“I am ready” claimed the future trainers after 12 days of being exposed to learning and skills development activity.
After being immersed in a dynamic learning experience such as participatory lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive sessions, completers of the Training of Trainers on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization are ready to take the challenge- to help the rice farmers in their respective locality through sharing their knowledge and skills gained.
The training was conducted last March 14-27, 2024, with a participant from the different RCEF-LSA Farm Schools from the provinces of Kalinga and Ifugao. Throughout the training, participants explored a diverse module that would help enhance their understanding and practical skills.
The module included delving into the introduction of rice morphology and growth stages to mastering the operation of farm machinery with precision and safety. The training extended beyond technical proficiency, embracing principles of adult learning and facilitation, transformational leadership, presentation skills, financial management, and the establishment of learning environments conducive to agricultural skill development.
Before the closing program, participants committed to assist their respective farm schools by being a facilitator or trainer, using the fresh learnings they accumulated during the training. Also, they were challenged to expand their learning process by joining various capability-building activities organized by the different sectors.
During the closing program, Ms. Florence Jose, Administrative Officer V of TESDA-Kalinga, expressed her admiration to the trainees, stating that "Graduation is not the end but it is just the start of your journey where you are going to venture into new learning that will mold you to be better. Based on the activities presented, I have seen that you have participated well. You were eager to share your own ideas and skills, and I also noticed that you enjoyed each activity, which is the most important thing of the learning process." She also expressed her hope that the completers would be like the Farm School owners by establishing their own learning sites for agriculture, thereby expanding the services available and meeting the needs of farmers in their localities.
Also, Mr. Lim N. Ducyogen, City Agriculturist of TabuK City, Kalinga challenged the participants on how they would utilize their learnings and knowledge gained during the span of 12 days training. “We hope that you would use this learnings and skills mastered as a steppingstone towards a bright future for our agriculture sector. The agriculture sector is facing various challenges in our community so we hope that you, the completers, can also be tapped to assist us in fixing some of those problems. So, as you return to your farms and communities, remember the importance of sharing your knowledge and experiences with others.”
The completion of the Training of Trainers on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization marks not the end of a learning journey, but the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of our future trainers. Over the course of 12 days, these dedicated individuals have been equipped with the knowledge, skills, and determination to make a tangible difference in the rice farming communities of Kalinga and Ifugao.
A total of 30 participants coming from the different RCEF Learning Sites for Agriculture successfully finished the said course.
