In partnership with the Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development (CorCAARRD), the ATI Cordillera conducted a 3-day Training on Science & Technology-Based Farm Proposal (STBF) Preparation and Establishment for the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) and Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) in CAR held at the Aspulan Hall, ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
The activity aimed to provide the basic and enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants in preparing Science and Technology Based proposals and to empower the MS and LSA to actively contributed to the agricultural development of their communities.
During the Opening Program, Dr. Janet P. Pablo, the Consortium Director of CorCAARRD encouraged the participants to enjoy the training at the same time to enhance their skills. She emphasized the pivotal role of MS and LSA as crucial partners for government agencies recognizing their deep understanding of local needs and communities.
In values strengthening, the resource person Mr. Cristino Balancio, presented and reviewed the participants with the right values needed for a farmer-partner to have to be a more effective extension partner in the field while ensuring the sustainability of any projects given to him.
Dr. Janet P. Pablo, gave a brief orientation about the Techno Gabay Program for which she reiterated the need to strengthen the partnership among the concerned agencies, particularly the PMA-Partner Member Agency scheme. It is a partnership with LGUs, DA-ATI-RTC-CAR and SUCs in the area to pool resources together. She added that certain agencies may provide technical assistance to the LSA and MS, others may fund and others may assist in the IEC development and proposal preparation for them.
On STBF Project proposal, Dr. Teresita K. Mangili significantly exposed the participants to the world of STBF project proposal preparation. She discussed each part which include title, rationale, objective, methodology, and expected outputs. To be more engaging, she provided examples in each part/topic. She also pointed out the important considerations in the STBF proposal preparation including crop identification along with its importance to MS and the community; identification of problems or needs related to the crop or commodity; and identification of the appropriate science and technology-based intervention.
With the guidance of the resource person, training management team, and CorCAARD directorate, the participants were able to craft their proposals as outputs for the training.
Part of the activity was the presentation and critiquing of proposals. Two LSAs volunteered to present their output. Mr. Andrew Pekas, the owner of the Salt and Pepper Learning Site, shared his proposal entitled “Use of fermented Kitchen waste to enhance lettuce production in under-the-pine condition.” He discussed the rationale and some of the references to support his proposal Project. Including the objective of the technology that is good for the soil and the lettuce, including the expected gain and the advantages of their proposal.
Mr. Brenson Dagwat presented his proposal on “Leveling Up Dagwat SAVERS farm continuous supply of Cherry Tomatoes through Greenhouse.”
Both project proposals were critiqued and suggestions were noted by the proponents.
A special topic on Data Privacy was also inputted in order for the MS and LSAs coordinators to protect their data subjects who frequently visit their farms.
During the closing ceremony, Mr. Maximino Aromin, Jr., Information Section Chief of ATI-RTC-CAR, pinned his hope for the participants to continue exploring new farming methods to transform traditional practices and embrace the potential of science and technology. Also, he informed the participants to continue doing their best as the Best MS and LSA recognition awards may be revived.
A total of twenty (20) participants completed the training composed of LSA’s, MS and CoRCAARD Staff. The activity was spearheaded by the Information Services Section of the ATI-RTC-CAR. (/with reports from CorCAARRD)
