BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - ATI-RTC 8 conducted a 3-day activity on Rice Production Technology Updates and Valuing Lessons for Rice Coordinators in Region VIII on September 25-27, 2024 at ATI-RTC 8. The fifty-three (53) participants were selected rice coordinators, report officers and the six Provincial Rice Coordinators in the region.
The activity aimed to enhance the technical capabilities of the AEWs regarding rice production technologies and best practices within Region 8.
Day 1 topics were discussed by DA RFO 8 key staff led by Ms. Maria Rufelie S. Gula (Supervising Science Research Specialist), Ms. Ferlynn V. Basanez (AMIA Action Officer), and Ms. Krichelle Anne Escarilla, (Agriculturist I). Discussions centered on the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA), the Eastern Visayas Rice Industry Situationer/MRIDP in Region 8, and the Farm and Fisheries Clustering Approach (F2C2) and its implementing guidelines focusing on the development of a Cluster Development Plan (CDP).
On the second day, discussions were about the Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Rice Farming, which is anchored by the Philippine National Standards of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standard (BAFS). Ms. Emie O. Uy, ATI-RTC8 Agriculturist II, led the discussions. Mr. James Daniel A. Avila of the DA-PhilRice Bicol Station presented the Palayaman Plus System/Diversified-Integrated Rice-based Farming System, which included an overview of key strategies, components, benefits, and factors to consider when establishing Palayamanan. Ms. Maria Helen P. Seco, ATI-RTC 8 Rice Focal Person, provided an orientation and review of Agro-entrepreneurship/Farm Business School (FBS) to the participants.
Furthermore, the training included a planning workshop activity per province to synchronize rice extension services for the next three years (2026-2028) as part of the basis for the planned ladderized training for rice AEWs. During the breakout session, participants collaboratively identified suitable training programs and activities for the period of 2026-2028, tailored to the specific needs of each province. This session was led by Ms. Venus June T. Taghoy, ATI-RTC 8 Planning Officer II, assisted by Ms. Maria Helen P. Seco and Ms. Junalyn F. Palco. Further, Ms. Maria Helen P. Seco presented the Rice Program Extension Services training conducted from 2016-2024, and Ms. Junalyn F. Palco, Incoming Rice Focal Person of ATI-RTC 8, presented the 2025-2026 ATI-RTC 8 Rice Training Program Interventions/Plans.
During the final day of the training, representatives from each province presented the outputs of the planning workshop.
The successful culmination of the three-day activity marks a significant milestone in the empowerment of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) within Region VIII. Enhanced with technical knowledge, synchronized plans for future rice extension services, and a profound understanding of rice production technologies, these AEWs are poised to undertake a central responsibility in propelling the growth and sustainability of the rice industry in Eastern Visayas. The collaborative endeavors of ATI-RTC 8, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO8), and other stakeholders serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural practices and securing a prosperous future for rice farmers in the region.
