Face-to-face learning events will be minimized for the meantime and RCEF information caravans will continue via Facebook Live or radio broadcast as part of the "new normal". (photo by ATI Eastern Visayas)
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) will continue its operations for activities under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) in the coming weeks following the "new normal" protocols.
Shortly after the first RCEF anniversary celebration held last March 5 in Pangasinan, some activities were halted due to the implementation of community quarantine across the nation starting in the second half of March.
Now, under the "new normal", the activities are being done mostly with the use of digital platforms and information and communications technology. This allows ATI to follow the implementation of the guidelines of the community quarantine such as social distancing and, at the same time, cater to the needs of its clients.
ATI, through its network of training centers, will continue to provide extension services to the beneficiaries of RCEF through this method. Additional restrictions such as reduced number of training participants, blended learning activities, and minimized mass gatherings are also being adopted.
ATI SOCCSKSARGEN will conduct two batches of RCEF Information Caravan via radio broadcast and Facebook Live on May 29-30 and June 5-7. Representatives from the component agencies will share the mechanics of RCEF and how farmers can avail themselves of its benefits.
ATI Ilocos Region will start their School-on-the-Air on RCEF from June 23 to August 27. All activities including briefing and launching will be facilitated through Facebook Messenger/Group chat and teleconference to cater to farmers from the 45 target municipalities in Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, ATI Eastern Visayas eyes for the resumption of training activities by July. One of the activities that clients can look forward to is the Refresher Course on Seed Growers and blended program for the Training of Trainers.
ATI Bicol, on the other hand, is conducting a Facebook Live program entitled "Usapang RCEF: Tamang Kaalaman at Kasanayan" which maximizes the digital platform to provide extension services to their clients.
Simultaneously, the ATI Central Office is sending farm business advisories on RCEF to registered users of the Farmers’ Contact Center. Other RTCs are also continuously distributing information, education, and communication materials and providing information via social media and their websites.
More updates will be posted here on RCEF and the latest updates from the regions. For details, follow the ATI’s Facebook page (@atiinteractive) or text the Farmers’ Contact Center at 0920-9462464.