Group picture during the zoom online session.
STA. BARBARA, PANGASINAN - The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) conducted two (2) batches of Training of Trainers (TOT) on Farm Business School (FBS) for Rice Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in Region 1 where 41 AEWs completed 25 modules, both via face-to-face and virtual meeting.
The two batches of the training were implemented on:
1. First Batch (Phase 1) – August 16-20, 2021 at ATI-RTC I, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara
2. First Batch (Phase 2) - August 23-27, 2021 at ATI-RTC I, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara
3. Second Batch (Phase 1) - September 20-24, 2021 via Zoom Meeting
4. Second Batch (Phase 2) - September 27 – October 1, 2021 via Zoom Meeting
The participants were able to analyze each of the essential elements of FBS through lecture-discussions and workshops. These modules include Business Cycle (Diagnosis and Finding Opportunities, Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating), Characteristic of an Effective Entrepreneur, Assessing the Current Farm Situation and Translating Analysis into Action, Preparing a Farm Business Plan, and Developing Action Plan for Next Season. Apart from these, the participants had an actual market surveys in their respective municipalities.
In addition, the participants developed farm business plan based on the result of market surveys, and re-entry plans indicating the name of active farmers’ association as beneficiaries. These plans generally highlight the conduct of Season-Long Training on Farm Business School for Farmers, specifically the methods and strategies in making farmers appreciate farming as business and a profession.
“The role of ATI is to capacitate our LGU extension workers for them to be effective and efficient in delivering extension services in their locality. With this training, we know that this is an effective means in order for the farmers to see and believe since this training is a combination of Farmer Field School (FFS) and FBS”, ATI-RTC 1 Center Director, Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista challenged the participants towards their journey as AEWs.
Meanwhile, Ms. Maricar Gines, an AEW from LGU-Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur expressed her gratitude on her impression as she learned the changes and transitions in farming from the traditional methods to the modern ones. She realized the difference and characteristics of businessman and an entrepreneur; marketing and market; business and agribusiness. For her, these realizations gave her a clearer idea in helping farmers in their locality to become entrepreneurs.
Dr. Melinda F. Mangabat, former ATI-RTC 1 Assistant Center Director, served as the Resource Person for the 25 Sessions/Modules of the Farm Business School. Also, Ms. Jeimelie C. Constantino, Rice Program Point Person/Project Officer and Ms. Jacquelyn R. Rafanan, Technical Staff managed the training.
These two (2) batches of training were accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission – Continuing Professional Development Accreditation System (PRC-CPDAS) with 60 Units which will further benefit the AEWs.