DILIMAN, Quezon City—The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) gathered some 30 representatives from state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country for a consultative meeting on the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

The meeting aims to orient SUC officials on their possible role as partners in RCEF program implementation. In her message, Officer-in-Charge Assistant Director Rosana Mula encouraged them to communicate openly to come up with the best partnership initiatives for RCEF.

During the meeting, Engr. Roy Abaya, RCEF National Program Coordinating Team Leader, briefed the participants about the components of RCEF and gave updates on its implementation.

Engr. Joey Belarmino, assistant chief of the ATI-Partnerships and Accreditation Division, discussed the qualifications and requirements on how to become a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) and School for Practical Agriculture (SPA) certified by the Institute.

Certified LSAs and SPAs were, initially, the priority organizations to be accredited as Farm Schools of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). However, officials from the SUCs represented in the activity were also encouraged to apply for accreditation as Farm School.

TESDA-accredited Farm Schools are expected to conduct the modified Farmer Field School for rice farmers and farm workers through scholarship grants.

An open forum was held to answer questions from the participants about their role in the program. ATI Training Center directors also shared insights on their ongoing RCEF undertakings.

The meeting was held on February 18, 2020 at the ATI Rural Development and Education Center in this city.