QUEZON CITY – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), through its Policy and Planning Division (PPD), conducted consultations on March 16–17, 2026 via Zoom to update the costing framework for its agricultural training programs. The sessions gathered technical, administrative, and financial staff from the Luzon and Visayas Regional Training Centers.
Participants agreed to apply the updated Agriculture and Fishery Extension (AFE) cost standards to Fiscal Year 2028 plans and budget proposals, ensuring alignment with the FY 2027 budget already submitted for technical review.
To improve costing approaches, the discussions focused on refining fund allocation and revisiting budget ceilings under DBM NBC No. 596. Participants proposed adjustments in meal and accommodation costs, higher budget limits for convention centers, and expanded allowable expenses for training supplies and tokens. They also emphasized stronger support for hands-on learning, updated transport rental rates, and provisions for medical and insurance contingencies.
The discussions also covered digital and hybrid training needs, including online delivery, digital transactions, and video production. Participants recommended reviewing costing structures and increasing budget limits for programs such as School-on-the-Air (SOA).
In her closing message, Ms. Urbano thanked the participants and emphasized that efficient resource use directly affects service quality.
Moving forward, the PPD will consolidate inputs from all consultation batches and revise the draft AFE cost standards. The updated version will be circulated for stakeholder review ahead of its target approval in June 2026.
Written by Chandra Rachel C. Panol
