Establishing the e-extension program of the Department of Agriculture is a monumental task. The Agricultural Training Institute is mandated to lead the e-extension program in the country by virtue of Department Order no.03 s 2007. This is a noble function but surely an additional task. Ms. Niet Arceo, Chief of the Knowledge Products Management Division of ATI, in her summary during the closing program of the National Planning Workshop on the establishment of the Farmers Contact Center held at Dumaguete City last August 10-14, 2009 said, “the challenges are huge, the obstacles are many, and the effort is so great. Furthermore, she said that “obstacles are likened to the mountains that we have to overcome. When the e-learning was initially being established, many birthpains were experienced , but with the guidance of Mr. Rey Alo, our ever patient consultant, we now have a smooth flow of e-learning courses running on-line. Now comes the next mountain to climb- the establishment of the Farmers Contact Center. Let us work together to conquer the mountain,” she ended.

I would like to add that in mountain climbing there are three types of climbers, the first are called the CAMPERS . These are the climbers who because they see the great tasks and correspondingly the difficulties and hard work, they decide not to proceed but are contented just to camp at the foot of the mountain and see the others continue their hiking. The second type are called the CLIMBERS. They start from the foot and continue to climb until they reach the middle. But since the mountain is so high, and the effort needed is so big and difficult, they are contented to stop at the middle and see the others passing by. The third breed of climbers are called the CONQUERORS. They start at the foot of the mountain, continue at the middle and regardless of obstacles and difficulties, they proceed. Along the steep pathways, they stumble at times, but they stand-up and continue hiking until they reach the peak- where they can see the universe. In our journey towards e-extension, where do you want to belong?- to the campers?, the climbers?, or the conquerors? The choice is yours.