STA․BARBARA, Pangasinan-To enhance the capacity of the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) as partners of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in the effective and efficient delivery of extension services to farmers and fisherfolks, ATI Ilocos Region conducted a Training on Gender Sensitive Extension Delivery System for Newly Hired Rice Coordinators on June 27-July 1, 2022 at ATI-RTC I, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

Through the five-day training, 20 AEWs from Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan were capacitated as instruments in boosting the production and income of the farmers through effective and efficient technology transfer.

Various instructional methods, including lecture-discussions, team-building exercises, and workshops were used to effectively deliver the training. Each of the participants complied with the training requirements such as submission of training designs and completion of the e-learning course on extension delivery system. The microteaching activity also highlighted the training where participants discussed their chosen agri-related topic using a visual aid.

Dr. Melinda F. Mangabat and Dr. Julito L. Pioquinto, both extension advocates, served as the resource persons and also the panelists during the microteaching. During the closing program, ATI-RTC 1 Center Director, Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista challenged the participants on their journey as AEWs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jeriel Baldove, an AEW from LGU-Mabini, Pangasinan said in his impression that as a newly hired extension worker, the training served as a good avenue for him to develop and enhance his skills in delivering extension services to farmers. All the resource persons are competent and knowledgeable, and have shared tips that he can use in improving his skills.

The training is accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission – Continuing Professional Development Accreditation System (PRC-CPDAS) with 20 Points as part of the professional development support to the AEWs.