By Teodosia D. Jaraba
ATI-RTC X conducted two (2) batches of Training on Extension Delivery System for LGU-AEWs held in ATI-RTC X Training Hall, El Salvador City. The first batch was held on April 19-22, 2022 while the second batch was held on April 26-29, 2022. This training was conducted for AEWs in preparation for the implementation of Mandanas Ruling. The training methodology used was the blended approach where two days was conducted online/virtual and two days for face-to-face. This training was conducted in response to the results during provincial consultations conducted by ATI-RTC X. Extension delivery was identified as one of the training needs of LGU-AEWs. This training was conducted purposely to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude for them to become effective in the delivery of basic extension services to the farmers and fisherfolks being the front-liners of extension. Fifty (50) AEW-participants successfully participated and finished the training course. Each batch were participated by twenty-five AEWs and each earned a total of eleven (11) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points.

For first batch, the AEWs were coming from Cagayan de Oro City Agriculture Office, from the Provincial Agriculture Office of Misamis Oriental, from Iligan City Agriculture and City Veterinary Office and from the Municipalities of Misamis Oriental, such as: Balingasag, Opol, Manticao, Naawan, Laguindingan, Initao, Magsaysay, Medina, Libertad, Jasaan Gitagum, Talisayan and the component Cities of Gingoog and El Salvador.

For second batch, the participants were AEWs from the Municipal Agricultural Office from the following municipalities: for the Province of Misamis Occidental- Tudela, Sinacaban, Oroquieta City, Jimenez, Clarin, Plaridel and Sapang Dalaga, and Provincial Agriculture Office of Misamis Occidental; for the Province of Lanao del Norte – Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Bacolod, Kauswagan, Kolambugan, Maigo, Matungao, Munai, Lala, Provincial Agriculture Office and Provincial Veterinary Office of Lanao del Norte.

As can be gleaned, the participants were interested to learn and actively participated in all the activities In her message, Ms. Maria Lydia A. Echavez, Center Director encouraged them to make the most out of this training to equip themselves with the necessary tools in extension to be able to put across the message efficiently and effectively to our clients- the farmers and fisherfolks. And that the extension approaches and strategies now varies differently as compared before especially during this time of pandemic. She also made mentioned about the twin goals of the Department of Agriculture and that participants of this training should also be ATI – actively participate, inquire and be trainable/teachable. All of them submitted the requirements of this training course, such as the action plan and went through the micro-teaching presentations. They went home full of enthusiasm and inspiration because of the learning they gained during this training.

Resource Persons were Ms. Maria Lydia A. Echavez, Center Director, Ms. Noemi Beth G. Macario, Information Officer III currently Chief of CDMS Section, Livestock focal and OIC-Assistant Center Director; Ms. Teodosia D. Jaraba, Training Specialist III and the Project Officer; Ms. Maria Eloisa A. Akut, Information Officer II and currently Chief of IS Section.

Topics included were the following: for Module 1: The Basics of Agricultural Extension (AE), History of AE, AE System, Trends in AE, Realities and Challenges in AE, the Philippines AE, The Key Players in Agricultural Extension, Clients of AE; Characteristics, Desirable Qualities, Roles and Responsibilities of an AEW, the AEW as a Professional. For Module 2: AE Approaches, Strategies and Methods, AE Project, Modality, Interventions, Model and Innovations. For Module 3: Communication in the Context of AE, Facilitation Skills and Presentation Skills.