Dalwangan, BUKIDNON--- With the positive result of the Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) for corn farmers in the piloted highland areas in Visayas, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) and the University of the Philippines FSTP team aim to train more competent facilitators on corn via Training of Trainers (TOT) on Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP).

ATI-RTC X conducted its first of this year’s region wide TOT on Farmers-Scientist Training Program in partnership with the University, to 30 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs). A Pool of Resource Speakers and facilitators from UPLB team of FSTP expertly discussed the background of the FSTP, and its operational strategies, corn production management, farm record keeping, and community organizing and leadership.

Also, highlighting the four-day training was a field activity at the corn area of Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock and Research Complex (NMACLRC), where participants had an onsite-experience, practical hands-on activities and return-demonstration, applying what they learned from the lectures.

“FSTP has integrated productivity and environmental safety in the training” said Ms. Lalaine Barrot, participant and the Provincial Corn Coordinator of Lanao del Norte Provincial Agriculture Office.

Majority of the participants to the training were from Bukidnon. However, there were also attendees from Cagayan de Oro, Langonglong, Initao, El Salvador City, Provincial Agriculture Office of Misamis Oriental; Iligan City, Tubod, Balo-I,and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Lanao del Norte. They were very appreciative of the expertise shared by the resource speakers, and excited to be part of the FSTP activities in their locality.

The four-day training was a nationwide move by virtue of EO 710 mandating the local government and other agencies to be involved in FSTP.

The training was held on February 17-21, 2020, at NMACLRC.