BASCO, Batanes—To further develop their potential as key players in agricultural development, some 35 rice program coordinators of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) participated in the “Skills Enhancement on Setting Priorities, Time Management, and Stress Reduction Towards a More Efficient Workplace.”

During the activity, the participants from ATI Central Office and its network of training centers were equipped with knowledge on effective stress management strategies in an individual and organizational level. They completed activities on stress detection, self-care, and teamwork which were aimed at enabling them to have a more productive and healthy work environment.

The rice program coordinators were also given guided meditation and breathing exercises for self-compassion, and group exercises on identifying strengths and weaknesses among team members. They also learned some tips on avoiding burn-out at work and prioritizing tasks.

In turn, the participants were encouraged to set meaningful goals for themselves and the program. Likewise, they were expected to share the lessons their learned from the activity in their respective offices.

Engr. Renato Dela Cruz, chief of the ATI Partnerships and Accreditation Division (PAD), graced the event and expressed his hope for the other commodity programs to also have the same activity to promote harmonious work-life balance.

Ma. Rose Doreen Flores and Angelito Aniag, Human Resource Coordinators of the Asian Institute of Management, served as resource speakers during the event. This was held last February 24-28 in Batanes State College.