TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - Face-to-face training is the primary method for instructional-based learning to make room for various workshops, exchange of ideas and experience-based activities. ATI CALABARZON in partnership with Villar SIPAG facilitated its 12th batch of Training of Trainers on Farm Business School (FBS) despite the challenges during this new normal.

This extension modality is designed to train leaders to conduct Farm Business School (farmer-level) in their respective communities, and help farmers learn and improve their skills in entrepreneurship and farm business management. Topics discussed include starting the farm business school, understanding concepts on farm business profitability developing a business plan, basic taxation, and facilitation and presentation skills. It also introduces a market-oriented extension scheme at the farm level that enables engagement of farmers in developing their capacity for running profitable farm businesses.

One of the participants, Rafael Natividad shared his experience during the training.

“The venue was beyond my expectations. All the staff are friendly and always smiling. Program was well organized amidst the current situation. The modules were well made and speakers were well versed in their given topic,” he said. Natividad eager to go back to his farm in Antipolo City Rizal to apply what he learned in the past eight days of intense training.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Senator Cynthia Villar congratulated the graduates through a video message, “Congratulations dahil natuto kayo sa ilalim ng mga experts and seasoned practitioners. I am confident that you will greatly benefit from this training by way of improving your farms’ productivity.”

The Training of Trainers on FBS was held on October 21, 2020, participated by farm owners from Region IV-A, Province of Albay and NCR.

Content and Photo: Ric Jason Arreza