LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – To enhance the knowledge and skills on modernized production technologies of high-quality inbred rice and seeds, 30 participants comprising of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), Extension Partners, Magsasaka Siyentista and potential Learning Site for Agriculture completed the Training of Trainers on Modernized Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds. Under the Republic Act 11203 otherwise known as the “Rice Trade Liberalization Law”, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) has been created to improve the rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amidst the liberalization of the Philippine rice trade policy. Hence, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CaLaBaRZon will conduct a series of Regional Training of Trainers to the 57 priority provinces of RCEF.

Rice Specialists/Trainers and Extension Delivery experts from ATI CaLaBaRZon and Technical experts from PhilRice-Los Baños, PhilMech, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA RFO), Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Land Bank of the Philippines Lending Center, TESDA-Region IVA, Season-Long Training of Trainers (ToT) graduates, and former (Retiree) International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Head of Partnerships conveyed topics on Transformational Leadership, Understanding Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEP) and Its Implication to Rice Farmers, Rice Industry Situationer, among others. To enhance and practice their presentation skills and technical knowledge on Palay Check System and other FFS topics on Modernized Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds, participants were tasked to discuss lecture through microteaching. Other workshop includes land preparation, crop establishment, machinery operation and the like. At the end of the training, participants were expected to prepare and submit individual plans indicating their plan of work on applying their learnings from the training in support to RCEF.

Ms. Marites Piamonte – Cosico, Center Director of ATI CaLaBaRZon and Engr. Arnel V. De Mesa, Regional Executive Director of DA RFO IV-A urged the participants to become active partners of the DA in the implementation of RCEP to support the rice farmers of CaLaBaRZon.

The Training of Trainers on Modernized Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds occurred on September 30, 2019 to October 11, 2019 at City of Springs, Los Baños, Laguna. Another batch will be conducted for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations on November 18 -29, 2019.

Content: Sherylou C. Alfaro