On May 7, 2025, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), as the focal agency for the Department of Agriculture’s Extension Support, Education, and Training Technical Management Team (DA ESET-TMT) pursuant to DA Special Order 1772, series of 2024, successfully hosted its 1st Semestral Meeting at the Rural Development Education Center (RDEC) in Diliman, Quezon City. The event brought together 49 participants from various DA bureaus, attached agencies, and offices, both in-person and virtually.
DA ESET-TMT Chairperson, Director Remelyn R. Recoter, initially led the meeting, with ATI Policy and Planning Division Chief Ms. Milagros Urbano taking over the other agenda items. Key agenda items included the proposed Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PME) process for the cluster, updates from previous workshops, preparations for the 2025 National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) Month and updating of the composition of DA ESET-TMT.
The proposed PME process, aligned with DA Planning and Budgeting Guidelines, involves submission of agency AFE plans to the Cluster Secretariat for review and revision before endorsement to the DA. Progress will be monitored through quarterly and year-end reports.
Furthermore, five concept proposals from the November 2024 workshop were presented: 1) AgriTrack Mobile Apps, 2) Agroenterprise for Local Government Units, 3) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Version 2.0, 4) Clustering and Promoting DA Trainings through success stories, and 5) Professional Agricultural Representative (PAR) ng Bayan. The proposals hold potential and will be considered for the next planning period.
Looking ahead, preparations for the inaugural National AFE Month in October were discussed with member agencies suggesting various activities. The selection of the official theme for the celebration is currently ongoing among member agencies. Guidelines will be issued to support the coordination and participation of all member agencies.
