SAN ILDEFONSO, Bulacan—Selected Rice Program officers from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) are further equipped with knowledge and skills to expand the reach of the latest technologies in rice farming after receiving their Grains Production National Certificate (NC) II.

During a training program for trainers, some 30 Rice Program focal and alternate focal persons from the ATI’s network of training centers learned about Rice Production Leading to Grains Production NC II. They were educated on proper seed selection, land preparation, crop establishment, management of crop growth, and post-harvest operations.

Aside from the lectures and demonstrations, the participants were assessed based on the core competencies of grains production in the Training Regulations of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

After passing the assessment process as NC II holders, the officers are tasked to effectively demonstrate the new technologies in grains production to various extension agents and farmers in their respective localities.

Luis Bausa, farm and training manager of the Duran Farm Agribusiness and Training Center, served as a resource person during the activity. He talked about site characterization and selection of appropriate and high quality seeds.

TESDA-accredited assessor Joseph David and Duran Farm supervisor Randy Butuhan also shared their expertise during the activity.

The said training was conducted by the ATI -Partnerships and Accreditation Division, in collaboration with TESDA and Duran Farm, which is located in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. It was held last August 12-16, 2019.