Participants of the Training on Project Development and Management prepare project proposals as assisted by the Project Officer of the training, Ms. Abegel A. Joson.
One of the transition strategies of ATI Ilocos Region in preparing the Local Government Units (LGUs) for the full devolution is through provision of trainings to improve the capacity of the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and their overall delivery of agricultural extension services. Phased Training on Project Development and Management for AEWs were conducted to build and develop their capabilities in the different stages of the project life cycle to include project initiation, designing, implementation, monitoring and control, and closure.
The first batch of the training course was conducted for AEWs in La Union and Pangasinan on May 27- June 1, 2022 (Phase 1) and June 7-9 (Phase 2), both held at ATI-RTC 1, Tebag East Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. Meanwhile, the second batch was conducted for AEWs in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur on June 27-July 1, 2022 (Phase 1) and July 20-22 (Phase 2) at ATI Satellite Training Center, Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Twenty-five (25) AEWs completed the first batch while 23 in the second batch.
The phase 1 of the training course mainly focused on needs assessment and analysis as well as in designing project through a logframe and writing project proposals. To have a clear picture of the actual needs of communities, the participants were lead to undergo workshops on problem analysis, objective analysis and alternative analysis. These processes enabled the participants design projects written through project proposals.
On the other hand, the phase 2 concentrated on project monitoring and evaluation and how to communicate results of the M&E. With this training, and with the expertise and guidance of the resource persons namely, Dr. Christopher Cocal of the Pangasinan State University; and Dr. Sherlyn Nicolas of the Mariano Marcos State University, the participants were able to develop full-blown project proposals, logframe, monitoring and evaluation plan, and communication plan.
Mr. Jake Pascual from Provincial Agriculture Office of Ilocos Sur, expressed in his impression that the training had changed his perspective about a project. He emphasized that that in order for a project to succeed, it must begin right, must be planned right, and regularly monitored.
ATI-RTC 1 Center Director, Dr. Rogelio Evangelista gave his high regards to the participants for coming up with great outputs. In his message during the closing program, he encouraged the AEWs to continue enhance the knowledge and skills they have acquired from the training as these will be used during the full devolution.