LOS ANGELES, Butuan City – Geared to improve agricultural yield, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase adaptability, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted the Training Course on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): a Driver for Green and Growth Development on October 4-8, 2021.

The said five-day activity was attended by 21 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

It aims to discuss the agricultural scenarios and opportunities in the Philippines and its changes through time, explain ATI mandates and extension programs that will help farmers and fishers, elaborate the concept, benefits and advantages of diversified and integrated farming system, enumerate adaptation and mitigation practices, and for the participants to appreciate new farming approach and methods.

There were eight resource persons namely: Matt Andrew Baquiano, Agriculturist II of ATI-RTC XIII, who discussed the topics on urban vegetable gardening and organic agriculture; Ginalyn Arbutante, Information Officer II of ATI-RTC XIII, explained on social media marketing: e-commerce platform; Henry A. Jimenez, Science Research Specialist II of PhilRice Agusan, discussed the Rice Specialist Training Course; Cacao Specialist of Butuan City Agriculture Office, Melanio M. Catayas Jr., explained the cacao cultural management; Oronito G. Abendanio, MRP PNP 13 Coordinator, elaborated the topic on transformational leadership; Fr. Rolie Richie D. Gomez, Director of the MSC Center for the Poor, expounded the ideas involved on climate emergency; Reuben James C. Rollon, Asst. Professor I of Caraga State University, talked on soil and water conservation practices and principles; and Ver Lancer D. Galanida, Chief Meteorological of DOST-PAGASA, shared insights on basic meteorology.

As part of the course, an immersion of participants to four Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) also took place. These LSAs were Perdigon Farm located in Manila de Bugabus, Butuan City, AI Integrated Farm and Eyana Farm in Balangbalang, RTR, Agusan del Norte and Guias Farm in Nong-nong, Butuan City.

“Through this training, I am able to understand that CSA is the collection and integration of different technologies to be applied for food sufficiency, socially acceptable for adaptation and mitigation of climate risk hazards. It is very important for growth and development through educating or capacitating youth and individuals through extension services,” said Sheryl L. Sajulan, Technical Staff of DA-AMIA Project.