Exactly 74 Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) and School for Practical Agriculture (SPA) Cooperators participated in the “LSA and SPA Regional Assessment with Training on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Materials Development” on March 28-30, 2022 at the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) - MiMaRoPa, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

On their first day, Mr. Jayson N. Erondo, Agriculturist II/LSA Point Person of ATI in MiMaRoPa discussed the rationale of the activity. Then, he reported the targets for LSA establishment as well as presented the schedule of other LSA-related upcoming activities in 2022. Also, the issues and concerns relative to the operation of LSA and SPA in the region were discussed and addressed during the assessment.

The partners from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) presented their programs and projects during the activity. After hearing the presentations, the participants signified to avail of the services from the DTI and DOST to further improve and develop their farms.

The last two days of the training were allotted for the IEC development. Resource Speaker Mr. John Edgar S. Anthony, Dean of the College of Computer Studies from the Mindoro State University coached the participants on making IEC materials such as leaflets, posters, and videos. He emphasized that the said information materials may be a great help in marketing and promoting the LSA/SPA’s farms and products.

Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos graced the opening program of the activity. In his message, Dir. Barrientos gave his appreciation to all the LSA and SPA cooperators for attending the blended-learning activity. Then, he informed them of ATI’s programs and projects wherein LSA and SPA would be tapped as its partners.

Present also was Regional Director Dante J. Navarro of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Director Navarro presented the programs of TESDA that might be helpful for the participants. He also reminded them of their obligations and responsibilities as LSA and SPA Cooperators.

The said training was able to produce 74 promotional IEC materials.