National Defense College of the Philippines Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Theresita Atienza, encourages AEWs in Region XI to put their knowledge and experiences to good use even after retirement.
DAVAO CITY, Davao del Sur— “Career development is about fulfilling careers, instead of fulfilling jobs.”
This was one of the points highlighted by Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean at National Defense College of the Philippines, Dr. Theresita Atienza, during the orientation-workshop for agricultural extension workers (AEWs) on career development. She emphasized that a job may feed one’s family but fulfilling a career gives one happiness and satisfaction.
Spearheaded by the Career Development and Management Division (CDMD) of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), 26 selected agricultural officers in Region XI joined the activity and learned about the initiatives of the Institute in pursuit of continual professional growth among AEWs. Furthermore, the orientation-workshop aimed to make AEWs realize that their role does not end after retirement, as more opportunities in leading their respective local government units are in store for them—in the fields of consultancy, agri-preneurship, policy-making, and university/college instruction, among others.
Likewise, they were reminded to continue putting their knowledge and experiences to good use, especially in resolving inequalities and inequities in their units. Atienza also talked about the importance of Human Resource Management in increasing work productivity in their offices and in elevating extension workers’ morale.
Meanwhile, ATI development management officer Jereme Jon Dumaraos presented a profile of AEWs. Data showed that majority of AEWs are retiring and lack attendance to trainings, particularly about leadership. The participants were then asked to accomplish a Career Development Questionnaire which will help the Institute assess the current needs of the AEWs and provide tailor-fit interventions.
The CDMD, led by its chief Editha Vinuya, assured the participants of their continued strong support beyond retirement and encouraged them to impart their knowledge to the younger generation.
More batches of the orientation-workshop are expected to be conducted in other parts of the country next year. The Davao leg was held on July 29 to August 1, 2018 at the Pinnacle Suites Hotel.