TANTANGAN, South Cotabato – “The gift to touch the life of a stranger whether that be a farmer, an old man, a rural wife – you were given that potential and you need to maximize that potential to do your purpose."

OIC-Director Dr. Luz Taposok of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), emphasized these words during the recently held graduation ceremony of the Agricultural Development and Extension Officers of the Community or AgRiDOCs.

Dr. Taposok confirmed the graduation of the 21 participants with their new roles and responsibilities as extension officers. They will now serve as the catalysts of farm community transformation.

She further explained the expectations of the government to the new breed of rice extensionists, “As graduates of this training program you have been made competent in science-based and locally appropriate strategies for managing and adapting rice-based farming systems towards competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.”

“Being community developers, you have the power to change and to influence people around you,” she added.

The OIC-Director underscored the importance of the AgRiDOCS and their contributions in the transformation and development. “You are now ready to undertake new research, develop agriculture enterprise, manage, network and do extension in your own way, in your own communities.”

Moreover, Dr. Taposok stressed the need of the farmers to be updated of the latest agricultural technologies, the hi-tech but nature-inspired farming practices. These should be imparted to the minds of the farmers so they would embrace change in their daily toil and eventually progress in farming.

Ev Parac-Angeles, PhilRice – CES / Developer, lauded the graduates for their determination and commitment to finish the entire training course. She stated that the new AgRiDOCs will help upgrade the Philippine agricultural extension system and open more doors to transformation.

The AgRiDOC is part of the main component of the project Improving Technology Promotion and Delivery thru Capability Enhancement of the Next Generation of Rice Extension Professionals and other Intermediaries. It was made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute, ATI and the International Rice Research Institute.

The commencement ceremony of the new AgRiDOCs from DA, ATI, Office of Provincial Agriculturists, and Local Government Unit of Mindanao was held last April 7, 2017 in this province.