DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), through its Policy and Planning Division (PPD), conducted the third and fourth batches of consultations on April 13–14, 2026 to refine proposed updates to the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension (AFE) cost standards.
The sessions gathered the ATI Central Office and the Mindanao cluster of Regional Training Centers, generating operational insights to improve the costing framework. Participants underscored the need to update cost standards to reflect inflation, regional price differences, and evolving training modalities.
To support more accurate budgeting, the group recommended clearer classification of activities—from community-based training to large-scale conventions and international engagements. They emphasized that maximum allowable costs should serve as ceilings, not default amounts, and must vary based on location, activity type, and participants.
Participants also raised operational challenges, including rising transport and logistics costs, varying supplier rates, and the demands of large-scale and specialized programs such as trade fairs and School-on-the-Air (SOA). For virtual modalities, they called for clearer, audit-compliant guidelines on allowable expenses.
In her message, Assistant Director Arceo emphasized that the updated cost standards must reflect actual field conditions, calling on participants to help shape a more responsive and evidence-based costing framework.
Moving forward, the PPD will consolidate all inputs to finalize the draft AFE cost standards, with target approval in June 2026 and implementation in Fiscal Year 2028.
Written by: Chandra Rachel C. Panol
