SAN MATEO, Isabela – The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02), as a key player in the Philippine agriculture and fisheries extension system, continues to provide training and extension activities to the agri-fishery sector.
ATI Region 02 Center Director Imelda M. Guillermo recently expressed her gratitude to all the agency’s partners, particularly the local government units and members of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Extension Network, for their productive cooperation and complementation on various initiatives.
“The institute is committed to empower AEWs (agricultural extension workers) to lead in delivering extension services crucial to agricultural development,” Guillermo said.
Between July and October 2023, a total of 48 training courses were held for 1,174 agricultural graduates, made up of farmer-leaders and AEWs.
The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) conducted a series of training-of-trainers (TOTs) to enhance the competitiveness of coconut farmers in the country.
Between July 17 and 21, 23 AEWs and farmer-leaders from various cooperatives and associations in Cagayan and Isabela improved their knowledge and abilities about cattle production and management to become trainers of training on native cattle production and management. The training of trainers on the Coconut Cacao Farming System concluded on Sept. 18-22, with a pool of expert trainers graduating.
Graduates of TOTs are expected to guide local governments on coconut cultivation, strengthening CFIDP extension services, improving farmers’ living conditions, and enhancing the Philippine coconut sector’s competitiveness.
On Sept. 29, 20 AEWs completed a month-long training program on artificial insemination and pregnancy diagnosis for large animals, aiming to enhance the breed of large ruminants in the area. The Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office 02 and the DA-Philippine Carabao Center collaborated on the training session.
As one of the interventions to raise the standard of large ruminants and other livestock in the nation, artificial insemination is currently being promoted by the DA’s National Livestock Program. The general health and production of the herd as well as the effectiveness of breeding plans will both benefit from artificial insemination.
Additionally, on Sept. 25–29, the ATI-RTC 02 hosted a TOT on Bamboo Propagation and Utilization with 20 AEWs, recognizing the economic potential of bamboo and to promote the celebration of National Bamboo Month. The training focuses on bamboo propagation and utilization, discussing its social, economic, and environmental benefits, priority species, financial and marketing aspects, establishment of nursery, farm, clump rehabilitation, harvesting, post-harvest operations, and innovative bamboo products.
The ATI-RTC 02 is promoting Digital Agriculture in the region through the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), which empowers farmers with digital tools like smartphones, social media, and e-commerce. This year, two batches of DFP 103, or Smart Agricultural Technologies (SATs), were launched in Cauayan City, Isabela, and Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya, promoting modern technologies like agricultural drones.
The four-day training was successful, with fluent facilitators providing information on topics for farmers to improve farm practices and increase income. Ms. Evangeline Atio-an of VILDECO committed to implementing the learnings, among other attendees.
ATI-RTC 02 and DA-RFO 02 also conducted the first training on Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) for cassava, involving 20 AEWs from various municipalities and provincial agriculture offices of Isabela, Quirino, and Cagayan on Aug. 21-25 at ATI-RTC 02, Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela.
The training aims to improve AEWs’ knowledge and skills in cassava nutrient management using Nutrient Expert® platform, enhancing yield and productivity through cost-efficient fertilizer recommendations and management strategies.
ATI-RTC 02 is also committed to supporting young farmers. Ten trainees are currently undergoing a nine-month internship in different learning sites for agriculture under the Youth Scholarship Grant in Organic Farming, Center Director Guillermo added.
The agency also conducted a two-day orientation and write shop on Business Model Canvass (BMC) for the scholars of the Youth Scholarship Grant on Organic Farming on October 9-10.
The BMC is a requirement for the implementation of the proposed organic enterprise by the scholars under the supervision of farm partners. A start-up fund will be provided for the materials and requirements of the trainees for his/her enterprise including site rental, planting materials, facilities, equipment, among others.