Recently I assisted the Regional Farm Family Forum (RFFF) in Calbayog City on May 22-23, 2013. Since ATI started conducting RFFF, orientation on e-Extension has always been a part of the affair. This year's orientation, just like in the last three (3) years, was doing well with the usual queries from the audience. However, I was taken aback when a 4-H'er from Biliran province asked, "In your own perception, do you think the e-Extension Program made significant impact in the lives of the farmers?" That was hard. While thinking for an answer, I saw Sir Mike raised his hand to my relief.

I came to know Sir Mike two years ago in a similar affair we conducted in Alangalang, Leyte. He approached me after my lecture on e-Extension, featuring the then newly launched NMRice Mobile. He extended his appreciation for the new service offered by e-Extension and told me that he is an ardent e-learner and in thirst for new information in the net particularly from the e-Learning site. Sir Mike is Miguel Pedroso of Calbayog City, an organic agriculture practitioner and multi-awarded farmer-entrepreneur. He had already earned more than 10 e-learning certificates.

This is what Sir Mike said:

"When you go into farming you must always do everything right the first time, everytime. I've learned this the hard way. When I retired from my previous employment, I decided to go into farming. I knew nothing about farming and committed big mistakes. I tell you that mistakes can cost you a lot. Every mistake will add up to your expenses and the more expenses, the lesser the chance for profit. When I learned about the e-learning, I immediately enrolled in the courses offered and I learned so much and gained knowledge on better ways of farming. My thanks and congratulations go to the people behind the e-Extension program for this noble undertaking that spell the difference between success and failure in farming. You asked whether the e-Extension program made an impact, I challenged you all, especially the young farmers who are here. Go e-learning to enhance your knowledge and skills in farming and experience for yourself the difference it will have on you. For me, the program had a great impact in my life."

That was beautifully said and I was in awe. What more will I say? It was straight from the farmer's heart through the lenses of his eyes. I took pride knowing that what we are doing made and is making a difference in the life of Sir Mike and to many other farmers who, I know would answer the same.