LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – “Ang ATI ang tingin namin sa training ay negosyo, gusto naming tumutubo kami at yung tubong hinihingi namin, ay ang magamit n’yo yung mga natutunan n’yo rito para maging agripreneur kayo, na ang tingin sa pagsasaka, at paghahayupan ay isang negosyo na kumikita”, highlighted by Marites P. Cosico, Center Director of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CaLaBaRZon.

ATI in partnership with Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) Foundation conducted the 3rd batch of Training of Facilitators on Farm Business School (ToF on FBS) on September 3 to 7, 2018 (Phase I) and September 10 to 17, 2018 (phase II) in City of Springs Resort, Los Baños, Laguna. Some 32 participants from different parts of Luzon graduated in this batch of training.

The two phases of training included lecture on ASEAN Economic Integration, Facilitation Skills, ATI Modalities and Climate Change. Moreover, basic concepts on Farm School Establishment, Taxation on Farming Enterprises and Farm Tourism Enterprise were discussed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Bureau of Interval Revenue (BIR). Other attached agencies like Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and Land Bank presented their Programs and Services for farmers. Aside from discussions, participants also partook on benchmarking and market survey activities.

On graduation day, Marites P. Cosico, Center Director of ATI CaLaBaRZon, Atty. Rhaegee Tamaña, Chief of Staff of Senator Cynthia Villar, Mr. Dennis Arpia, Chief of Operations of Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office IV-A (DA RFO IV-A) and Engr. Arnel De Mesa, Regional Executive Director of DA RFO IV-A graced the ceremony. The training aims to prepare the farm owners and leaders with necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude for the establishment of FBS in their localities.

Content: Arianne T. Guerra