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Republic of the Philippines

Department of Agriculture

AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

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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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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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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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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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Dir. Saliot discusses with Asec. Bernadette R. Puyat

the Farmer’s Call Center services during her visit.

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.

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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)

Fig. 2 Distribution of participants

according to the major type of

participants.

With these activities are the different

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

TTyyppee ooff bbeenneeffiicciiaarriieess TToottaall

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

PO Representatives 162

Entrepreneurs 180

Students 1,459

Others 2,707

Total 72,668

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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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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.

REGION/CO NO. OF TRAINING AND

OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES

NO. OF BENEFICIARIES

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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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.

REGION No. of technical

assistance provided No. of beneficiaries/clients

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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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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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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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

conduct of the 10th

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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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.

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.

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

4H funds

Corn

Crops/HVCC

EHRDP

FSTP

Rice

Regular

Livestock

Others (Participants, DFIMDP, etc.)

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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

15 Jackfruit1 8 2

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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.

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BENEFICIARIES’ AND PARTNERS’

TESTIMONIALS AND SUCCESS STORIES

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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.

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PROGRAM COLLABORATOR’S TESTIMONY

MS. PAZ A. CUTAMORA

City FYDP Coordinator, General Santos City

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.

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.

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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

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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.

“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.”

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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.

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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

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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

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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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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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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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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!!