shared.
As a tangible commitment, representatives from each participating farm school crafted re-entry plans outlining how they will roll out Farmers Field School activities in their respective communities. Farm trainers pledged to conduct FFS sessions, while AEWs committed to supporting implementation efforts under RCEF 2.0.
Beyond technical enhancement, the activity rekindled the participants’ shared mission—to become catalysts of change in their communities. With strengthened capacities and renewed dedication, these trainers return to their respective localities ready to guide farmers toward improved productivity, reduced production costs, and sustainable rice farming practices.
Through initiatives like this, ATI-RTC 8 continues to uphold its mandate of building a competent and responsive agriculture and fisheries extension system—one trainer, one farm school, and one farming community at a time.
