LOS BAÑOS, Laguna- The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region IV-A in partnership with Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office Region IV-A and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) – Los Baños, formally concluded a 10-day training entitled “Specialized Training Course on Rice Production for Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs)” at Arisabel Clubhouse, Los Baños, Laguna. Twenty-seven (27) new Local Farmer Technicians were trained and will actively perform their roles as rice extension agents in their areas of assignment.

Specialized Training Course on Rice Production for Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) duration started from April 2, 2018 until April 13, 2018. It was spearheaded by Partnership and Accreditation Section (PAS) of ATI IV-A. Ms. Mary Grace P. Leidia, Agriculturist II, acted as Project Officer, with Ms. Sherylou C. Alfaro, Ms. Soledad Leal, and Ms. Angela S. Amoloza, as Training Management Staff. The training program aims to develop a new set of qualified and trained rice farmers as partners and active players in the development and promotion of modern rice production and post-production in irrigated and rain-fed lowland rice-growing barangays in CaLaBaRZon.

To attain the objectives, the participants were trained in All Rice- Based Production Technology Topics and Activities and Social Technologies, Facilitation and Presentation Skills respectively: The PalayCheck System was utilized, introducing rice production concepts and principles and showcasing modern irrigated and rain-fed rice production and post production technologies along with best practices. Farmers were also provided with necessary knowledge and skills (facilitation, communication, organization, and other social technology skills) to become effective and efficient extension workers.

Content: Mary Grace P. Leidia