QUEZON CITY, Metro Manila—Training center superintendents and supervisors from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) central office and nationwide network of training centers were given the opportunity to further enhance their knowledge and skills as extension agents on the latest Refresher Course on Extension Delivery System (EDS).

The said training served as an avenue for 21 training center superintendents, assistant division chiefs, section chiefs, and development management officers to deepen their understanding on EDS. EDS describes what extension is all about, from the clients to the extension workers, and the ways to effectively deliver extension services that address the needs of a community.

Through this activity, the participants were able to discuss updates, developments, and trends in agriculture and fisheries extension (AFE). They were also given the chance to share the good practices of their respective Centers on AFE.

“Now, I understand our role in extension as facilitators for development. I learned a lot from the sharing of experiences which I can also share at our Center and apply to my work,” Lhea Glory Mae Araña, a development management officer at ATI Regional Training Center VII, said.

Two experts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños served as the resource persons for this training. University researcher Andrew Gasmen gave an Introduction to Agricultural Extension, discussing the basics and philosophy of extension, the factors affecting extension work, and features of an effective extension.

Professor Rowena Baconguis gave the lecture on Extension Approaches, Strategies, and Methods. She also led a workshop where the participants were tasked to identify existing extension programs of the ATI that can address the needs of a given municipality.

The activity was held last March 12-14 in this city.