PASAY CITY, Philippines - The League of the Municipal Agricultural Officer, Municipal and City Agriculturist of the Philippines (LeMMCAP) successfully held its 22nd National Convention last June 2–6 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City.
This year's theme, "Sustainable Agriculture, Thriving Communities: The Role of Agricultural Officers in Nation Building," reinforced the critical role of agricultural officers in nation-building and community development as hundreds of agricultural extension workers (AEWs), local governments, and development partners convened to harmonize strategies for a more productive and resilient agriculture sector.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) became its primary institutional ally, offering complete support and spearheading the advancement of professional development within the field. Through sponsored sessions and exhibit booths, ATI engaged participants with practical information on its programs, shared recent advancements in agricultural technologies, distributed IEC materials, and offered advisory services in farming and fisheries.
Providing depth to the convention, ATI Deputy Director Antonieta J. Arceo spoke about "Enhancing the Agriculture Extension Program to Boost Agricultural Production in the Philippines." Her talk invited participants to think differently about how agricultural services can more effectively respond to the country's increasing demands through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven solutions.
A major step forward in standardizing agricultural training was unveiled through the presentation of the Agricultural Extension Management Curriculum Track by Ms. Czarina S. Mamino-Bayot, Development Management Officer III of ATI. The framework seeks to elevate the capacity of AEWs, offering a unified training pathway that strengthens their ability to serve rural communities effectively.
The convention also gave ATI a timely forum where it could consult the stakeholders on the Extension Management Curriculum Track and gather comments that will shape follow-up training modules and capacity-building initiatives crafted for the ground realities.
Through this collaborative effort, LeMMCAP and ATI are not only shaping agricultural officers but crafting a new breed of leaders who are poised to be the heroes of Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas: a Philippines that is grounded on inclusive growth, food security, and empowered rural communities.
