TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in CALABARZON conducted a Performance Review and Assessment on September 28-30, 2020.
The activity served as an avenue to keep track of the physical and financial accomplishments of the Center and monitor the activities of each banner program.
As of September, the Center noted 100% physical accomplishment, as all targeted activities were successfully conducted. The total cash downloaded to the Center was fully utilized as well, with 100% absorption capacity.
As the program focal persons presented their accomplishments, they also shared the challenges they encountered and best practices worth emulating. Among the challenges mentioned were lack of readiness of participants for the new normal in training (use of virtual platforms), as well as poor internet connectivity in their areas.
Meanwhile, some of the best practices include, strong partnership with LGUs and high level of competency of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in training facilitation. These were very helpful as some of the Center’s trainings were implemented by LGU coordinators, with close coordination with the ATI staff through phone calls and video calls and monitoring of trainings through virtual platforms.
ATI CALABARZON’s accredited Extension Service Providers (ESP) were also crucial in the accomplishment of the Center’s targets. MoCA Family Farm RlLearning Center Inc. carried out the “Drip Irrigation Technology Online Training” using LMS (Learning Management System). It was a blended learning methodology with flexible schedule: 30% synchronous (instructor-led) and 70% asynchronous, which allowed participants to work at their own pace. Additionally, Teofely Nature Farms conducted the “Capability-buiding Workshop for Farm Product Utilization” for LSA (Learning Site for Agriculture) cooperators which centered on food safety management, food costing, food preparation techniques, and various product value-adding techniques.
Following the performance review was the staff development, which focused on health and safety of the staff, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Through a Zoom call, Provincial Health Officer of Cavite, Mr. Ralph Laurence Figueroa talked about the Covid-19 guidelines and provided tips on how to keep the Center Covid-free.
Ms. Bernadette Alvarez, Occupational Health and Safety Consultant also shared her experiences in advocating Office Ergonomics which will be beneficial to the work efficiency of the staff.
The three-day activity was held at the ATI CALABARZON Training Hall, with strict implementation of social distancing and use of PPE.