BUTUAN CITY – To ensure readiness of the cooperators of the Rice Competitiveness and Enhancement Fund – Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) – Rice-based Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA), the RCEF team of ATI-RTC 13 conducted the series of focus group discussion with various cooperators.

The team was headed by Career Development and Management Services Section (CDMSS) Chief and RCEF Point Person Violeta T. Laguna and Engr. Matt Andrew Baquiano, OIC-Chief of the Partnership and Accreditation Services Section (PASS). They were also joined by TESDA representatives and the Provincial and City Rice Coordinators during the activity.

The five RCEF-RESP rice-based LSA cooperators were briefed on the mechanics in the conduct of Modified Farmers Field School (FFS) on Modernized Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seed Certification which was presented by Laguna. She also discussed the modules to be used for the course. The TESDA representative presented the documentary requirements for Farm School accreditation, budget allocation as well as the coverage of their scholarship program.

The FGD were conducted on the following schedules: January 19, 2021 at San Vicente, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur with the Farmers Alternative for Self-Reliance Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FASRMCO) and Rene Majid of Reneriz Farm; January 28, 2021 with Violeta Alegado of Alegado’s Farm in barangay Agong-ong, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; and in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur with Higenio Ganate of JUST-HIRO Farming System and Enrique Pacatang of Baucawe Diversified Farm.

These LSAs are recipients of extension support such as ICT tools and equipment in the year 2019 and 2020, respectively.