GENERAL NAKAR, Quezon – To strengthen the capacity of Brgy. Magsikap community against natural disasters, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CaLaBaRZon conducted the Community Empowerment Course for Climate Resilient Agriculture Beneficiaries on July 12 – 14, 2017. Thirty beneficiaries of the Climate Change Livelihood Projects in General Nakar, Quezon attended the activity.

“Ito na yung simula ng ating programa na idinulog at binigay sa inyong barangay. Ito po yung unang hakbang kung saan magkakaroon tayo ng empowerment. Kakayahan ng inyong komunidad upang masigurado na tayo nga ay magiging handa dito sa climate change,” emphasized by Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, Climate Change Focal Person of ATI CalaBaRZon, during his discussion on training course overview. Lectures on Social Mobilization Techniques and Values Re-Orientation were presented on the first day of the activity. Mr. Carmelo S. Francia, Agricultural Technologist of the Municipal Agriculture Office – Infanta, Quezon and Dr. Franklin Bel T. Isip served as the resource speakers, respectively.

On the following day, Dr. Teddy F. Tepora of the Cavite State University tackled the Community Organizing Principles, Tools and Practices. Additionally, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) provided an overview on Kasaganaan sa Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan o KAANIB during the third day of the training. Through the effort of PCA, a Coco Coir Processing Community production area will be established at Brgy. Magsikap, General Nakar, Quezon.

“Maraming salamat sa bumubuo ng ATI at PCA na sya pong nagsumikap para ipadala sa atin ang pag-aaral na ito para palakasin at patatagin ang ating pagkilos sa pamamagitan ng isang sama-samang pagkilos sa isang matatag na organisasyon,” as expressed by Amador Bonaobra, one of the beneficiaries of the program.

The three-day aims to empower the community as one organization to be suitable and resilient on the effect of climate change. It was held at Octagon Crest and Brgy. Magsikap in General Nakar, Quezon.