BAYBAY CITY, Leyte —The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8) continues to empower corn farmers and extension workers by integrating agribusiness and marketing skills into its training programs.
In 2024–2025, ATI-RTC 8 successfully conducted two batches of Training of Trainers on Corn Production and Management and thirty batches of Farmers Field School (FFS) on Corn Production and Management. These efforts produced 62 trained agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and 790 farmer graduates from 60 existing corn clusters and associations identified by the Department of Agriculture. With the expected increase in corn production, the institute recognized the need to further capacitate farmers with entrepreneurial skills and marketing strategies.
To address this, ATI-RTC 8 implemented the Farm Business School (FBS) training program, designed to strengthen the business and entrepreneurial capabilities of corn farmers. The program equips participants to manage farms as business enterprises, adapt to a market-driven environment, and establish stronger market linkages.
During the training, participants assessed the strengths and limitations of their farm enterprises, enabling them to make informed decisions for improvement. They also gained practical knowledge in market analysis and marketing strategies, including conducting market surveys, identifying opportunities, and applying the “4Ps” of marketing—product, price, place, and promotion—to corn-based enterprises. Essential discussions also highlighted the importance of farm record keeping, financial management, and risk management in sustaining farm operations.
Mr. Jesney L. Balicud, one of the graduates, emphasized the responsibility of AEWs in sharing these insights with farmers. “We will teach them not just as producers but as agripreneurs as well. We should not get tired of teaching the farmers so that they will also apply value-adding in business,” he said.
The training was enriched by resource persons from DA-RFO 8, ATI-RTC 8, Negosyo Center in Baybay, Diko’s Integrated Farm, and the Visayas Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (VSERDAC). Field visits also provided hands-on learning, including exposure to the BCCI cooperative in Bontoc, Southern Leyte, where General Manager Mr. Enrique Salares shared business operations, and Bendicar Farm Agri Eco Tourism in Sogod, Southern Leyte, where Mr. Bendicar Gerona showcased innovative farm practices.
Participants capped the training by submitting their Farm Business Plans and re-entry plans, while licensed professional agriculturists earned 15 CPD points.
A total of 26 participants completed the Training on Farm Business School on Corn Production (Marketing) on April 20-29, 2026, at ATI-RTC 8, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte.(With reports from GJDNuñez)
