TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON recognizes the significant contribution of the Center’s extension partners through their efforts in showcasing various agricultural technologies and farming systems. Moreover, the extension partners portray vital roles in the delivery of extension services to more farmers and fisherfolks in the region. Thus, strengthening effective partnership and collaboration among partner institutions and keeping them abreast on the Center’s programs, trainings and other activities. In view of this, ATI CALABARZON conducted the Extension Partners’ Forum cum Seminar on Designing an Online Course at ATI CALABARZON Training Hall in Trece Martires City, Cavite on December 17 and 18, 2020. Some 40 extension partners particularly the cooperators of Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA), Schools for Practical Agriculture (SPA) and Extension Service Providers (ESP) in the region participated in the activity.
The Extension Partners’ Forum cum Seminar on Designing an Online Course was an avenue for consultation and discussion between ATI CALABARZON together with its extension partners and partner institutions. The activity also provided capacity building to extension partners and farm schools by equipping them with skills on online teaching. Ms. Marites Piamonte - Cosico, Center Director of ATI CALABARZON led the opening program.
On the first day, Ms. Gloria Pontejos-Morris of MoCA Family Farm RLearning Center Inc, an accredited Regional ESP, discussed e-learning and its relevance in today’s pandemic as well as designing a short online course.
Mr. Ric Jason Arreza, LSA, SPA and ESP coordinator of ATI CALABARZON, presented the accomplishment reports of the extension partners. Also, the activity highlighted the awarding of certificates of recognition to exemplary performing partners. Likewise, certificates of appreciation were distributed to the following active partners in the implementation of Binhi sa Pamayanan Project of ATI CALABARZON:
1. Chad’s Nature Farm – Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas
2. ABF Integrated Farms and Agribusiness Center – San Pablo City, Laguna
3. Sweet Nature’s Farm – Sta. Maria, Laguna
4. MoCA Family Farm RLearning Center Inc. – Padre Garcia, Batangas
5. Teofely Nature’s Farm – Silang, Cavite
6. Quality Lifelong Learning Center Inc. – Morong, Rizal
7. Luntiang Republika Eco Farm – Alfonso, Cavite
8. Bunch Farm – Lucena City, Quezon
The second day of the activity comprised the sharing of best practices with a theme, “Coping up with 2020 Challenges,” of the following partners:
1. Engr. Edelissa A. Ramos of Uma Verde Eco Nature Farm in Candelaria, Quezon
2. Teacher Rey Aleman of Mayao Parada Agricultural Integrated High School in Lucena City, Quezon
3. Ms. Nenieveh F. Glinoga of Glinoga Organic Farm in Pitogo, Quezon
Mr. Kiko Domincel of Joni and Susan Agro shop and Integrated Farm, a certified LSA of ATI CALABARZON, expressed his gratitude, “Thank you Ma’am Gigi dahil napakarami kong natutunan mula sa iyo. Thank you po sa ATI CALABARZON sa pag-conduct ng ganitong event. Very productive po ang two-day activity na ito. Sa ibang speakers po from other farms, thank you for sharing yung mga examples n’yo sa farm na ginawa at patuloy na ginagawa sa gitna ng nararanasan nating pandemic. Maraming salamat po ulit sa inyong lahat.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, Information Services Section Chief of ATI CALABARZON, graced the closing program. Indeed, it was very fruitful days for the extension partners of ATI CALABARZON whereas sharing ang learning from the best practices.
Content: Soledad E. Leal