Screenshot of participants of the 1st batch of Regional Training of Trainers (TOT) on Strengthening the Capability of the Agricultural Extension System for Agricultural Biotechnology held on September 7, 2020.
A total of 30 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from CALABARZON region completed the two batches of online training entitled, “Regional Training of Trainers (TOT) on Strengthening the Capability of the Agricultural Extension System for Agricultural Biotechnology,” on September 7 and 9, 2020. The online training is a collaborative partnership of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP).
In his opening message, BCP Executive Secretary Dr. Abraham Manalo underscored the organization’s aim to help in the national development through safe and responsible use of modern biotechnology. Adding to that, he strongly believed in the advantage of using modern biotechnology particularly during the challenges in effect of the pandemic.
ATI CALABARZON Center Director Marites Piamonte - Cosico highlighted on her message the importance of understanding the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. She also recognized the role of the extension agents on delivering the accurate information to our farmers and fisherfolks. Center Director Cosico underlined, “To inform we must be informed. To convince we must be convinced.”
BCP President Dr. Saturnina Halos and the former chief of DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Service Division Merlie Palacpac served as the resource persons. Topics included the application of modern biotechnology, issues and concerns in the field, regulations on biotechnology, climate change mitigation efforts through modern biotechnology and organic agriculture.
During the closing program, ATI Partnerships and Accreditation Division Chief Renato Dela Cruz expressed his gratitude in the DA and BCP for making the training possible through virtual delivery as part of the new normal. He then stressed the role of AEWs in helping farmers produce more food and cope with the effects of the current health crisis.
The online training on Regional Training of Trainers (TOT) on Strengthening the Capability of the Agricultural Extension System for Agricultural Biotechnology is part of the 16 series of virtual trainings led by ATI Regional Training Centers nationwide from July to September 2020.
Content: Ms. Vira Elyssa Jamolin