The document summarizes ATI Director Asterio Saliot presenting the e-Extension Program to the National Academy of Science and Technology. It also discusses e-Extension Coordinators undergoing training to take on additional responsibilities for the Techno Gabay Program. Other events covered include briefings on the e-Extension Program provided to school teachers in Pangasinan and an evaluation of the Aurora e-Village Project conducted by implementing agencies.

1. Vol. IV No. 2 August 2011
Saliot Presents e-Extension
Program to S & T Community
P
ASAY CITY – Agricultural
Training Institute (ATI) Director
Asterio P. Saliot presented a
paper on the “Current Status and
Future Directions of the Philippine
Agricultural Extension” to the members
of the prestigious National Academy of
Science and Technology (NAST) of the
country. Saliot also presented one of
the latest programs of the Department
of Agriculture, the e-Extension
Program for Agriculture and Fisheries,
where ATI is the lead implementing
agency.
The paper presentation was part
of the Round Table Discussion (RTD)
on agricultural extension which was
held in preparation for the NAST 33rd
Annual Scientific meeting in July 2011.
Other presenters came from both
public and private organizations and
► Page 6
ATI Director Asterio P. Saliot presented the e-Extension Program to the members of the
National Academy of Science and Technology during its monthly Round Table Discussion (RTD).
The RTD is being done in preparation for the NAST 33rd Annual Scientific meeting
Gov’t Executive Officers Briefed on What’s Inside
the e-Extension Program e-Extension Coordinators Undergo
C
EBU CITY – The e-Extension on the ATI’s e-Extension Program Techno Gabay Appreciation
Program which has been for Agriculture and Fisheries and its Course ------------------------------- 2
recognized here and abroad impact on the agriculture, fisheries
Vis-Min Batch Trained on
have piqued the interest of the Career and natural resources sector.
4-H Club Web-Based Profiling
Executive Service (CES)! The Career Executive Service is
and Monitoring System ----------- 3
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) the ‘third level’ or the managerial class
Director Asterio P. Saliot was recently in the group of career positions in The e-Extension Program
invited as a resource person for the the Philippine Civil Service. The CES promoted to school teachers ---- 4
monthly gathering of Career Executive was created by Presidential Decree
Service Officers (CESO) dubbed as No. 1 to "form a continuing pool of What our e-Learners say ---- 6
CES CIRCLE Forum. Saliot, also a ► Page 6
CESO himself, briefed the officers
e-Extension Agenda August 201
1 1

2. NEWS
Added Function, Enhanced Capability
e-Extension Coordinators Undergo Techno
Gabay Appreciation Course
B
OHOL -- From an added
responsibility to an enhanced
functionality!
With the institutionalization of the
Techno Gabay Program (TGP) at the
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI),
the frontline people at the regions will
have their hands full in continuing to
implement the program.
TGP is one of the major programs
of the Department of Science and
Technology through its Philippine Council
for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural
Resources Research and Development
(DOST-PCARRD).
Purposely, the e-Extension Program as well as its components and Program is something you should be
Coordinators have been chosen to be the mechanics of implementation from happy about because it can be useful
the regional coordinators of the TGP, the roles and responsibilities of Regional in the progress of our country,” Esquejo
an added workload but seen as an Coordinators to its Partner Member said. Aware of the impending work
opportunity to enhance their capabilities Agencies (PMAs). The ATI Regional that will be added to the e-Extension
further. Training Centers (RTCs) who have been Coordinators, Esquejo assured them
As a prelude to the program actively involved with TGP also shared that it is because other institutions
implementation, ATI held a five-day their experiences and lessons learned like PCARRD have recognized ATI's
appreciation course with the 28 in the implementation of the program. capabilities. “Let’s not look at it as
e-Extension Coordinators briefed on The participants also listed their lessons additional burden for ATI, rather let’s
TGP and the complementary extension learned as well as the issues that may see it as acknowledgement of our
activities of ATI. The activity likewise crop up during the institutionalization of capabilities,”Esquejo added.
aimed for the coordinators to appreciate the TGP through a workshop. The appreciation course was
the program and their roles as A field visit to the three successful conducted last May 30 to June 3, 2011 at
implementers through expository visits to FITS Centers was done to further the Bohol Plaza Resort and Restaurant,
various Farmers' Information Technology familiarize the coordinators with the Panglao Island, Dayo Hill, Mayacabac
Service (FITS) Centers and to integrate operations of the TGP specifically on the Dauis, Bohol.(BCNatividad)
the TGP in their functions as e-Extension center operations, coordination with their
coordinators. Magsasaka Syentista as well as their The e-Extension Agenda
The course included some lectures components focusing on information Volume IV Number 2
on the overview of the Techno Gabay and communication technology (ICT) August 2011
and on information
Editor Pamela MG Mappala
education and
communication Writers Benedict C. Natividad
(IEC). Pamela MG Mappala
In her message, Yovina-Claire R. Agsawa
ATI Deputy Director
for Policy and Contributors Maricel D. Dacapias (ATI-RTC 1)
Administration Darwin M. Sarabia (ATI-RTC 4B)
Evelyn Aro-Esquejo Merrian P. Soliva (ATI-RTC 7)
Dennis Boyd Baltazar (ATI-RTC 8)
recognized the
Ma. Theresa Laxamana (ATI-RTC 12)
importance of the
TGP’s contribution Layout Artist Benedict C. Natividad
to nation building
specifically the Editorial Consultants Antonieta J. Arceo
Jose Rey Y. Alo
advancement of the
farmers and fishers Advisers Asterio P. Saliot MNSA, CESO III
in the rural areas. Evelyn Aro-Esquejo PhD, MNSA, CESO VI
“The Techno Gabay Alberto B. Maningding MNSA, CESO IV
2 e-Extension Agenda August 201
1

3. NEWS
Vis-Min Batch Trained on 4-H Club Web-Based
Profiling and Monitoring System
C
AGAYAN DE ORO CITY, e-Learning site. access the web-based profiling and
Misamis Oriental – After the To demonstrate and explain monitoring website of the 4-H Club at
successful implementation of further the features of the website, ATI www.ati.da.gov.ph/4-hclub.
the Training on 4-H Club Web-Based tapped Elito Circa from the Philippine The training was held last May 2
Profiling and Monitoring System for the Center for Postharvest Development to 6, 2011 at the Harbor Lights Hotel
Luzon batch, the training shifted down and Mechanization (PhilMech), who in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental.
south for the next batch in Visayas and developed the program as well as the (BCNatividad)
Mindanao. system for the said website.
The Agricultural Training Institute Speaking during
(ATI) which has been in support of the opening program,
the 4-H Club activities conducted ATI Deputy Director for
the training with the regional 4-H AFE Operations Alberto
club coordinators, rural-based focal Maningding emphasized
persons from the ATI Centers and the importance of the
the regional 4-H club presidents and website in profiling
selected officers from the southern and monitoring the
part of the country as participants. members as well as the
They were briefed on the features organization's activities.
of the 4-H website and were able to Maningding also
register and update their profiles in reminded the participants
the site. Likewise, they were oriented to continuously populate
on the e-Extension Program and the site with relevant
were able to register and enrolled contents.
in the various courses offered in the The members can
ATI, PhilRice, DAP and PGA Gather for Aurora
e-Village Project Mid-term Evaluation
T
AGAYTAY CITY – After two progress made in implementing the the implementing agencies agreed
years of implementation, the project and its various components. to further empower them through
proponents of the Aurora Moreover, the activity was aimed to the implementation of the remaining
e-Village Project assessed and determine lessons learned from the objectives that have not been
reviewed the project milestones. project implementation and derive accomplished.
The project proponents -- the insights and possible good practices. The Aurora e-Village Mid-term
Department of Agriculture – For the remaining period of the Evaluation was conducted last June
Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), project implementation, the project 9 to 10, 2011 at the DAP Conference
DA - Philippine Rice Research Institute proponents came up with action plans Center, Tagaytay City.(BCNatividad)
(PhilRice) and the Development modified
Academy of the Philippines accordingly
(DAP) together with the Provincial based on the
Government of Aurora (PGA) -- insights gained
gathered for the two-day Mid-term during the first
Evaluation Workshop of the Aurora two years.
e-Village Project. As the
The Project is aimed to provide project is set
interventions that will integrate to conclude
Information and Communications by the end of
Technology (ICT) to rural community the year, the
life to improve access to information, PGA which
enhance productivity, increase has been
household income and improve quality identified as
of life in Aurora province. the eventual
With this, the Mid-term Evaluation project
aimed to evaluate the overall successor,
e-Extension Agenda August 201
1 3

4. AT THE REGIONS
Extension The e-Extension Program
Workers promoted to school teachers
S
ta. Barbara, Pangasinan – on-the-Air program that is being
Briefed on GIS, Some 37 school teachers from
San Carlos City and Calasiao
implemented by the Agricultural
Training Institute in collaboration
Database Mgt the Department of Agriculture’s
in this province were briefed on with the Department of Agriculture’s
bureaus and attached agencies.
S
ta. Barbara, Pangasinan e-Extension Program for Agriculture To familiarize the participants
– Increased awareness of and Fisheries. further, they had a hands-on tutorial
geospatial technologies and As part of the Training of Trainers to experience the step-by-step
its significant contribution to the on Integrated Production and Pest registration and enrolment to the
agriculture sector can actually Management conducted by the e-learning courses of their choice.
influence crop productivity. Agricultural Training Institute – Moreover, Dacapias showcased the
This is the thrust of the training Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) digital learning resources that can be
on Geographic Information System I, the school teachers were able to downloaded from the e-learning portal
(GIS) and Database Management browse and appreciate the various of the e-Extension Program.
held recently which was attended e-learning courses offered through the The activity was held last May
by agricultural extension workers e-Extension Program. 18, 2011 at ATI-RTC I, Tebag, Sta.
from Department of Agriculture e-Extension Coordinator Maricel Barbara, Pangasinan. (MCDacapias)
Dacapias of ATI-RTC I
- Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU)
likewise discussed the
I, Pangasinan State University
different components
and the Offices of the Provincial
of the Program such
Agriculturist in Pangasinan, Ilocos
as the Farmers’
Norte and Ilocos Sur.
Contact Center as
Resource speaker Engr.
the frontline delivery
Joan Pauline Talubo shared that of farm and business
“A big part of understanding advisory services as
the system lies in your own well as the School-
personal experience especially
Antequera Farmers Briefed
if you apply it in your work or
field of specialization.” She
added that the factors that
influence crop productivity can be
on NMRiceMobile
B
identified, mapped, and used to
provide solution. Preserving the ohol – Four barangays in phones.
Antequera in this province were Erma F. Lucero of ATI-RTC VII
environment, managing assets,
briefed on the features of the emphasized that this modality is
constant overproduction with low Nutrient Manager for Rice Mobile just one of the many options that
prices, changing government (NMRiceMobile), a new service of the Department is providing for rice
subsidies, biotechnology and the Farmers’ Contact Center of the farmers.
intense global competition are Department of Agriculture. The text and call services of the
encouraging more agricultural Nearly 90 rice-farmers from FCC, which is being administered by
professionals to use the GIS Barangays Bitaugan, Sto. Rosario, the Agricultural Training Institute were
Poblacion and Celing came to the likewise discussed to provide more
technology.
briefing. avenues for the farmers’ queries on
With this, three more batches Municipal Agricultural Officer agriculture and fisheries. (MPSoliva)
are planned to be held within the Tarcisia Baluca and Dr. Carolyn
year to cater all provincial and May O. Daquio, Center Director of
municipal local government units of the Agricultural Training Institute-
Region I. Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC)
The first training was held VII graced the activity while Lydia
B. Borbano and Ma. Gracia Soliva-
last July 5 to 8, 2011 at ATI-
Pungay, both from ATI-RTCVII,
Regional Training Center I in facilitated the activity.
Tebag, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. They emphasized that
(MCDacapias) NMRiceMobile is one of the modality
of the DA in collaboration with
International Rice Research Institute
(IRRI) where farmers can directly
inquire the recommended fertilizer
inputs for their farm using their mobile
4 e-Extension Agenda August 201
1

5. AT THE REGIONS
More e-Learners Register During Agri-Pinoy
Info-caravans in Region XII
W
hile the DA-Regional Field at the Provincial
Office XII is conducting Gymnasium of
an Agri-Pinoy Information South Cotabato
Caravan in various provinces of on May 12, 2011,
the region, the Agricultural Training which was attended
Institute-Regional Training Center by more than 100
XII (ATI-RTC XII) presented extension workers,
the Department of Agricultures’ representatives from
e-Extension Program for Agriculture the DA-attached
and Fisheries among the agricultural agencies and the
extension workers and farmers. farming sector.
This is in line with the Farmers and The ATI-RTC
Fisherfolks’ Month being celebrated in XII put up an exhibit
the month of May. booth inside the
The first schedule was conducted gymnasium and
distributed
various Cotabato and the Sultan Kudarat
printed information materials State University Lutayan Branch. The
during the info-caravan. Information-Caravan visited the four
More so, it also assisted provinces and cities of the region
several extension workers particularly Koronadal City, Kidapawan
and farmers in registering City, Saranggani and Sultan Kudarat.
and enrolling in the (MTLaxamana)
e-Learning courses being
offered by the ATI. The team
was composed of members
of the e-Extension group
of ATI-RTC XII, along with
trained students undergoing
on-the job training from
the University of Southern
Mindanao in Kabacan,
Southern Leyte Grads 187 for SOA
S
outhern Leyte - Of the 213 were Dr. Valerio B. Cabalo, SLSU The SOA is an extension strategy
enrolled farmers, 187 were Vice-President for Research and of the Department of Agriculture in
confirmed graduates on June 4, Extension, Marina E. Gador, Provincial reaching more farmers in the country.
2011 during the graduation ceremony Agriculturist, Dr. Paulino T. Cabahit It is a series of programs aired over
of the School on the Air (SOA) on rice of ATI-RTC VIII, and the municipal a local radio station, discussing the
production in this province. agricultural officers of the selected subject matter systematically and
The SOA in Southern Leyte municipalities. in a progressive manner, similar to
started in November 2010 over local In their respective messages, the the classroom’s teaching-learning
radio station DYSL with enrollees guests expressed their gratefulness situation.
from the municipalities of Sogod, for the participation of the farmers This years’ SOA in this region
Macrohon, Tomas Oppus, Libagon in the SOA and the backstopping of focused on rice production and aimed
and Malitbog. It was coordinated by the agricultural extension workers to strengthen farmers’ capabilities
Agricultural Training Institute-Regional who did the follow-ups and provided on rice production management.
Training Center VIII, Southern Leyte guidance to farmer-enrollees. They Ramon Fernandez of DYSL Radyo
State University (SLSU), Office of wished that similar activities will be ng Bayan and Veronica L. Reoma
the Provincial Agriculturist and DYSL conducted for other crops and that of SLSU anchored the program with
Radyo ng Bayan. more municipalities will participate. the agricultural extension workers as
Present during the affair resource persons.(DBRBaltazar)
e-Extension Agenda August 201
1 5

6. Saliot Presents e-Extension
Program...
and technological manpower for the Snapshots
country.
From page1 The RTD looked into the
organization of agricultural extension
shared some insights and learnings system as well as the use of the
based on their experiences in the information and communication
delivery of their services related to technology (ICT) in the agriculture
agricultural extension. sector. With the e-Extension program
The NAST was created through being one of the pioneering efforts
the Executive Order no. 818 and in utilizing ICT for the advancement
functions as an advisory council to the of the agriculture sector, Saliot
President of the Philippines and the shared the ATI's learnings on their
Cabinet on matters related to science implementation and the recognition
and technology in the country. The it has garnered, not only in the
NAST also embarks on programs Philippines but also in other countries
T
wo delegates from the Bangladesh
traditionally and internationally as well. Ministry of Agriculture visited the
expected of an academy of science The activity was conducted Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)
as part of their study tour to learn about
as it has been mandated to recognize last May 3, 2011 at the Traders
the Institute’s implementation of School-
outstanding achievements in science Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. on-the-Air and the e-Extension Program for
and technology and to serve as a (BCNatividad) Agriculture and Fisheries. OIC-Assistant Chief
reservoir of competent scientific Pamela G. Mappala of the ATI-Knowledge
Products Management Division welcomed
Gov’t Executive Officers Briefed... platform for thought leaders, subject the delegates together with Associate
From page1 matter experts and public service Professor Ma. Stella C. Tirol of the University
exemplars to dialogue with career of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) who
well-selected and development- organized their visit to the country. Md.
service officers and to share insights,
oriented career administrators who Taufique Arefin, project coordinator of
ideas, lessons and experiences in the Agriculture Information Service from
shall provide competent and faithful the hope of deepening and sustaining Bangladesh, noted that they were planning
service" to the Philippine Government. collective inspiration to improve to set up the same to enhance their rural
The CES CIRCLE Forum is a leadership and governance. The communication services in their country.
monthly learning session conducted latest forum carried the theme “ICT in The briefing was held at the Agriculture and
by the CES Board for its officers and Human and Environment Security”. Fisheries Knowledge Center of the ATI Central
eligible members and CIRCLE stands The CES CIRCLE Forum was Office last May 31, 2011.
for Creative Innovations and Reforms held last June 23, 2011 in Cebu City.
for Committed Leadership and (BCNatividad)
Effectiveness. The forum serves as a
What are our e-Learners say
From our shoutbox messages and emails @www.e-extension.gov.ph/elearning
Natapos ko na po ang greenhouse course. Salamat sa mga information.
malaking tulong sa research ko.
- Aaron Jed Tumbali, Quezon City
Participants of the International Training
Nakakatulong talaga nang malaki ang e-learning sa amin sa DA Municipality of Course on Agricultural Marketing Focused
Kauswagan. on Infrastructure Development visited the
- Dhelma Aclao, Iligan City Agricultural Training Institute and was briefed
on the Institute’s programs and services
Salamat sa ATI ang dami ko pong natutunan sa inyo. Salamat po. specifically on the e-Extension Program for
Agriculture and Fisheries. The participants
- Archie Q. dela Cruz, San Mateo
who came from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar,
ATI, galing tlaga ng website nyo Yung lesson ko sa agriculture dito ko Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
Maldives, Nepal and the Philippines were
nakukuha ang ilan sa naituturo ko sa school.
acquainted on the e-Extension Program and
- Archie Q. dela Cruz, San Mateo its components. The briefing was held last
June 16, 2011 at the Agriculture and Fisheries
Knowledge Center, ATI, Diliman, Quezon City.
6 e-Extension Agenda August 201
1

7. NEWS
VSU Stude Explores e-Learners’ Behavior
Towards Online Courses
W
hy are there "finishers" and discontinuance in e-courses: 4. ATI should ensure that the
"quitters" in our e-Learning 1. Give enrollees constant modules they are presenting to their
courses? reminders of their involvement in enrollees will undergo several tests to
Armel Lozano provided the program, either through text or testify its comprehensibility; and
some hints from his study entitled e-mail; 5. Ensure that the information
“Conditions Leading to Completion 2. ATI, as the program they provide to their enrollees is up-
and Discontinuance of Enrollees to ATI implementer, in collaboration with to-date.
e-Learning for Agriculture and Fishery other agencies under the Department He also recommended replication
Program in Eastern Visayas,” a thesis of Agriculture should create projects of this study covering enrollees in other
he submitted to obtain his bachelor’s in line with interconnectivity to their provinces in the country. Thus, further
degree in Development Communication clientele through trainings on basic study conducted in other provinces will
at the Visayas State University. His computer skills and assistance in help verify whether the same conditions
study became an eye-opener, providing the provision of internet connection are encountered by the enrollees in
insights on the challenges faced by in their locality or even mobile other areas. A study also on the most
e-learners in taking the online courses connections; significant changes experienced by
being offered by the Department of 3. Continue creating relevant graduates on the e-Learning courses
Agriculture through the e-Extension courses for the enrolees, to do this, of ATI is also highly recommended
Program for Agriculture & Fisheries. ATI should monitor their enrollees to to further help in improving its
Based on his findings, Lozano find out the relevant information they implementation of the program.
recommended the following to minimize need from the course they enrolled;
e-Learning Course on Vermicomposting, Now Online!
S
imply throwing away all your individuals and groups engaged Log on at www.e-extension.gov.ph/
household or farm junk? Think in vermicompost production are elearning.
again! There are more to that also incorporated in the course to The Vermicomposting: Turning
garbage than what meets the eye. further encourage you to adopt the Trash to Cash online course is
Enroll now in e-Learning course on technology. brought to us by ATI RTC-10.
Vermicomposting and start Turning So what are you waiting for? (YCRAgsawa)
Trash to Cash!
The course is divided into three
modules, namely: The Worm and Its
Food; Benefits of Vermicomposting;
and Vermicompost Production.
These include several topics on the
general characteristics and cultural
requirements of worms, African
Night Crawler specie, substrates,
advantages and economics of
vermicomposting, and quality analysis
of some vermicompost formulations.
Write ups with videos of successful
e-Extension Agenda August 201
1 7

8. A Coordinator’s ATI Attends IRRI’s Workshop on
Reflections on TGP Developing Financial Product Suite for Agri
N
Products, Services
L
emo dat quod non habet.. a
prevalent Latin expression OS BANOS, Laguna -- Tapping A total of 39 representatives came
which means you cannot further the potentials of ICT in from Catholic Relief Services, MICRA
give what you do not have. True providing more services to the Foundation, Atlas Fertilizer Corp., W.K.
enough! One cannot give a penny if smallholder farmers, the International Kellog Institute, Avantage Ventures,
his own pocket is empty, bread if his Rice Research Institute (IRRI) together Hongkong, Philippine RIce Research
own stomach grumbles or a factual with Mercy Corps, an international Institute, Mercy Corps, Agricultural
program if he himself is misled. I’ve economic development agency Training Institute and IRRI to contribute
been at the Techno-Gabay Program focusing on microfinance, organized their expertise and knowledge for the
Appreciation Course in Bohol a workshop to generate ideas in said plan.
just recently. It was really a good developing a financial product suite Held last May 30 to 31, 2011
experience. A lot of times were allotted for precision agricultural products at IRRI Headquarters, Los Banos,
to, uhm well, appreciate! Not to and services especially designed for Laguna. (PMappala)
mention the five-star accommodation smallholder rice farmers.
where you can have a 360 view of the With the introduction of
whole island. Thank you RTC-7 for the Nutrient Manager for Rice
your overwhelming hospitality! in web and mobile application,
The said appreciation course is in IRRI found the significance
line with the turn-over of the Techno- of incorporating such service
Gabay program from DOST-PCARRD with the electronic extension
to ATI. The process of transition is
services being offered by
within three years. During the course,
IRRI and the Department
resource persons from DOST-
of Agriculture through its
PCARRD make the most of everything
Agricultural Training Institute.
to make us understand the “ins and
outs” of the program. As I was trying
to grasp the things handed down in
front of me, three things were creeping
up inside. First, like most of us in the
RTC’s, we are new in the bandwagon.
We are not even a member of an
accredited consortium and yet we are
here to handle the program ourselves.
Second, collaboration is the key for a
successful establishment of Techno-
Gabay and/or FITS Centers in our
respective regions.
It is a reality that most people ask
the primary question of “What can we
get from that program?” or “What can
we have in return?” Techno-Gabay
Program doesn’t encourage dole outs.
A beneficiary should certainly commit
itself to counter parting and as a rule I come to my senses and
of thumb, never promise anything! cling to my basic principle
Some might be mistakenly lost in of time. Everything has its
thinking that we will provide everything proper time! In time, we will
from IEC materials to cellcards for perfectly understand this
internet browsing?! Third, why is program. In time, we will
there a turnover of the program? be ready to implement with
Does this mean additional workload ease and conviction the
for us e-extension coordinators? This TGP. And besides, we still
absolutely is a wrong notion of the have three more years to
program. Turning over the Techno- internalize the program. But
Gabay program with ATI only attests this will happen if we fully
to the agency’s credibility in doing own it as if it were the first
efficient delivery of extension services. it as additional burden for ATI, rather fruits of our labour and if we
Quoting Asst.Dir. Evelyn Aro- let’s see it as acknowledgement of our own and have it, then and only then
Esquejo as saying; “Let’s not look at capabilities.” Still after these insights, we can share it to others. (DMSarabia)
8 e-Extension Agenda August 201
1