1. Republic of the Philippines
Department of Agriculture
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
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2. ATI Annual Report 2010
Message from the Director
On Being Steadfast and Moving Forward
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) empowers the farmers, fisher folk and other
stakeholders in pursuit for agricultural and countryside development. As the apex agency
for extension of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Institute continues to perform its
basic functions thus serve thousands of clienteles nationwide. It does not settle for anything
less but all the best for the service of the farmers and fisher folk who are deemed reliant on
the new and innovative agricultural knowledge that it offers through trainings, Farmers’
Field Schools, techno-demonstrations, farm and business advisory, distribution of IEC
materials and other extension-related activities.
The year 2010 was another auspicious year for the Agricultural Training Institute. It was a
year of major accomplishments which were focused on the attainment of the objectives of
the DA, Medium Term Development Plan and Millennium Development Goals.
And it was also the year that the Agricultural Training Institute’s electronic extension
program made its debut in the United States and recognized as the lead agency in
agriculture and fisheries extension by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala.
The year 2009 paved the way for more opportunities to improve the extension service of
the Institute. For instance, the launching of Farmers’ Contact Center (FCC) in November
2009 that catered and answered more queries from our clienteles. The crafting of the
Extension Master Plan orchestrated last year led to numerous accomplishments and this
enabled the Institute to exercise leadership in providing extension services in support to the
thrusts and priorities of the Department. All these accomplishments surpassed expectations
and produced outputs this year that could be deemed helpful to future clientele.
During the first quarter of 2010 according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), the
Philippines has experienced ups and downs in the agricultural production centers
specifically in crops which dropped by 6.15 percent on that period. Amidst these challenges,
the Institute was not deterred in implementing training and extension programs because its
dedicated staff, believe that quality of outputs knows no limits and boundaries.
The Institute sustained its steadfast commitment in attaining more outputs as shown and
reflected in this report. Accordingly, the Institute continued and maintained through the
conduct of various extension activities.
Under Enhancing the Capacities of Agriculture and Fishery Clients, the Institute conducted a
total of 7,077 training and extension support services anchored on the Agri-Pinoy
framework with a total of 72,668 beneficiaries served. For training and other related service
alone, a total of 1,553 training courses were implemented nationwide with CARAGA
registering the highest number of participants trained. It addressed issues on climate
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3. change, La Nina/El Nino, global competitive and many others. For CY 2010, 1,419 technology
demonstration and extension projects were established and maintained in collaboration
with the farmers, LGUs, DepEd, PhilRice, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, SUC,
NGOs and DA-RFUs. A total of 4,055 farm business advisory services such as call queries and
consultancies were provided and 7,155 walk-in clients were served this year. Some 4,946
farmers benefited from the Institute’s School/University-On-Air program. Some 342 sons
and daughters farmers were given scholarships under the Youth for Agriculture and
Fisheries Scholarship Program. Seventy-two (72) middle level managers were capacitated on
managing extension programs and 154 DA staff, LGU and SUC personnel were granted MS
and doctorate degree scholarship under the Human Resource Development Program.
It shifted its gear in program planning to support the Agrikulturang Pinoy or Agri-Pinoy
framework which was anchored on the following guiding principles: food security and self-
sufficiency, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, natural resource management and local
development. It also responded to address the impact of climate change through its various
programs implemented nationwide. Programs for El Nino/La Nina, environment
conservation and disaster risk reduction were implemented to address these areas
throughout the year. The Institute proactively charted its direction towards “Pagbabago
Tungo sa Matuwid Na Daan” in building a more responsive and dynamic extension system
comes CY 2011 and Beyond.
In addition, more scholarships were offered in order to enhance the capacities of agriculture
and fisheries stakeholders. The Institute did not merely continue to strive for the best for
delivering extension services but also venture into other potential opportunities for the
Institute which benefited more client beneficiaries. Specifically, it implemented the
following programs and projects: Locally-funded- 4-H Youth Development Program, Foreign-
Assisted (Expanded Human Resource Development Program (EHRDP), Banner Programs in
Support to the Commodities such as Rice, Corn, High Value Commercial Crops, Corn, and
Livestock, Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase II, and Regular Program with a total
budget of P378, 622.00 excluding the EHRDP with no budget allocation for 2010.
ATI is involved in several Foreign-Assisted Projects. This year the Institute continued to
implement activities for the MALMAR II Project funded by JICA; Capacity Building for Small
Scale Farmers on Market Access and Entrepreneurship Project with DA-AMAS and funded by
FAO; Philippine Adaption Climate Change Program of the Department of Agriculture with
BSWM and funded by the World Bank; and the Irrigated Rice Production Enhancement
Program funded by IFAD-EU.
Moving forward while coping with changing agriculture and extension landscape, the
Program on Increasing Clients’ Access to AF Data, Information and Knowledge brought so
much pride to the Institute. The e-Extension Program made its debut in the international
scene when it presented to the US Department Agriculture and the United Nations
Committee on Sustainable Agriculture the agriculture extension initiatives of the country as
lead agency in extension of the Philippines Department of Agriculture. Under the program,
1,520 enrolees availed of the free on-line courses on assorted mature technologies of which
1,009 had graduated and earned certificates of training. Farming now is done electronically.
Through the Farmers’ Contact Center, agriculture and fisheries advisory services were
provided. A total of 12,373 queries were answered on various technologies on agriculture
and fisheries, marketing-related concerns and those related to e-learning service through
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4. SMS, calls, email, shout box, IM and internet forum. To support information dissemination,
the Institute produced and distributed a total of 53,919 information materials in print and
video to its clients. Special Projects such as Institutionalization of the Techno Gabay
Program, Aurora e-Village Project and the Integrated Voice Response n Management in Rice
Project were implemented.
Strengthening rural based organizations, indigenous people, cooperatives and accreditation
of extension services providers were the activities implemented under the program on
Improving Extension Programs and Partnerships. The institute provided avenues for
exchange of experiences, knowledge and information on current technologies and
agribusiness opportunities. It continued to support the 4-H Club all over the country and
allocated a total of P1, 250,000.00 per region to carry out 335 livelihood programs of the 4-
H Club. The Institute accredited this year two (2) national and four (4) regional extension
services providers.
All these and with the leadership and cooperation of the staff, the Institute reached greater
heights in terms of quality and effective training and extension delivery system.
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5. ATI Programs
The year 2010 opened much awaited opportunities for the implementation of all programs under
the ATI. Major accomplishments focused on the advocacy to fight hunger and poverty- the
fundamental problems wherein solution is expected to usher the development of the agriculture
sector and eventually the countryside. Plans and targets set for the year were put into action
resulting in the achievement of expected outputs and have contributed, in one way or another, to
the attainment of the objectives of the DA, Medium Term Development Plan and Millennium
Development Goals.
Taking a glimpse of what was achieved during this year, the following are the Institute’s
accomplishments anchored on its four major programs, namely: a) Enhancing the Capacities of
Agriculture and Fishery (AF) Clients; b) Increasing Clients’ Access to Data, Knowledge and
Information; c) Improving Extension Programs and Partnerships; and d) Improving the Quality of AF
Extension Governance. Specifically, it implemented the following programs and projects: Locally-
funded- 4-H Youth Development Program, Foreign-Assisted (Expanded Human Resource
Development Program (EHRDP),Banner Programs in Support to the Commodities such as Rice, Corn,
High Value Commercial Crops, Corn, and Livestock, Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase II,
and Regular Program with a total budget of P378,622.00 excluding the EHRDP with no budget
allocation for 2010.
Enhancing Capacities of AF Clients
The Institute had implemented the various capacity building programs to upgrade the knowledge
and skills of its clients. These trainings and extension activities were in support to the improvement
of the rice, corn, livestock and high value commercial crops sectors focused not only on production
but also includes the marketing and processing components. It also addressed the issue of climate
change, El Nino/La Nina interventions, global competitiveness, sustainable development and many
others. It also conducted capacity building to improve and strengthen its partners in development
such as the youth, women, entrepreneurs, rural based organizations, non-government
organizations, SUCs, private sectors and many others. The Institute also empowered itself to
improve management and governance of extension. Below were the type of activities conducted
to respond to the needs of the clients.
Type of Activity Total
Training 793
Techno demos 1419
Farm and Business Advisory 4055
FFS Season Long 180
Briefing 187
Congress/Convention 4
Consultative Activity 50
Educational/Farm Tour 56
Field day 43
Forum/Symposium 95
Review and Planning Workshop 26
Others (Meeting, Seminar, etc.) 119
Total 7,077
Fig. 1. Distribution of activities according to type.
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6. Training and Extension Support Services
In the continuing implementation of the Food Security Plan of the DA, the Institute implemented
programs and activities anchored on the Agri-Pinoy Framework. This was launched at the Institute
which was graced by no less than the Secretary of Agriculture, Sec. Proceso J. Alcala. To jumpstart
its implementation, the Institute conducted the national Training of Trainers (TOT), regional and
provincial TOTs with collaborative funding from the DA-RFUs. About 415 and 769 participants
attended the regional and provincial TOTs, respectively. In summary, the Institute through its
network of training centers nationwide conducted a total of 793 trainings and training-related
activities, serving various 72,668 clients.
Sec. Proceso J. Alcala discusses the Agri Pinoy framework to the participants during the Training of Trainors
held at the Agricultural Training Instiute
Sec. Alcala poses with the participants and DA officials. Dir. Saliot discusses with Asec. Bernadette R. Puyat
the Farmer’s Call Center services during her visit.
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7. The data below show the graphic presentation of ATI accomplishments for the year 2010 in
terms of the type of beneficiaries.
Table 1. Breakdown of ATI Client-Beneficiaries* (*Except FBAs and Techno demos)
Type of beneficiaries Total
Extension Worker 15,002
LGU Representatives 1,827
GA Representatives 781
SUC Representatives 579
ATI Staff 1,914
Farmer 35,210
Fisherfolk 37
Rural Women 3,048
Youth 8,611
Rural Bases Organizations 839
NGO Representatives 312
Fig. 2 Distribution of participants
PO Representatives 162
according to the major type of
Entrepreneurs 180
participants.
Students 1,459
Others 2,707 With these activities are the different
Total 72,668 types of client beneficiaries served such
as farmers, extension workers, youth, entrepreneurs, students, and other target beneficiaries. As
reported, farmers topped the list of participants (74%) followed by extension workers comprising 22
percent of the total clients.
Fig. 3. Distribution of Participants by Region
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8. A total of 1,553 trainings and other related activities such as farmers’ field schools, field days,
scientific visits, consultations, briefings, workshops and others were implemented which benefited
around 72,668 participants nationwide. CARAGA had the most number of beneficiaries served.
With the mainstreaming of gender and development in the Institute’s programs to promote women
empowerment, a slight difference in the attendance was observed between male and female
categories where women clients comprised 48% as against 52% of the male clients.
Fig. 4. Participants by sex
Training services included national and regional training of trainors in support to the Agri Pinoy
Framework, livelihood and strengthening of 4-H Clubs, in addition to trainings on production, of
which are mainly in support to the Palayamanan Program.
Technology Demonstration and Extension Projects
Technology demonstrations and extension projects were established to showcase updated
technologies on specific commodities. For this year, a total of 1,419 techno demos were established
and maintained including those in support to the HVCC program. These activities were
implemented in collaboration with the farmers, LGUs, DepEd , PhilRice, Bureau of Soils and Water
Management, SUCs, Non-government organizations and DA-RFUs.
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9. Training and Other Extension Related Activities
For CY 2010, the Institute served a total of 72,668 beneficiaries nationwide. All the ATI regional
centers performed their functions in providing efficient extension services to numerous farmer
clients and as reported, Region 1 conducted the most number of trainings and extension related
activities. CARAGA Region HAD the highest number of beneficiaries. The Central Office (CO) also
conducted activities for its clients and beneficiaries.
NO. OF TRAINING AND
REGION/CO OTHER RELATED NO. OF BENEFICIARIES
ACTIVITIES
CAR 59 6,519
REGION 1 158 7,855
REGION 2 132 1,811
REGION 3 48 5,890
REGION 4A 131 2,153
REGION 4B 44 3,038
REGION 5 83 3,700
REGION 6 106 3,980
REGION 7 101 4,075
REGION 8 97 3,205
REGION 9 49 3,580
REGION 10 79 4,114
REGION 11 64 4,918
REGION 12 105 1,074
ARMM 21 1,906
CARAGA 152 10,511
Central Office 27 2,200
ITCPH 97 2,139
TOTAL 1,553 72,668
Table 4. Distribution of activities and beneficiaries by region on training and extension related.
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10. Figure 1 Indigenous people in Brgy. Babaclayon, San Jose de Buan, Samar.
Farm and Business Advisory Services (FBAS)
Call queries and consultancies as well as direct technical assistance provided to walk-in clients
registered a number of 4,055 and served 7,155 individuals.
No. of technical
REGION No. of beneficiaries/clients
assistance provided
CAR 14 210
REGION 1 339 338
REGION 2 169 821
REGION 3 14 15
REGION 4A 309 627
REGION 4B 15 80
REGION 5 30 86
ITCPH 2313 2233
REGION 6 217 343
REGION 7 174 1223
REGION 8 10 227
REGION 9 17 44
REGION 10 33 471
REGION 11 36 36
CARAGA 363 402
TOTAL 4,055 7,155
Table 5. Distribution of FBAS by region.
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11. School- on- the- Air
.
Director Asterio P. Saliot and Asst. Directort Alberto B. Maningding in one of SOA graduation ceremonies.
Amidst the existence of several multimedia for delivering agricultural extension services, radio still
waved it’s effectiveness through the School-on-Air (SOA). The conventional communication is still
considered as one of the top effective means of disseminating technical information to the
Institute’s clienteles For CY 2010, 9 SOAs were implemented in all the Regional Training Centers
except CAR and ITCPH with a total of 4,946 graduates. The SOA focused on rice (Palaycheck, and
HVCC (Palayamanan with organic farming techniques).
School-on-the-air graduation ceremonies and TOT Palayamanan were conducted in some regional
training centers that targeted specific goals for extension service while utilizing the radio as a
medium for development agriculture topics. This provides ease for distance learning mode for
educating farmers, fisherfolk and extension workers through the use of radio as the communication
medium.
To ensure quality and generate innovative approaches, the Institute conducted the 1st SOA National
Assessment and Planning Workshop. This aimed to assess the effectiveness of the implementation
of the SOA programs wherein concerns and problems were ascertained and given solutions. The
recommendations made will guide the future programs to be more successful and effective to larger
audiences. The SOA Handbook was also modified to become more effective guide.
Education Support
Youth for Agriculture and Fisheries Scholarship Program (YAFP)
In ensuring success of the 1st Batch of YAFP with some 342 scholars continuing their classes for the
Second Semester of SY 2009-2010, the Institute implemented a strict monitoring and technical
assistance. This became crucial as the ATI anticipates more actions for program improvement based
on the result of monitoring and evaluation of its first year of implementation.
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12. Region 10 YAFP and EHRDP scholars with Dir. Asterio P. Saliot.
Expanded Human Resource Development Program (EHRDP)
The start of 2010 saw progress in the effort to tie up with Higher Learning institutions to upgrade
the knowledge and skills of public agriculture managers and personnel.
Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the ATI contracted with the Development Center for
Asia Africa Pacific (DCAAP) to develop the capability of extension agencies and personnel in
managing extension programs and projects. For the year 2010, two national trainings for 72 middle-
level agriculture managers were conducted.
The ATI also offers scholarships programs for degree and non-degree training related to agriculture
and fisheries for DA staff, LGU and SUC personnel. To date, there were 131 MS degree and 23 PhD
grantees. The scholarship program also provided 11 dissertations and 11 thesis assistance to
grantees from the DA line agencies, LGUs, and SUCs.
ATI conducts scholarship management and program implementation assessment (L) and dialogue with
YAPF scholars at SPAMAST, Davao (R).
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13. Capacitating the ATI Personnel
Staff development is one important activity of the Institute, thus, capacity building to enhance both
the knowledge and skills of technical and administrative staff were conducted. Activities which
promoted close camaraderie and teambuilding among the staff were also instituted. The Institute
ATI management committee poses above during the
th
conduct of the 10 Management Review in Siquijor.
ATI Personnel Officers pose with
Deputy Director Evelyn Aro-Esquejo after the
culmination of their training on human
capital Development.
The M and E officers on their courtesy call with Gov. Imee R. Marcos
during their training in Ilocos Norte
also sent ATI staff to trainings/workshops abroad; namely: sustainable development learning,
sustainable environment management, alternative energy, agricultural extension delivery system,
ASEAN Farmers Week, and mushroom production. These were held in United States of America,
Thailand, Korea and Taiwan.
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14. Sources of Funds
The Rice program attributed the highest funding among all banner programs in 2010. This was
followed by the HVCC/Crops commodity and 4H Club Youth Development Program. Other sources
of funds were from DA-RFU and Diversified Farm Information and Marketing Development Program
(DFIMDP) and special funds and from the participants’ registration. Funds for Regular, Corn, EHRDP,
FSTP and Livestock followed in a descending order.
Others (Participants, DFIMDP, etc.)
Livestock
Regular
Rice
FSTP
EHRDP
Crops/HVCC
Corn
4H funds
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Fig. 5. Sources of funds
Increasing Clients’ Access to AF Data,
Information and Knowledge
Knowledge Systems
Information and Communication Technology
The ATI main site is being updated and maintained by the KPMD with 23 local area network and 155
work stations.
Electronic Extension for Agriculture and Fisheries
The e-Extension Program of the ATI is proactive in its mission of delivering efficient extension
services to farmer clientele that even reached the international arena. The ATI staff, headed by ATI
Director Asterio P. Saliot, teamed up the e-Extension group to US Group on Electronic Extension
Trends with KPMD-Chief Antonietta J. Arceo and Asst. Chief Pamela G. Mappala.
The Philippine team also presented the “Philippines e-Extension and the Use of Mobile Phones in
Knowledge Sharing” to show how the e-Extension Program improved agricultural extension in the
Philippines. The mission aimed to form a worldwide virtual community of content and extension
experts around selected specialization through a Global Extension Network that will be established.
The Global Electronic Network will provide information exchange that would soon lead to a global
cooperation on e-Extension initiatives.
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15. Internet has been utilized by ATI through the creation of ATIiNteractive website that served more
farmer clientele here and abroad. And, to become more reachable to more web users the website
must take the lead in ranking of search results related to agriculture and fisheries extension. ATI
webmasters aim to increase the presence of the Institutes website on search engines such as
Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft Bing.
E-Learning
To date, the Institute was able to develop a total of 18 e-Learning courses, all offered in the site
www.e-extension.gov.ph/elearning, wherein there were 1,520 enrolees in the courses and 1,009
graduates.
# Course Title Enrollees Graduates
1 Abaca1.02 12 9
2 Abaca2 8 2
3 Agrimark1 107 86
4 AI 5 5
5 Bamboo1 47 30
6 Banana1 284 234
7 Banana2 48 40
8 Citrus1 78 40
9 Coffee1 69 47
10 Corn1 143 69
11 Durian1 37 16
12 Goat1 142 97
13 Goat2 52 40
14 Greenhouse1.2 129 62
Jackfruit1 8 2
15
Jackfruit1.01 21 13
16 Organic1 146 92
17 Seaweed1 46 36
18 Yam1 138 89
Total 1,520 1,009
Table 6. Distribution of enrolees and graduates by e-courses.
E-farming through the Farmers’ Contact Center (FCC)
A total of 12,373 queries were answered by the FCC for the whole year of 2010. These queries were
on the various technologies for agriculture and fisheries, marketing- related concerns, pests and
diseases, and those related to e-Learning, and on ATI.
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16. Category Total Number of Queries
Call 684
E-mail 1,744
Shout box and IM 1,293
Forum 623
Text 8,029
TOTAL 12,373
Table 7. Distribution of queries by category.
Knowledge Products Development
To provide access to AF knowledge and information to its clients, the Institute was able to
distribute 53,919 information materials in print and video forms to the extension workers, farmers,
fishers, women, youth, and other stakeholders in agricultural extension throughout the country.
These information materials that the Institute was able to distribute includes meat processing kit,
vegetable production guides, swine raising, duck raising, aromatic rice, compost making, El Niño,
Dairy, Organic Rice Farm primer, Kawayan technology, Kompos and Kabut, Kaligain ang Mundo,
Pagsugpo sa uod ng Palay, Likas Kayang Pagsasaka, Pagsusuri ng Resulta ng Bangon Na
Magsasaka, and commodity profiles on Banana, Corn and Durian.
Special Projects
Institutionalization of Techno Gabay
In preparation for the institutionalization of the Techno Gabay Program, consultations and meetings
with DOST-PCARRD were conducted. The Institute assisted in the preparation of the IRR of the EO
801. It also conducted trainings for resource person and facilitator on IEC development for FITS
Center in Region 7.
Aurora e-Village Project (Providing Greater Access to the Rural Families of Aurora
Province: Connecting Villages amidst Mountains through ICT)
Through the Aurora e-Village Project, the Institute conducted the “Basic ICT Literacy Training
Course” for the farmers, agricultural-based organizations/cooperatives, traders agribusiness
entrepreneurs, and local government staff of the province of Baler, Aurora. The said project aims to
integrate and utilize ICT to augment the status of living of the people in the community. This project
was initiated by Senator Edgardo J. Angara and is implemented by ATI and PhilRice together with the
Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Provincial Government of Aurora (PGA).
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17. Integrated Voice Response –Nutrient Management in Rice
In collaboration with the International Research Institute, the ATI will implement this program in
2011 which basically provides updates on technical information on the scientific principle in making
field-specific nutrient management recommendations. In preparation for its implementation, the ATI
staff and other stakeholders attended the DA-IRRI workshop which also provided opportunities to
exchange experiences and information on the evaluation and dissemination of location-specific
nutrient management practices for rice.
Improving Extension Programs and
Partnerships
Strengthening the RBOs, Indigenous people
The key modalities that this program adopted are focused on strengthening the rural-based
organizations (RBO), 4-H Clubs, Rural Improvement Clubs (RIC), League of Municipal Agricultural
Officers, Municipal and City Agriculturist of the Philippines (LeMMCAP), Pambansang Mananalon,
Magbabaul, Mag-uuma at Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (P4MP), Federation of Farmers’ Association and
indigenous people.
The RBOs were updated with the current situation of the agriculture and fishery sector in the
country. Specifically, the Institute provided the avenue for the exchange of experiences, knowledge
and information on current agricultural technologies and agribusiness opportunities through
conventions, consultations and congress.
The Institute continued to support the 4H-Clubs all over the Philippines through its training and
education, organizational strengthening and support to livelihood activities. It has made significant
strides in addressing the needs of the 4-H Clubs around the country. This program aimed to develop
the capability of the 4-H members as potential leaders in advancing agriculture growth and rural
development. For the CY year 2010, a total of Php 1,250,000.00 was allocated to each region except
ARMM to carry out the 335 livelihood programs of the 4-H clubs. These were on livestock
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18. Swine raising is one of the 335 livelihood projects being carried out by the 4-H Club nationwide under the
Youth in Agriculture Program of the ATI.
production ( goat raising, fattener production, poultry production, cattle and carabao raising,
nursery, rice production and retailing, crops production, (mushroom, ampalaya, organic vegetable
garden), fish and fish paste production, food and meat processing, herbal medicine processing, and
many others.
Cooperatives
The Institute also empowered the cooperatives and its interventions were focused on capacitating
the coop’s members and officers on pre-membership education, cooperative book and accounting
and experience-based enhancement. These activities were mostly conducted in Region 12, ARMM,
CAR and in Region 4-A through the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry.
In addition, the Institute in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Authority hosted the
ASEAN Exchange Visit for Cooperative Leaders and Personnel which was attended by participants
from Myanmar, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Philippines.
ASEAN Exchange Visit for Cooperative Leaders and Personnel
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19. The National Farmer-Scientists Research, Development and Extension Training Program (FSTP)
under Executive Order 710
The Farmers’ Scientist Training Program was implemented in the LGUs in partnerships with the
University of the Philippines. The Appreciation Course in the Implementation of FSTP E.O 710 for the
Technical Working Group (TWG) was attended by the members of the TWG from different agencies
like Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), University of the Philippines-Los
Baños (UPLB), Department of Science and Technology-PCCARD, PMS, and DA-GMA Corn Program
Series of training of trainers (TOT) was conducted by FSTP-UPLB team in Regions IV-B and Region 5,
7 under the facilitation of the regional ATI staff in said regions on a staggered basis. The output of
the said program was the FSTP Work and Financial Plan for 2010-2011.
Accredited Extension Service Providers (ESPs)
To expand the implementation of the extension programs in the country and to increase investment
in extension, accreditation of ESPs was done by the Institute. Two (2) ESPs were accredited at the
national level, namely: Development Center for Asia –Africa Pacific (DCAAP) which is a Manila-
based international, research and consulting self-financed and non-profit non government
organization and the Foundation for People Development. Commissioned to conduct capacity
building training courses for DA and ATI personnel, DCAAP conducted nine training courses on
Development Management, Organizational Development, Development Management, Participatory
Approaches in Extension, Agribusiness Management and Community Participation in Agricultural
Development. Also accredited were the Integrated Cooperative Towards Unified Services (Region
12), Extension Institute for Small-Scale Industries, St. Louis University in CAR, Negros Island
Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation Incorporated (Region 7) and Maranding
Women Investor Multipurpose Cooperative (Region 10).
Improving the Quality of Agriculture and
Fisheries Governance
As a take-off to the improvement of governance in extension, a series of workshops on ‘Pagbabago
Tungo Sa Matuwid Na Daan : Building A More Responsive and Dynamic AF Extension in the Country
2011 & Beyond’ was conducted for the staff of ATI at the central office, and in the three zones :
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. These activities aimed to provide a paradigm shift in formulating the
extension programs of the Institute in support to Agri Pinoy Framework and address interventions
along the value chain. These are pathways to the provision of “new” AF extension services in the
countryside
Pagbabago Workshop Series (L) and the Training Workshop on Assessment of Programs of the Millennium
Development Goals (R).
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20. Noted was the success in the development of the IEC Strategic Plan with proper consultation with
stakeholders, particularly the AFEN. The Institute was also able to draft national standards for
extension, which will eventually serve as a yardstick in the implementation of extension services
nationwide.
The Institute also conducted the 2009 Annual Review and 2011 Planning Workshop cum Anniversary
which aimed to assess the accomplishment done by the Institute on its program implemented based
on its target. An innovation to this annual exercise was the defense of the RTCs of their 2010
realigned work and financial plan. One of the highlights in the celebration of the 23rd anniversary
was the tree planting at the Quezon City Circle. It also conducted the 10th Management and
midyear reviews to assess the implementation of the Institute activities based on the ISO Guidelines
and Standards and for the first semester of the year, respectively.
A Conference Workshop on Harmonizing the AF Indicator System was also conducted and was
attended by the member of the AFEN with the presence of DBM and DA staff. In order to arrive at
relevant principles or rules to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes for the Institute, ATI
needed to follow policies as basis for organizational decisions.
It also conducted training for the improvement of its quality management system, quality of
services, personnel management, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
Asst. Dir. ABManingding with the expert. Mr. Varian Ojeda Dir. APSaliot and Asst. Dir. EAEsquejo with the
and participants participants.
The Institute also tapped the knowledge and skills of the DA-RFU, SUCs and AFEN members and
personnel on policy formulation and global competitiveness.
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21. Involvement in Foreign-funded Projects
Linkages and partnerships among other international organizations enable to strengthen
the foundation of the Institute. Moreover, it provides more avenues for widening its reach
and establishing good reputation to other potential stakeholders. The Institute coordinated
programs and project proposals with the following international organizations.
JICA
Proposal on Technical Assistance Project for Capacity Development towards Farm-Family Centered
Agricultural Extension System is now on the pipeline pending the approval of the Extension Bill.
The Institute also facilitated the implementation of the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project II
(MALMAR II). The goal of the project is poverty reduction through sustainable agricultural and
social development and contributes to sustaining peace in the project area coverage within the
provinces of Cotabato and Maguindanao. The specific objectives are; a) to increase household
income, b) to improve living condition of farmer beneficiaries in the area, c) to ensure food
sufficiency, d) to contribute in improving sustainable peace and order condition in the project area.
In preparation for this project, reviews of the implementation plan and operations manual of
MALMAR were conducted.
Food and Agriculture Organization
The Institute had collaborated with the FAO in its project entitled “Capacity Building of Small Scale
Farmers on Market Access and Entrepreneurship” in collaboration with the DA-AMAS. This was
designed to make small Filipino farmers competitive by improving their knowledge and skills in farm
business management. The project is proposing for a US$ 488,932 funding from FAO. A technical
expert from FAO had already made his initial mission during the last quarter of the year.
It was also involved in the implementation of the Project “Increasing Rice Yield and Productivity
through the Promotion of Small-Scale Irrigation and Integrated Crop Management Systems in
Rainfed Areas. A 12-day training was conducted to develop a core of SSIS-FFS Facilitators on
Integrated Farming and Palayamanan with Palaycheck and LSTD and small-scale irrigation system.
World Bank
The Institute was also involved in a World Bank funded project -Philippine Adaptation Climate
Change Program of the Department of Agriculture where ATI teamed-up with the BSWM in
Program Sub-Component 2.2 : Enhancing delivery and effectiveness of extension services for farm-
level climate risk management. The sub-component will still start in year 2012 with an initial
funding of P11 million.
IFAD-EU
ATI was also involved in Irrigated Rice Production Enhancement Program under Component 3-
Provision of production inputs and related support services of the RAFPEP project. For this year,
the Institute through, its regional training centers in Regions 8 and 10, had implemented Training of
Trainors and Farmers’ Field Schools for Irrigators Associations.
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22. Cross Cutting Themes
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
The Institute during its celebration of the 23rd Anniversary had initiated the planting of more than
200 mahogany trees at the Quezon City Circle. As a replication to this activity, its network
nationwide had also implemented tree planting programs (Adopt a Barangay, Tree for Life Programs)
which resulted to the planting of about 2,665 fruit and (guyabano, star apple, mango, guava,
rambutan, lanzones, grafted durian, jackfruit, avocado, lanzones and santol) and forest trees (
gmelina, narra, budded rubber, ipil-ipil, coconut seedlings mahogany, pili, cacao, and Indian trees.
These activities were done in cooperation with DEPEd, LGUs, YAPF scholars, 4-club Federation,
farmers, LGU extension workers, barangay officials and National VLAP officers and members, and
Indigenous People.
In addition, trainings, techno demos, foras, symposia, briefings and many others were conducted to
disseminate information on adaptation strategies to address the effects of climate change in the
country. Workshops were also done to come up with Municipal Agricultural Office’s Climate Change
Adaptation and Mitigation Plan. It also distributed information materials to increase awareness on
the impact of climate change.
Tree planting in Region 10 with Dir. Asterio P. Saliot and Tree planting at Quezon City Circle
ATI Region 10 staff
For the year, the Institute had conducted 81 various activities benefiting not only the 772 clients,
with 1,976 male and 11,746 female beneficiaries but also the concerned municipalities and
barangays. These activities were done in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Regional
Field Units (DA-RFUs), Local Government Units (LGUs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Non-
governmental Organizations (NGOs), RBOs, and other national government agencies such as PAG-
ASA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and others.
In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, together with the DOST- Philippine Council for
Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resources research and Development (DOST-PCCARD), DA Bureau
of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), Organic Procedures and Traders Association (OPTA),
the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (DA-BAFPS), DA-Regional Field Unit VI
and the Provincial Government of Antique, the Agricultural Training Institute conducted the Organic
Agriculture Forum Series. The forum tackled the latest update about the Republic Act 10068 or the
Organic Agriculture Act. Other topics discussed were about the technology transfer and extension
strategies to augment and effectively implement other ATI programs.
22

23. Gender and Development Interventions
The Institute mainstreamed in its programs the issue of gender concerns by ensuring a fair gender
balance among the beneficiaries. Programs and activities to improve women’s access to and benefit
from agricultural development, expand the economic opportunity through micro-finance and
enhance women participation in nation building were implemented during the year. About 48% of
the total beneficiaries who are women benefited from the agricultural farm employment and non-
rural farm employment opportunities provided by the Institute through its livelihood and skills
training programs.
Nutrition and Food Safety
The Institute was also actively pursuing interventions to address nutrition, food safety and client’s
health issues. These were also incorporated in the training programs provided by the Institute
particularly on food and meat processing modules. It was also closely coordinating with the
Nutrition-Research Information Network in the conduct of activities such as Nutri-fair focusing on
clientele’s health and nutrition.
23

24. BENEFICIARIES’ AND PARTNERS’
TESTIMONIALS AND SUCCESS STORIES
24

25. NOT JUST AN ORDINARY FARMER
By: Noemi Beth G. Macario
He considers himself as just one ordinary farmer. But Renie Palomera is not just ordinary in
the eyes of his fellow farmers. When a fellow farmer needs quality job, he goes to Renie knowing
that they will get their money’s worth. Farmers in his barangay who engage in hybrid rice production
call on Renie to do the seedbed preparation and transplanting in their respective farms, knowing
that his expertise in the field is unquestionable.
Hybrid rice production calls for quality management from the seedbed to harvesting. The
high cost of hybrid seeds limits the quantity of seeds planted per hectare. Because of this, care must
be instilled in seedbed preparation so that there will be enough seedlings to be transplanted.
Normally, farmers use a minimum of 40 kg. of seeds for transplanted inbred rice. However, the
recommendation for hybrid seeds is only 10-20 kg. per hectare. Thus, Renie’s expertise in seedbed
preparation and transplanting is much needed.
Renie’s attitude towards farming is way ahead from his contemporaries. He welcomes
trainings to improve his craft. When ATI-NTC, then based at Central Mindanao University conducted
trainings on Seedbed Preparation and Transplanting, Renie was one of the participants. After the
training he went back and organized a group of transplanters and instructed them on the proper
way of seedpulling and transplanting. To date his group is composed of 13 farmers who are also as
young and as cooperative as he is.
Renie once again attended the training on Total Quality and Productivity Management
(TQPM) in Rice Production and became a farmer-cooperator. He had his first taste of harvesting
almost 8 tons of hybrid rice during that season. He was also a participant and partner in the Farmer-
Led Extension implemented by DA-ATI. Presently, he is once again a participant in the PalayCheck
Season-long Training. All these are being conducted by the ATI.
Renie’s learnings are put to good use. Aside from forming a group of in-demand
transplanters, he is a trusted maintainer. Lately, he is starting to till his own area. He said he is
starting small, but with proper resource management, professional work ethics, and a deep and
abiding Faith in the Almighty, the future looks bright for Renie and his family.
25

26. PROGRAM COLLABORATOR’S TESTIMONY
MS. PAZ A. CUTAMORA
City FYDP Coordinator, General Santos City
The 4H Youth Development Program is soaring for
greater heights and making the best better. The
extensive support extended made the youth
empowered and mobilized. Livelihood support coupled
with capacity building made youth more efficient and
self reliant entrepreneurs to sustain the realization of
developing the 4Hers. The government must continue
its efforts with close collaboration among
stakeholders. Likewise, the front liners, especially 4H
coordinators, should be given due recognition for their
passion to make a difference in the lives of 4Hers.
THE BARANGAY OFFICIAL
As related by: Angelito Y. Quirog, Ph.D, ATI Region 10
I am FERNANDO F. TUBALE, 44 years old, a barangay kagawad, and a resident of San Martin,
Malaybalay City. I am a lowland rice farmer for quite sometime cultivating a 2.5 hectare rice land
feeding a family of five members.
I am proud to say that I am a farmer. I have high hopes that I could give a better life to my family
through farming, having heard that farmers in other countries are known to be rich. However,
through the years that I spent in farming, I was slowly losing hope. My income in farming is still not
sufficient to give my family a privileged life. Fortunately before I became totally discouraged, I was
invited to two very significant trainings that really helped me in my farming. I attended the Farmer-
Led Extension and Palaycheck System trainings way back in 2006 and 2008, respectively. This was
conducted by ATI-RTC X in collaboration with the City Agriculture Office of Malaybalay City.
Both trainings were very informative and enjoyable. I saw it as the opportunity to develop my
farming techniques. The Farmer-Led Extension training focused on how to grow hybrid rice.
Despite the feared Bacterial Leaf Blight infecting almost all varieties of hybrid rice and the shift of
practice from direct seeding to transplanting. I still planted hybrid rice and shared the technology I
learned with my farmer neighbors. It was a sad reality in the field and that it takes guts to grow
hybrid rice in Malaybalay City during those days. However, despite the limitations, there is profit in
growing hybrid rice. Armed with such knowledge and experience in the field, I opted to plant high
yielding inbred rice varieties during the wet season when quality seeds of suitable and tested hybrid
varieties were not available on time I planted the hybrid rice during the next dry season.
The second opportunity was the training on palaycheck system that I participated. It made me
realize that a lot of effective improvement need to be and can still be implemented to enhance my
farming practices that would eventually improve my yield. The training improved further my
knowledge and skills. In the palaycheck system before anything else I set my target yield first. The
target yield will inspire and guide me to select rice varieties having a yield potential from 7 tons per
hectare and higher, yet with certain tolerance to major insect pests and diseases in our locality. I
supplemented my target yield with the best practices recommended in the different keychecks.
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27. Besides, I strongly worked to rehabilitate the natural fertility of my farm soil that is why I sustained
the use of bio-organic fertilizer.
Needless to say, before the two trainings, the range of my field weight yield was only 3.6 – 4.0 tons
per hectare. But with my efforts, aspirations and determination after the trainings, my field weight
yield slowly started to rise up from a range of 5.4 tons per hectare and just recently to 8.188 tons
per hectare using SL8 hybrid rice variety. I am determined to produce 10 tons per hectare field
weight yield in the very near future.
My ricefield income and profit enabled me to buy two motorcycles and a mud boat engine. The
most important investment I made with my farm income were for the education of my two daughers
who both recently graduated in their nursing courses at the same time.
Being a barangay official and a concerned farmer I will continue to share my experiences and
aspirations to my neighbors and friends in the agriculture sector so that in one way or another I can
help in addressing the food sufficiency program of the government.
In closing, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Agricultural Training Institute –
Regional Training Center X and the City Agriculture Office of Malaybalay for the great opportunity to
develop my self-confidence, aspirations, farming knowledge and skills and ultimately my
productivity. It is also my wish to be able to attend a Season-Long Training on Bio-Dynamics….
Again, THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS US ALL.
I love farming because (it brings out in me my competitive drive) it always have a room for
improvement. It allows me to aspire to excel (All this) so that eventually, I can give my family a
better life.
SOA TESTIMONIES
As compiled by Noemi Beth G. Macario
“Before I enrolled in the SOA on PalayCheck System in Rice Production, I already have
knowledge in rice production. However, when I listened to the radio, I realized that I still have
a lot to learn especially in managing my ricefield. I realized that it is important to use quality
seeds if I want to get a higher yield. I would like to thank ATI-RTC 10, Princess Lily, the Anchor
and our Agricultural Technologist, Ms. Elizabeth Jurolan for the knowledge I have gained.”
Ernesto G. Espartero; 69 y.o. tilling 3.5 has. From Managok, Malaybalay City
27

28. “Though the airing of the SOA on
PalayCheck is very early in the
morning, I still make it a point to
listen to the program. I am really
happy that I enrolled in the
program. I have learned a lot
about rice farming which I can use
in our farm.”
Isidro Valmoria; Cabangahan, Malaybalay City
“In listening at the SOA on PalayCheck System in Rice Production, I have really learned a lot.
Before, I was really in a hurry to plant. So after harvest, I immediately use the mud boat
twice then plant immediately. I do not do deep plowing using a carabao. But now that I have
learned the proper way of land preparation, then I would follow. Even if the deep plowing
will entail a bigger expense, but I understood that
the weeds must be plowed under and that it has
to be decomposed. Also, I understood the need of
deep plowing so that the roots can go deeper. My
husband is not a farmer and we usually argue a
lot. Then he won’t attend trainings. However, now
that he has also listened in the radio, he is now
convince to try the methods that were taught . I
would like to thank ATI-RTC 10 for conducting this
SOA because I have realized my mistakes in terms
of farming” Merie Bullecer of Lantapan,
Bukidnon
MEANT TO GO TO COLLEGE
By: Fernando D. Sampilo Jr., YAPF Scholar
A few days after I graduated from high school, my
mother told me that they cannot send me to college because of
lack of money. I suggested the possibility of attending a state-
owned Institution but they still cannot afford it. They said,
maybe next year. I was saddened by the news but I understood
our situation. I am the eldest of the family. My brothers are
now in high school and one is graduating, and, I still had two
younger sisters. I would rather sacrifice and let my brother
finish high school.
28

29. But God is really good. My mother went to our Barangay Office and inquired for any
scholarship available for me. My mother was so happy when they gave the information about the
ATI-scholarship for the children of small farmers. My mother felt that the scholarship is a sign from
God that I was meant to go to College. That night, I was amazed as I read the privileges one can get
from this scholarship. WOW! I told myself. If only I can qualify for this, I will be one of the luckiest
persons. But going through my reading, I found out the requirements and conditions that a scholar
must do to maintain the scholarship. My mother said, “‘ya, makaya kaha na nimu?” (Do you think
you can meet the requirements?) Then my mother cried. I also cannot stop my tears but I told her,
“ma ayaw mo kabalaka duha ni papa, kaya lagi nako ni.” (Mom and Dad, don’t you worry, I can
meet the requirements). I trust myself and I am confident of my abilities. Besides, God gave us this
opportunity. If ever I will be accepted, I vowed to never disappoint my parents or the sponsors.
It was hard for us to complete the requirements needed for we do not have the money to
secure the required documents. Still my mother found a way by borrowing money from her friend.
The hardest document to produce is the authenticated Birth Certificate. I heard that it is not easy to
get an authenticated Birth Certificate from NSO. Then I remembered that during the summer break
when I worked as a Habal-Habal (single motor) driver, one of my passengers was a Muslim lady who
was working at NSO. She told me that she is willing to help me if ever I need to secure an
authenticated birth certificate. Although, it has been a long time that she told me, I was optimistic
that she is still with NSO and will help me. I was not mistaken. She helped me and I was able to
complete the requirements needed for my application. It seems God has really paved the way for me
to get the scholarship.
And now I’m happy to be one of the YAFP scholars. I used to be shy but now, my scholarship
helped changed mental and emotional aspects of my life. First week in college I really got homesick. I
wanted to go home but I have since learned to adjust to college life. I told myself, not to cry when I
miss my family but instead make them as my inspirations. And here I am now, a productive person
who will soon serve the people. The staff at ATI were really very helpful. They even invited me to
attend their trainings which exposed me to other people especially the Agricultural Extension
Workers and other 4H Club members.
BECOMING A BETTER MAN
By: Pat F. Dumaloan
I’m Pat F. Dumaloan, 33 years of age, married and blessed with three kids. Presently
residing at Zone 3, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. I’ve been connected with the Local
Government Unit of Claveria through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist as an Agricultural
Technologist. I’ve been in the government service for almost 10 years.
Being an Agricultural Technologist, one of my actual duties is to attend a stakeholder’s
meeting with other partner agencies towards community development. Then one day, I’ve attended
a joint meeting on Abaca production Project held at Center for Lifelong Education, Misamis Oriental
State College of Agriculture and Technology (CLE-MOSCAT). During lunch break, I’ve had a
conversation with Dr. Elizar M. Elmundo, the Director for Research, Development and Extension
Office of MOSCAT and he mentioned to me about the EHRDP Scholarship of the DA-ATI. He
explained to me that EHRDP is a full scholarship grant for master’s degree. According to him, since
I’m an Agricultural Technologist, its better for me to grab that opportunity because it only happened
once in a blue moon particularly on the municipal level. Afterwards, he really convinced me to avail
the program and to be enrolled in MOSCAT.
29

30. Few days after, I told my Boss in our office of my desire to apply for scholarship under the
EHRDP. Fortunately, I was allowed by my Boss as long as I will still report to office. This is really a
great opportunity for me particularly on building my career. Then, I began downloading the
required documents from the website of ATI Regional Training Center-X. Right on deadline, I’ve
submitted all the necessary documents to the ATI Regional Office X at El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.
As the days went by, I’m informed through text by Ma’am
Sonia Talibong of ATI that I’ve been qualified as one of the scholars
of EHRDP. That time, no words can describe what I felt inside. It was
really mixed emotions: happiness, excitement, eagerness, fear and
anxiety. I said to myself, I would do my very best in everything I can
in order to pursue my dreams of getting a master’s degree.
Right now, I’m already in my second year here at MOSCAT
and hopefully I will be graduating by March 2011. Eventhough I had
been through several hardships and challenges, I am still coping with the demands of school and
office work. One thing for sure, the learnings I’ve acquired from my professors has been applied.
Personally, I became a better man. My attitudes have been changed for the better. I
became more optimistic not like before where I’m easily discouraged or dismayed. I’ve learned to
value the feelings of others and became more considerate. It really taught me to be a better man.
On my family, I became a more responsible husband. On the community, I’ve participated on any
activities especially religious ones. I’ve realized the value of involvement. On my work, the
knowledge that I’ve acquired helps me a lot in disseminating new technologies to the farmers. I
became confident in sharing what I know especially in conducting trainings to our clientele. Aside
from those being mentioned, there were still several changes that happened to me which I cannot
put in words.
Finally, I would like to end my testimony with a saying that goes “education was an
ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity”. Education made us what we are. And of course, I
would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the management of ATI Central and Regional Offices
for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity. Best wishes to all of you.
FINDING WEALTH IN MUSHROOMS
By: Teodosia D. Jaraba, ATI Region 10
Mr. Pedro P. Mariquit, 56 yrs of age and concurrent President of TSEP-RLI Vegetable
Growers Association of Barangay Luinab, Iligan City is a mushroom grower and a mushroom spawn
producer. He is a vegetable farmer and the farmer-cooperator of the TSEP-RLI project implemented
by ATI-RTC X. Mr. Mariquit is a high school graduate and a father of six (6) children. A man of
integrity and character, he is friendly, accommodating, innovative, hardworking and resourceful in
his farming endeavor.
He had attended several trainings, but considers the trainings conducted by the Agricultural
Training Institute Regional Training Center X as very relevant and timely. The trainings include
Nature Farming Technology conducted in June 2009, Training on Vegetables Production in support
to Gulayan ng Masa Program, Training on Organic Farming, Vermiculture and Vermicomposting and
Trichoderma Composting. However, the trainings which greatly helped him add to his income is the
30

31. training on Mushroom Production and Marketing and shortly thereafter the training on Mushroom
Spawn Production.
He was faced with problems and difficulties in his farm, such as the high cost of chemical
fertilizers, low productivity and attack of different kinds of insect pests and diseases. That is why he
is open to attend trainings. He feels lucky because he learns many things that address the problems
that he faces in the field. Trainings also widened his network of friends and clientele.
He produced the concoctions such as FPJ, FFJ, Caphos, OHN, FAA and IMO and used it in his
vegetable and rootcrops area. He has also a small area beside his residence for his vermicomposting
which he also uses in his plants. He also ventured into mushroom growing using the Volvariella
Volvacea variety. At first, he planned to engage in mushroom growing for his family consumption.
But seeing the opportunity of a market for mushroom as evidenced by the growing number of
neibors asking for sample, he decided to engage in mushroom production commercially. He now
produces mushrooms and also sells mushroom spawn not only in Iligan City but also in some areas in
Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental. He also raises few heads of goats and
cow to supplement his income.
The situation has helped him augment his income, increase his productivity with the
application of the foliar fertilizers and has sustained the daily needs of his family. He continued to
innovate his practices, find better alternatives at a minimal cost. He says that”Based on my opinion,
the training I have attended has helped me a lot. to become productive, innovative and resourceful.
The technology I learned was very useful in the farm aside from being environment-friendly. I was
able to increase my income for our daily needs and medicines. I was able to buy additional cow,
repair our residence and farm house and was able to send my children to school”. He was very
thankful to ATI-RTC X because of the assistance it extended since the start until he was successful in
his spawn making endeavors.
Mr. Mariquit is a generous person. He shares whatever he has learned from the trainings he
attended and supplemented by his actual practices to other farmers and neighbors. He makes
himself available to other farmers, to the ATI and to other government agencies. Presently, he is
constantly invited in some parts of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental as
lecturer and consultant in mushroom growing and spawn making.
TANDEMS THAT CLICK
Hazel Grace T. Taganas, ATI Region 8
Overcoming “mouse-fears”
Isn’t it strange that he who kills a field mouse with one blow is scared to click a computer
mouse, and he who skillfully clicks the computer mouse shouts at the sight of a field mouse?
What if they team-up?
Most farmers, if not all in Liloan, Southern Leyte are not computer literates. Although they
know that it will fast-track information search, the thought of using computers scares them. If this
isn’t overcome, it would defeat the purpose of putting the ICT facility in the FITS center. Hence, the
Liloan FITS staff adopted the “parent-child” tandem to maximize the use of ICT facility to search for
information. A farmer who is hesitant to click a mouse to get the needed information is assisted by
his son/daughter who doesn’t think twice in dragging a mouse in search of new things. This started
in March 2007 when the FITS center’s Magsasaka Siyentista brought her daughter along to help her
31

32. get information from the net. From then on many parent-child tandems use the internet either to
get information or link with loved ones in other places.
The tandem brought significant change in the farmer’s attitude toward the use of ICT in
getting information. Although still hesitant to hold the mouse, many have already sat in front of the
computer to watch how the search for information through the net is done.
This strategy spread to other centers in the region. The FITS centers are challenged to train
at least three farmers and/or their sons/daughters a week on basic ICT use. This will lessen the
workload of FITS staff in assisting those who wish to get information from the net.
The need goes beyond technological information
With the FITS center manned by the Office of Municipal Agriculture staff, many thought that
the ICT facility is exclusive for agriculture and fishery concerns only. Thus, farmers did not come in
to seek assistance for needs that go beyond technological information. This led to having another
tandem - the Techno Gabay ICT and Community e-Center (CeC) services integration.
The integration was suggested by then ViCARP’s Director now RRDCC Chairperson Dr. Jose L.
Bacusmo to former Mayor Marlo P. Maamo who readily implemented the idea by having both ICT
facilities housed in one area. With Mayor Shirlita Y. Chong presently at the helm, the Office of the
Municipal Agriculture in Liloan, Southern Leyte was transferred to the building where the FITS center
and the CeC-ICT room are located.
The integration encourages many to seek assistance not just on agriculture and fishery.
When the ICT services were first offered in February 2007, there were only few who accessed the
net. With the integration, many already visited the place and accessed the net for information.
Clients who wait for their turn in the computer availed of the other services offered by the
center. They get information on various technologies from reading available print materials or
watching commodity videos. This made them appreciate the center as a learning resource. They
also became captured customers of the products sold in the center and promoters through word of
mouth of the center’s services.
With the tandem, instant messaging and e-mail services expanded to connecting with loved
ones. This is in addition to surfing the net for information helpful to the farm and in seeking advice
from experts in other centers or from the consortium.
Improving ICT services
With the opportunity to serve using the ICT facility comes also the challenge of doing it well.
While FITS staff are capable of doing information and technology services, little do they know about
ICT utilization. This prompted the local officials to designate the Sangguniang Bayan computer
operator as the FITS information service specialist (ISS) and in-charge of the CeC.
With the strong partnership of ViCARP where ATI 8 is member, and FITS Liloan, the
equipping of the other staff on ICT was facilitated. The partnership enabled the pooling of resources
together for ICT training and other ICT-related activities. Thus, it is not only the FITS ISS serving the
need for ICT but the other staff as well. The load became lighter for the FITS staff who also provided
encoding, printing and deskstop publishing services for a fee to generate fund for the center’s
operational cost.
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33. The partnership also makes the promotion of the FITS services easier. Together, they come
up with information materials and promote the center’s services during farmers’ gatherings. This
attracted more customers to the center.
The tandems connect
The Liloan FITS center’s “tandem” strategies made a mark in the province of Southern Leyte
in its extension program. It became a model to other FITS centers and would-be FITS center in the
province who visited the Liloan FITS center to learn of the strategy.
Indeed, the tandems not only click but connect.
EMBRACING FARMING
Ermalinda B. Cayago, ATI Region 8
Fifty-year old Jessie Gunda Globio is the pride of Poblacion 2 in Balangkayan, Eastern Samar
who takes farming as his bread and butter. He went into farming because he saw the great potential
of the land entrusted to him by his parents and in-laws. These agricultural lands became his
"classrooms" where he often stays from sunrise to dusk. They were witnesses of his passion to
learn by doing and in striving for more. The years he spent in the farm polished his farming skills,
making him innovative, enterprising and progressive as he is today.
Jessie is one of the few in the province of Eastern Samar who toiled not just for his own but
for others who depend on farmers for their food. He made farming as an enterprise to meet the
demand for agricultural food products. This made him to the roll of the roll of Magsasaka Siyentistas
or farmer scientists who demonstrate and share to other farmers successful application of S&T-
based and indigenous technologies. As Magsasaka Siyentista he tried protective cultivation of
organic vegetables. He grows sweet pepper, ampalaya, squash, sponge gourd, watermelon and
other leafy vegetables during off-season which enables him to command higher prices. He also
grows rice using hybrid seeds that made him produced more. His record in rice farming made him
one of the certified seed growers of the Department of Agriculture in the region.
As farmer scientist, he provides technical assistance and hands-on training to on-farm
visitors and to other trainees. He devotes portion of his farm as demonstration area where he tests
and applies new technologies learned from seminars, trainings and cross visits; and serves as
resource person or facilitator during trainings, field days, technology forums and other technology
dissemination activities.
Jessie advocates organic farming for safer and nutrious food, and for sustainability of the
land to be productive. He was glad to visit one best organic farm in Negros Occidental where he
learned some more on organic farming and saw its good produce.
His hardwork and dedication to farming is contagious. He became a great influence to other
farmers in adopting new technologies that enabled them to raise their production. He always shares
what he learned. His farm is a showcase of information, learnings and experiences that others
could readily access and apply in their farms.
What he gets from his 6.5 hectares is money-maker. The 1.5 hectares devoted to certified
seeds would earned him Php 120,000 per year. His vegetables, Php 70.000 per year and copra, Php
40,000 per year. He has also other crops that contributed to the family purse. He has gabi, ube,
kalamansi, and fruit trees like mango, pummelo and rambutan which are planted in the slopping
areas of the farm. His more than a thousand grafted mango and rambutan trees which are already
in its fruiting stage are sure big "add-ons" to what they already have.
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34. Their harvests reached to the neighboring towns of Balangkayan. With such business flair,
Jessie has proven that farming is like having a goldmine in one's farm. With new technology, one
can literally harvest daily.
Jessie is never afraid to try new things, let alone fail. This could be one of the traits that
made him stand out. He sees that trials and failures are opportunities for him to do better and to
enhance his farming and entrepreneurial skills. He continues to be a good learner, applying
technologies that he believes would improve his productivity and profitability.
Although Eastern Samar is typhoon-prone area, this does not deter him from farming but
challenge him to be more innovative in setting up mitigating measures to protect his crops, thus,
lessening whatever damage brought about by natural phenomena.
Farmer Awardee
Jessie is a success story personified. His ingenuity in his chosen field did not go unnotice.
Proofs of this are the various awards he received for his initiative, hardwork and commitment.
He was awarded Outstanding Rice Farmer in their municipality in 2004. He also became the
Chairman of the Balangkayan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative and appointed as Committee
Chairman of the Municipal Agriculture & Fishery Council. He was chosen one of the Board of
Directors of the Association of Farmer Scientists of the Philippines Regional Chapter.
In all his successes, Jessie is grateful to the DA-ATI 8, Office of the Provincial Agricultural
Services, VICARP through the Techno Gabay Program, and the DA-RFU 8 for empowering him,
inviting him to trainings, seminars and educational tours where he learned better technologies and
practices. Among these technologies are organic farming, protected cultivation and integrated pest
management. He was glad to learn some control measures against pests using indigenous plants.
The training certificates he accumulated showed his love to learn and his desire to hone further his
farming skills.
Looking at the vast expanse of his "classrooms" challenged him to do more and to let others
see the good, the land could give. He believes that with the blessing of the Almighty, his labours
would not be in vain. He must have faith to surmount obstacles, the will to succeed, the passion to
persevere and the hope to see the fruits of his hardwork.
For Jessie, embracing farming is embracing a better living that gives meaning to life, a life he is proud
to share with others.
e-Learners’ TESTIMONIES
From: Arlene Grace Mercado
“Hi! Good day! I just want to say thank you, na-receive ko na ang certificates ko.
More power!!!”
From: Nilo Tronco
“Thank you very much! I must say you guys did a great job on the first course on
Goat Raising. It was really a great help. I can't wait to take the other courses. More
Power to you guys!”
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35. From: Rowena Odono
“Thanks to all the course developers and others concerned. I just finished the course
on Basic Agricultural Marketing Extension. It’s very refreshing and I really enjoy the
test. We have acquired a lot of insights that may become a good project for my
studies.”
From: Mellanie Joy Magtibay
“Hi ATI! Natapos ko na po ung Seaweed Farming. Thank you very much po. Great
help po kayo sa mga students na kagaya ko na gustong madagdagan ang
knowledge.”
From: Jeoffrey Gervacio
“Hello there! I'm glad I became a member here at the e-Learning site. This is very
important especially that we have a FITS Center.”
From: Virgilio Paler, Jr.
“Salamat sa bumubuo ng e-Extension Program. Malaking tulong talaga ito sa akin
lalo na sa mga gusting matuto sa larangan ng agrikultura.”
From: Eileen Herring
“Thank you so much for your quick response. It is wonderful that you are able to provide
these resources to so many Filipinos. Perhaps eventually you will have the resources to
broaden your scope.... in the meantime, continue the great work!”
From: Angelo Raya
“Good Day! I would like to extend my gratitude for giving us farmers a direct line to voice our
concern. This will be a big help to us”.
From: Dexter Ancla
“I would like to suggest to the department of agriculture as a whole, to encourage my
generation and the younger ones to engage in agriculture, use the governments resources to
promote this lifestyle. go to colleges , or promote it in various ways, i'm sure there are a lot
of people like you who can do the ads and promotion very well. instead of rotc, agriculture
immersion should be a good alternative than marching under the sun. hehe. i suggest a
slogan for the promotion, "get dirty , get rich". Again thank you so much, i was not expecting
a quick reply . Good luck, and please continue doing your job coz i believe you are doing it
very well.” God bless and mabuhay po kayo!!
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