Setting up of directions of the Training on Project Development and Management was conducted by Ms. Abegel Joson, Training Specialist III at the Career Development and Management Services Section before she started delivering the modules of the training.
In preparation to the implementation of the full devolution of DA services, particularly some devolved functions of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to the Local Government Units (LGUs), the ATI-Regional Training Center 1 conducted Training on Project Development and Management for the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the different provinces of Ilocos Region on September 13-17, 2021. Through this five-day virtual training, ATI-RTC 1 aspires to enhance the capacity of the LGUs by equipping the AEWs with knowledge and skills in the different stages of project management cycle- needs assessment, planning/designing, implementing, and monitoring and evaluation.
A total of 37 AEWs completed the said training through a series of lecture-discussions and workshops on how to analyze the needs of the community, craft and design solutions of the needs identified, operationalize, monitor and evaluate them. Each participating LGU was able to develop and present project proposals as a result of workshops on the different analysis and stages in project planning/designing.
Ms. Abegel A. Joson, Training Specialist III of the Career Development and Management Services Section (CDMSS) and Mr. Alladin C. Tabo, Development Management Officer I of the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Services Unit (PMESU) served as the resource persons and facilitators of the virtual training. The topics discussed revolved in the fundamentals, principles, and process of project planning, development, managing, monitoring and evaluation.
During the presentation of outputs, Ms. Joson, along with Dr. Josephine Aben, ATI-RTC I Assistant Center Director, served as evaluators by giving essential points to consider in the improvement of their project proposals/designs. Further, these project proposals will be considered for future funding of the Center.
“I have learned the importance of making a project proposal and how it should be done and implemented through Project Cycle Management. Through this we can specifically address the issues and problems that community needs and how it can be addressed. We can be confident presenting them, knowing that we have undergone the basic steps in preparing a project proposal. And lastly, monitoring and evaluation is equally important for us to be able to assess the success or failure of a project.” Ms. Maricris Toledo of LGU Mangatarem, Pangasinan said as she expressed her learnings from the training during the closing program.
Mr. Heisaboy Tubaang of OPAG La Union also added his realizations that comprehensive learning can still be achieved in this time of pandemic through the power of technology.