highlights - agricultural training...

Reaching Out. Building Dreams. Changing Lives /ATI-CAR Narrative Report/June 2016 1

ATI-QF-PPD-03 Effectivity Date: 31 October 2013

ATI in the CORDILLERA

JUNE NARRATIVE REPORT

Highlights

I. Enhancing Access to Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Products and

Services

A. e-Extension

Table 1. Online Courses Administered

Online courses Enrollees Graduates Savouring the Green Brew: Arabica Coffee Production

5 3

Basic Beekeeping 23 19 Training Management 34 23 Total 62 45

B. Techno-Gabay Program

a. Established the FITS Centers of the following municipalities of Abra:

1. Sallapadan, Abra

2. Licuan-Baay, Abra

3. Daguioman, Abra 4. Tubo, Abra

5. Lagangilang, Abra

b. Endorsed the following FITS Centers to PhilMech for revitalization:

1. San Juan, Abra

2. Villaviciosa, Abra

c. Visited the following FITS Centers:

1. Paracelis, Mt. Province

2. Alfonso Lista, Ifugao

C. Knowledge Products Development, Reproduction and Dissemination

Documented and packaged two (2) success stories

The Cojoran Farm” A Place of Pulling”

Named after the owners, COJORAN stands for

Connie and Jeff Organically Responsive to Agriculture and

Nature. At present, the farm is an accredited Learning

Site (LS) for Good Agricultural Practices on Fruits and

Vegetables. It is a PhilGAP Certified Organic Farm.

As the term Cojoran literally means in Ibaloi, ‘a

pulling place’, the farm will continually evolve so that like

a magnetic force in the field, it will ‘pull’ or influence

others to go into good and safe farming practices. (a gist

of the story).



Find Your Heart, Dream Big and Stay Inspired

It is said that inspirations in life are found by

looking at what is ahead of us but this humble guy found

his inspiration by looking back. This is a story of Mr.

Berto D. Bayeng who stands proud to be one of the 113

Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW) of the Province of

Benguet.

Mr. Bayeng currently serves as an Agricultural

Technologist (AT) and same time the designated FITS

Center Manager at the Office of the Municipal

Agriculturist (OMAg) of the Municipality of Itogon, Benguet.

Documented and packaged “Indigenous Agricultural Practices in the Cordilleras”

The Cordillera region is rich with indigenous agricultural practices. These have been

practiced by the Igorots way before the colonization of the Americans and the Japanese.

These practices endured and persisted through time and still being practiced today

which is a testament of its effectiveness.

Here are some of them:

a. Use of sunflower, weeds and native pig manure as fertilizer

These weeds, grasses, wild sunflowers and

animal manure especially from those which are fed

with plants when incorporated with the soil adds

organic matter to it which will eventually improve

the soil structure of the farm. This organic matter

will also hasten the rate of microbial activity and

helps in the conservation of the soil

productiveness. As mentioned earlier, the organic

matter may be maintained through application of

residues and animal manure.

b. Management of golden apple snail

Golden apple snail, popularly known as golden or

kuhol and locally known as ‘bisukol’ is one of the major

problems of the rice farmers in the Cordillera. Since they

prefer young and succulent plants, they can severely

dam-age newly transplanted rice by feeding on the

base part of the rice plant moving up to the upper

part. After the final harrow, the farmers pick the

‘bisukol’ out of the field to minimize their damage on

the rice plants. They are hand-picked but in some

areas where the ‘bisukol’ are too small and too many

other, farmers use botanical attractants such as sweet

potato vines, papaya & banana leaves

Developed video production of “Wood Vinegar Technology”

Distributed 5620 print knowledge products

Subscribed to 26 newspapers/magazines

Served 53 library clients

A man stamping the grasses on the field

Mother ‘bisukol’ lays its eggs on the rice plants



D. School-on-the-Air on Good Agricultural Practices on Corn

Corn is an agricultural commodity in the Philippines with economic importance as a raw

material for food and feed industries. It is a commodity that provides an option for import

and export under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). However, Good Agricultural

Practices (GAP) Compliance and Certification is an urgent process that needs to be

understood well by the farmers, community policy makers and other stakeholders in view of

the implementation of AFTA in 2015 and General Agreement on Tariffs & Trade-World

Organization (GATT-WTO) this year. Hence, this SOA in GAP Corn.

SOA is proven as an effective medium in extension that caters to clients without

affecting their working schedule and without requiring them to come in a classroom type of

learning. With only a radio at hand, a farmer can now learn at the comforts of his own place

with lesser expenses.

On June 23, 2016, Mr. Maximino Aromin, head of Information Services Section, had a

meeting with the representatives of selected municipalities for the implementation of the

program. They were Mr. Julius Casil of LGU-Luna, Apayao, Mr. Ferdinand Tuccat of LGU-

Alfonso Lista and Ms. Geraldine Dagadag of LGU-Lagawe and Mr. Rosendo Bunoan of Lamut,

Ifugao.

The meeting was concluded with the following agreements:

Review of the curriculum by ATI-CAR’s corn expert to determine points to

emphasize during airing.

Equal distribution of participants among the LGUs.

Enrollment of participants from other municipalities that can be reached by their radio station as long as they can monitor.

ATI-CAR to provide fund for snacks during monitoring meetings with participants

as the airtime is already free.

The next meeting was scheduled on July 14-15, 2016 with the SOA coordinators

included.

E. Communication and Advocacy

Made 350 RCM Calls

Developed briefing material of e-Extension

Conducted (4) radio airings at the SOA Sites: DWLT 105.3 FM, Radyo Kasaranay,

96.7 MHz-FM and 99.1 Radyo Kiphodan

Prepared and packaged the newsletter of Semester 1 (Volume VIII Issue No. 1)

F. Knowledge Systems Management (ICT Services)

Maintained 31 work stations (desktop computer units) which were regularly

checked to avoid loss of data and other pertinent document.

Undertaken 70 equipment maintenance

Undertaken three (3) equipment repairs

Maintained two (2) Local Area Network connections for easier access to services via

the internet.

Maintained 10 agriculture-related data and information.

Updated ATI-CAR’s website - www.ati.da.gov.ph/car.

http://www.ati.da.gov.ph/car



G. Capability Building for FITS Staff

Appreciation Course on the Applications and Functionalities of QGIS 2.8 and Global Positioning

System (GPS) in Project Mapping and Monitoring – June 29-July 1, 2016

The development of information and communication skills like the computer and

internet has paved the way for the development of other related useful technologies. Among

them are the Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Remote Sensing Technologies (RS). The GIS, GPS, and RS technologies have a lot of

potential uses in the agriculture and fishery extension. These could be used to determine

location of sampling sites, plot maps for use in the field, examine the distribution of soil

types in relation to yields and productivity, vegetable classification for predicting crop yield

or environmental impacts, modeling of surface water drainage patterns or tracking animal

migration patterns and others.

Assistant Training Center Director Myrna B. Sta. Maria opened the activity encouraging

the participants to enjoy and learn from the experts on this subject matter.

The participants were composed of 20 extension workers, six (6) ATI-CAR staff and four

(4) others. Dr. Lumbres encouraged the participants to share the very wonderful software, share data and information like research results. If there is sharing of data, gumaganda ang

GIS natin.

Mr. Maximino Aromin, ISS Chief of ATI-CAR, concluded the activity expressing that,

"Since you acknowledge that with great power comes great responsibilities, since

knowledge is power, and since you have gained knowledge from this training, therefore

you have greater responsibilities ahead of you to share and lalo pang pagyamanin ang

inyong napag-aralan. We, in the ATI is committed to provide continuous capability building

to the FITS Staff."

The resource persons Dr. Roscinto Ian C. Lumbres and Dr. Marissa R. Parao were rated

excellent and very satisfactory, respectively. The activity was rated 4.43 equivalent to very

satisfactory.

Total cost incurred was 102,658.72 pesos.



II. Strengthening Competitiveness and Capacities of the Agriculture and

Fisheries Sector

A. Training and Extension Support to Regular Programs and Commodities

REGULAR PROGRAM

Training on Cassava and Soybean production and processing for the farmers of Conner,

Apayao in Support to GAD @ Caglayan, Conner, Apayao

Cassava and soybeans are two of the

important agricultural crops in the Philippines.

These crops can be used as food and ingredients

for feeds. Having warm climate, cassava and

soybeans can be easily grown in Conner, Apayao.

Being able to produce these crops, they can also

process them and make an enterprise out of it.

Hence, this training.

From May 30-June 3, 2016, two (2) batches of

this training was simultaneously conducted for the

farmers of Conner, Apayao. A total of 92 farmers

composed of 66 female and 26 male completed

this on-site training.

The four resource persons of the two (2) batches were given the following ratings

Batch 1

Ms. Kristin Mei Kayat – 4.32 – Very Satisfactory

Mr. Nestor Humiwat – 4.61 – Excellent

Mr. Danilo Barwelo – 4.35 – Very Satisfactory

Mr. Cyril Catilling – 4.54 – Excellent

Batch 2

Ms. Kristin Mei Kayat – 4.49 – Very Satisfactory

Mr. Ronan M. Soriano – 4.52 – Excellent

Ms. Joana Balagso – 4.40 – Very Satisfactory

Mr. Nestor Humiwat – 4.74 – Excellent

Ms. Corazon P. Gasmeña, Municipal Agriculturist Officer of Conner, Apayao encouraged

the participants of Batch 1 to join organizations in their municipality because it is through

this organizations that the LGU provide livelihood assistance. Further, they are requesting

for training on cacao production and processing because the municipality produces a lot but

they lack skills in processing them.

"Ammu yu kakabsat, maysa nak nga teacher, ngem ummay nak ditoy training nga daytoy

tapnu ti kasta ket maamuwak dagiti baru nga technology maipanggep iti cassava ken soybean

production. Agyaman nak unay ta adu iti naadal ku iti daytoy nga training. Adu iti maisurok

kadagitay estudyante mi ijay school. Ket isurok met dagitoy kakadwak nga teacher

maipanggep iti daytoy soybean ken cassava processing tapnu ti kasta ket awanen iti aglaku iti

junk foods ijay school ta ngamin ammu tayo met kakabsat nga haan a nasayaat ti pagbanagan

dagiti ubbing nu junk foods ti kanen da. Thank you sa Agricultural Training Institute for



extending your programs in food processing, sapay kuma ta agsubli kayun tu pay nga

mangisuro kadakami. - Mr. Sadere Lucero, teacher from Caglayan, Conner, Apayao.

Overall, batch 1 and batch 2 were rated 4.47 and 4.27, respectively. Both figures were

equivalent to very satisfactory rating.

The total costs incurred in the conduct of the two batches were 123,466.96 pesos.

Empowering Women: Training on Food Processing (Organic Vegetable and Soybean) and

Food Preservation for RICs of Benguet (GAD-Related)-June 28-30, 2016 @ ATI-CAR (2 Batches)

A total of 68 RICs of Benguet were trained on food processing and preservation. They all

participated with great enthusiasm as the demonstrations and lectures were made.

Ms. Norma P. Banania encouraged the participants by saying, "Do not rely on us, rely on

yourself. Keep yourself busy at home and also involve your children. The market is so wide

and you are needed there. You should be ahead in processing organic products. As women,

you are there to protect your family. Endure the sacrifice because you are there to

protect your family. And also, in your organization, work as a team".

Also, Mr. Nestor C. Humiwat emphasized that, "We are here to make a difference. To

prepare healthy food for our family. Let us advocate soybean processing".

As part of the training, the participants shared their learning insights and impressions of

the training. Here are some of them:

"Idi naki-join ak ti RIC, ditoyak met nga na-involve t training. Through the RIC, adu iti

naad-adal ko. We will really impart this training to our co-members of our RIC. With this

training, nag-ka-idea ak iti alternative source of income. For us, we are processing

strawberries ngem nu haan nga season ti strawberry awan iti iprocess mi. With this training,

we can process other products. Thank you for the organizers of this training" - Teresa Tino -

RIC-La Trinidad

"Uray nu ammu tau gayam nga agprocess nu awan iti GMP ket awan metlang iti serbi na.

Kayat tayu amin nga nasalun-at koma iti komunidad nga serserbi-an tayu. Dagitoy ket haan

lang nga pangbusiness ngem nangnangruna py ketdi koma nga para iti nasalun-at nga

pamilya tau". - Diana Belino - RIC-Kapangan



"Costing is very important in business for us to know our expenses and also our gain.

Also in marketing, do not think that there is no market, we have our feet for us to use to

strategize. Let us endure and be patient." - Gabriela Mongen- RIC-Itogon

Training Center Director Arlene L. Flores closed the activity saying, "I am happy to see

that this hall is full with Benguet people. We want you to get out of your shell. Our

upbringings have positive and negative impacts. On the negative side, we are

"individualistic". These are the things we want to change. Training is one way to expose

you and mainstream ourselves as the minority groups. We oftentimes speak out "adu la

amin" (whatever). But if we say that, we do not want to be taught. With this training, I am

happy to see your faces in the photos projected that you were curious of how things were

being done and we are not just there in the corners. I hope, time will come those words "adu

la amin" will be gone. As RICs, please continue to be active. We want this to be our banner

program. We are depending on you as our banner program success. Please continue to apply

what you already have.

Per evaluation, the activity and the three Resource Persons were given the following

ratings:

Resource Persons

Batch 1 Batch 2

Average

Rating

Descriptive

Equivalent

Average

Rating

Descriptive

Equivalent

Mr. Nestor Humiwat 4.610 Excellent 4.107 Very Satisfactory

Ms. Norma Banania 4.657 Excellent 4.494 Very Satisfactory

Ms. Cristine Esnara 4.384 Very Satisfactory 3.979 Very Satisfactory

Overall Training 4.162 Very Satisfactory 4.523 Excellent

Total cost incurred for the successful conduct of the trainings were 130,384.06 pesos.

Training on Banana and Pineapple Processing and Packaging for the Farmers of the 4th-6th

Class Municipalities of Apayao-June 26-28, 2016 (2 Batches)

Training on food processing is one of the key solutions to help our farmers improve

their farm business. It prolongs the lifespan of the products and gives the farmer an

opportunity to wait for a better price. It improves product quality; and with better quality

commands higher demand and price.

Apayao is one of the main producer

of pineapple and banana. These products are

merely being sold as whole fruit because the

farmers lack technical skills in processing.

To meet this need, this training was

organized to provide them necessary

knowledge and skills in processing and

preservation to increase their profitability,

thereby help increase their economic status.

For the month. Two (2) batches of

this training provided knowledge and skills

to a total of 81 participants composed of 74

students of Pudtol Vocational School and seven (7) farmers.



The Local Government Unit of Pudtol, Apayao was very thankful to ATI for conducting

the training at their place. Mr. Ricarte Domingo, former Sanggunian Bayan Member, and Mr.

Loreto Pascua, former Vice Mayor who came during the closing program encouraged

everyone to put their learning into practice. They encouraged the students to prepare

their own snacks rather than buying junk foods and soft drinks to support the program of

DepEd that healthy foods shall only be sold in the schools. To the parents, they can process

reject produce so as not to be wasted. They can start small enterprise then expand in the

future.

"Be confident to share your talent. Thank you mam Kristin and sir Melchor sa tiyaga

niyong nagturo sa amin. Gagamitin po namin ito upang maging successful at sana po ay

ipagpatuloy niyo ang magbigay inspirasyon sa amin pati na din sa iba pang mga kabataan. -

Glaiza Mae Donglawen, Student, Cabatacan, Pudtol, Apayao

“This training is a great opportunity to us students so that we will be prepared to face

challenges, to stand and help ourselves and our parents. Later on we will be independent,

thus, we must take all opportunities to achieve our dreams. - Ruben Alvior, Student,Marag,

Luna, Apayao

Per evaluation, the activity and the Resource Persons were given the following ratings:

Resource Persons

Batch 1 Batch 2

Average

Rating

Descriptive

Equivalent

Average

Rating

Descriptive

Equivalent

Ms. Kristine Mei Kayat 4.74 Excellent 4.82 Excellent

Mr. Melchor Lumiked 4.73 Excellent 4.88 Excellent

Overall Training 4.51 Excellent 4.71 Excellent

The total cost incurred in the successful conduct of the on –site training was 72,047.50

pesos.

Training on Cassava and Banana with Fruit Wine Processing for Farmers of Sta. Marcela,

Apayao (4th -6th Class Municipality) – June 28-30, 2016

Sta. Marcela, Apayao is a 4th class municipality of Apayao wherein majority of its

population depend on agriculture as its source of livelihood and income.

With this, 21 farmers and two (2) extension workers were fortunate to be trained.

“We admit that we belong to the poorest municipalities but we hope that this training

would help our community to generate livelihood and additional source of income for our

constituents. Thus, improving our living status. Thank you ATI for reaching us here through



your programs. Our mayor is very supportive when it comes to livelihood programs for our

community. We hope for more of the trainings to be conducted here."- Ms. Delia Cuecaco,

Municipal Agriculturist

Ms. Esther Botangen, the resource person shared that cooking needs passion. We will

never produce good fruit or best recipes without our passion. She was rated 4. 51 for doing

an excellent job. Overall, the activity was rated 4.59 or excellent.

The activity cost was 53872.61pesos.

Livelihood Enhancement for Poorest Municipalities: Training on Cassava and Banana with

Fruit Wine Processing for Farmers of Sta. Marcela and Flora, Apayao – June 28-30, 2016

Cassava and banana are one of the

dominant permanent crops in the Cordillera (PSA,

2004) particularly in the province of Apayao.

Normally, these are being sold as fresh at the

market. Unfortunately, farmers continue to

experience great loss of due to poor post-harvest

handling and transportation.

As a support to these municipalities, it is

then good to equip the farmers with necessary

knowledge and skills in product value adding. Further, to encourage them venture on

enterprises as other source of income.

There were 30 farmers composed of 26 women and four (4) men who eagerly

participated in processing various cassava products.

There resource person Ms. Esther Botangen encouraged the participants to try to

explore and make innovations on the processing/cooking your products and not only dwell

on what she have taught. She pointed out the seven benefits of processing:

1. prolongs product life

2. reduces toxic content of the product

3. gives additional employment and income

4. adds value to the product

5. can be done anytime-during the night or day

6. increases consumption on the products as substitute for rice thus reducing

consumption of rice

7. improves appearance and presentation that convince more buyers

The training was supported by the LGU-Sta. Marcela.

The mayor Hon. Rolly Guiang himself came and delivered

his message saying that, “Great things start from small

beginnings. What you will learn from this training should

be applied in your home so that our government resources

will not be wasted. We want to promote and showcase our

products during our festival that we should make

innovations on them so that we could increase the value of

our products attract more markets. We should be serving

foods with nutritional value to our children using our own

products and discourage them from eating junk foods like

"chichiria". You need to organize yourselves and the LGU is

willing to provide assistance to your processing equipment

and materials needed for your livelihood or income source.



Overall, the activity and resource person were rated 4.54 and 4.72, respectively which

are equivalent to excellent.

An amount of 53, 526.43 pesos was utilized for the training.

RICE PROGRAM

Technical Briefing on Rice Crop Manager and ICT-Based Tools for Rice Production for

Paracelis, Mt. Province Batch 1 and 2-June 7 and 8, 2016 @ Amangyen Multi-Purpose Hall,

Poblacion, Paracelis, Mt. Province

In a joint meeting of DA-RFO-CAR and ATI-CAR in August 2015, the group agreed that

ATI-CAR will handle basic training on RCM use and RCM briefings both for AEWs, Local

Farmer Technicians and farmers.

For the month, an additional two (2) batches of RCM briefings were conducted for the

farmers of Mt. Province. These was made possible through the active involvement of the

Municipal Agriculture Office headed by Ms. Eusebia A. Balocnit.

A total of 154 rice farmers were oriented. Also, 149 recommendations were made.

During the closing program, some of them made a notable insights. Among them are the

following.

The ICT-based Tools is the foremost thing I appreciated in this activity, these services

indeed exist but I did not know it. I am thankful for this activity because it was able to share

something that is for our welfare as farmers. I would just like to suggest extending the time

allotted because the duration of this activity is not enough. Even the one who presented the

e-Extension seem to be in a hurry explaining to us what is e-learning, e-trading and e-

farming. Though I know how to use the internet it is only now that I got informed about

these services for us which is called the e-Extension. Thank you very much to the team from

ATI--CAR who shared these to us. - Mr. Alfredo Alit, Butigue Irrigators Association

Thank you because you were able to share something to us. The impression of one of

my co-participant is indeed true that is why we are very much thankful because though our

speakers came from afar they still came. We thank our government because it sent people

who shared some ways of increasing our yield. We even have a bonus from them which is

this ICT-based Tools, these services indeed exist. Through cellphones and internet we can

learn and that is pleasing to us since we do not need to travel and spend for our fares just to



inquire at the office of the Municipal Agriculturist. The concept of the e-trading is very nice

since we can sell our products directly thus we obtain (more) profit. Again, we thank you for delivering these services to us. - Patrick Lapon, Rice Farmer

These briefings were rated very satisfactory.

A total of 66,095.23 pesos was spent for the briefings.

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PROGRAM

Training on Farm Business Planning in Support to Organic Agriculture for Organic

Agriculture Focal Persons of CAR – June 20-24, 2016 @ ATI-CAR

A total of 24 organizations are currently enrolled in the Organic Agriculture Internal

Control System (OA-ICS). Out of these, 10 organizations are already endorsed to DA-regional field office for pre-inspection and finally for third party certification. However, in the

conduct of the various phases of the OA-ICS, training on business planning and record

keeping is frequently requested by members of the organizations. Accordingly, this will

enable them to make a doable plan, likewise their organization’s record management will be

strengthened and enhanced.

Thus, the training was organized

for the OA focal persons so they could

effectively and skillfully assist these

organizations towards their success.

As an output, 44 extension workers

were able to complete.

Most of the participants made a

notable remarks and insights on the

training.

"Business Planning is really what

is needed now in our programs. You

know, our clients come and ask me to assist them or prepare business plan

for them. Mejo agkatawa ak nga

ilemmeng ko ta haan ko met maibaga nga haan ko amu. So mabaybay-an dagijy farmers tau.

Imbag ta adda daytoy nga training ta isu met iti isuro. Through this training, I can have

something to teach to our farmers. I know you also have the same thinking. We cannot

perfect at the moment but we can perfect as we practice it. Thank you to our speakers for

seeing what we cannot see and shared everything to us. Be prepared when entering the world of business. Collect all data needed so you have something to start with”. - Hubert

Patang-I, AT, Tinglayan-Kalinga

"In relation to business plan, I have learned a lot with the parable of the talent shared by

Sir Ed. In anything we do, there should always be a plan. Consider "where am I now and where do I want to go and how to get there."- Tessie Guevarra, AT-OPAg-Benguet

The Center’s Extension Service Provider headed by Dir. Edmund B. Benavidez and

Marketing Officer Ms. Amelia A. Gas-ib dynamically directed the training. As reward to their effort, the participants rated them EXCELLENT.

"First of all, we thank the Lord for this opportunity and to ATI for us to meet each other.

You are all survivors. May I borrow ung statement of Ma’am Myrna that you are "katulungan

iti ATI," that summarizes your efforts and sacrifices. We are seeing things that are yet

unseen. May you go back not only to empower our farmers but really to be an agent of

change because it's coming. As you move forward and meet your clients, we pray that the

Lord will always be with you."- Dir. Edmund Benavidez, SLU-EISSIEF

A total of 122,883.40 pesos was the cost incurred for the fruitful conduct of the training.



Training in Support to Organic Agriculture-Internal Control System (OA-ICS Phase 1) for

Luna, Apayao Organic Practitioners Association (LAOPA)-June 28-30, 2016 @ Borromeo's Residence Tourist Inn, San Isidro Sur, Luna, Apayao

The installation of ICS for small holder group has the following advantages:

Improved product quality Ready access technical advise Information exchange Stimulation of Local government Enables producer to participate in the global organic market, implement

environmentally safe and sustainable production and develop good management practices.

With this, another

organization from Luna, Apayao

went through OA-ICS Phase 1. This

is the LAOPA composed of 34

farmers and three (3) extension

workers.

Mr. Charlie C. Sagudan, OA

focal person ATI-CAR emphasized

to the organization that the OA-ICS

program they are about to

participate is their legacy to the

future generations of their

municipality, because as stated in

the book of genesis, this land was

God given and we should take

good care of it so the rest of the

generations will have something to

plant. Furthermore it also mention about good stewardship of the land, and by practicing

organic farming you are showing and implementing good stewardship".

During the closing program, Provincial Agriculturist Mr. Prudencio Bosing of Apayao

and Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Florencio Agustin of Luna expressed their desire to fully

support the endeavors of the organization especially on their goal to be third party certified.

Overall, activity and resource person were rated very satisfactory.

The total cost incurred was 49,609.24 pesos.



HVCD

Training Course on Quality and Safety Management (HACCP, SSOP, GMP/GHP) of Fruits

and Vegetables cum Gender and Development for AEWs of CAR

Vegetables and fruits are often thought as healthy and nutritious food. However, recent

foodborne illness outbreaks have been traced from fresh vegetables and juices in most countries. Thus, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Systems (HACCP) was

developed. This is a point, step or procedure in a food manufacturing process at which

control can be applied and as a result, food safety hazards can be prevented, eliminated or

reduced to an acceptable level. It performs a detailed analysis of the whole production

system to identify physical, chemical and biological hazards.

The region being one of the major producers of fruits and vegetables in the country

must be aware of these fresh produce safety laws, potential sources of food contamination,

production of quality crops, proper post-harvest handling and quality maintenance, and

various quality assurance.

With this, 45 AEWs completed this training to fully understand the system before

delineating it to the farmers.

Integrated in the training was a lecture on gender sensitivity for them to appreciate the

role of gender in the realm of agriculture.

“This training conducted by ATI has great impact to our work at Benguet AgriPinoy Trading Center. The Food Safety Act Law was an eye opener to us. It made us aware of the

delineation of tasks on Food Safety It made us confident to pursue and impose food safety

rules and regulations in the trading center.” - Mr. Jefferson Belino, staff, BAPTC

Overall, activity and the four (4) resource persons were rated very satisfactory.

The total cost incurred was 103,243.40 pesos.



CORN AND CASSAVA PROGRAM

Training Course on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Corn Farmer Organizations in CAR

The ASEAN Free Trade and Agreement (AFTA) and General Agreement on Tariffs &

World-Trade Organization (GATT-WTO) were two agreements among countries of which

the Philippines is a member. These agreements provide equal and wider opportunities but it

is not the mere removal of import taxes because it requires the guarantee system called GAP Compliance Certificate to ensure food safety and quality.

There is a need to continuously educate and convince the farmer organizations to get certified under GAP so they compete their produce locally and globally.

With this, 13 farmers of Kalinga,

seven (7) extension workers and two (2)

SUC representatives were trained on this

as the province is one of the corn

producer of the region.

Generally, the participants said that

the GAP requirements are attainable but cannot be accomplished in a short span

of time. However, some participants

signified their interest to file pre-GAP

application for initial assessment.

Mr. Edwin Dicksen and Mr.

Alexander Bayachan did a very

satisfactory performance in delivering their topics as rated by the participants. Overall, the

activity is a very satisfactory one.

An amount of 58, 986.25 was incurred in the conduct of the on-site training.

Training on Installation of Internal Control System on GAP-Corn (3 Batches)

TOT on the ICS on GAP-Corn for Group Certification for AEWs of CAR Phase 1-May 29-31, 2016 @ ATI-CAR

TOT on the ICS on GAP-Corn for Group Certification for AEWs of CAR, Phase 2-June 1-3, 2016 @ ATI-CAR

Training on GAP-ICS Phases 1 for Corn Farmer Organizations in CAR(additional batch)-June 23-24, 2016 @ Tabuk, Kalinga

Various organizations and

associations of farmer-producers within the region are engaged in

production and processing of fresh

produce has to come up with their

own Internal Control System (ICS) to

have better access to local and global

markets.

To facilitate these various

organizations, these trainings were

organized for the Agricultural

Extension Workers of the region so

that they will be the one to assist

interested corn farmer organizations

in their areas of coverage in coming up with their internal control system (ICS) as

requirement of group certification.



Group certification is an approach that facilitates access of smallholders to Good

Agricultural Practices (GAP) Compliance and Certification. An ICS is a part of a documented quality assurance system that allows National GAP Certification body to delegate the

periodic inspection of individual group members. The rationale of the ICS is to set up the

group and its’ rules, the regulations can be simplified to an extent that even illiterate

farmers are clear on the rules they must follow, and the data they must keep. Also, this is to

bring down the cost of Certification to smallholders by establishing a group that will do the

monitoring itself so that the certifier’s job is to make sure the group’s processes and data are

working well.

Group certification is offered to

farm units which are mainly managed by family members, there is

homogeneity of members in terms of

geographical location, production

system, size of the land holdings and common marketing system. No

maximum amount spent per hectare

per farmer is set. Minimum size of the

group must be large enough to sustain a

viable ICS. Practical guideline is a

minimum of 30-50 smallholders but no

fix minimum number and it depends on

the situation. Likewise, maximum size

of the group depends on structure capacity and communication, and is an element in the risk

assessment.

Table below shows the overall activity and resource persons’ rating.

Resource Persons TOT-ICS Phase 1 & 2 ICS for Farm Org

Noelito Villa 4.16 Very Satisfactory Edwin Dicksen 4.33 Very Satisfactory 4.15 Alexander Bayachan 4.20 Very Satisfactory Overall Activity 4.35 Very Satisfactory 4.02 Very Satisfactory

A total of 112,954.13 pesos was utilized for the conduct of the three (3) trainings.

Training on Sustainable Corn Production for Sloping Areas (SCoPSA) for AEWs and

Farmer-Leaders of CAR-June 27-30, 2016 @ Bontoc Central, Mountain Province

SCoPSA technology was imparted to12 extension workers and 12 farmer leaders of Mt.

Province, Apayao and Kalinga.

Resource person Ms. Remy P. Balliyao, AT/Provincial Corn Coordinator of OAS-Kalinga,

shared to the participants her experiences on corn production by stating that "personally I

am a corn producer and I know the hardships, financial incapacities and limitations in

procuring seeds and farm inputs, most especially during calamities like heavy typhoons. But

despite these circumstances, I always entrust to God all my activities and service to the

clients and it's worth rewarding".

“Our farmers should be educated on sloping agricultural technologies to help conserve

our vanishing forest resources due to “kaingin” or slash-and-burn practices of the upland

dwellers". - Ms. Mary Jane S. Tumapang, Assisstant Provincial Agriculturist of OPAG-Mt.

Province

Mr. Tomas Bandao, Farmer-Leader of Bauko, Mt. Province said during the closing

program that "SALT is adoptable in the Cordillera because of the sloping terrain in most of

the municipalities".



Also, according to Mr. Bandao "due to slash-and-burn practice of the upland farmers,

soil erosion, landslide, surface run-off is very rampant in the Region". "I came to realize during the training that there are many technologies that can be adopted and implemented

at the farmers’ level if only we will follow the recommended technologies". Also, "it's time

for us to adopt the trends of globalization by applying for GAP certification because of the

ASEAN Integration.

Ms. Teresa Patang-I, Farmer-Leader of Belong, Tinglayan, Kalinga stated that "I

appreciated this training because the objective of SCoPSA or SALT regarding soil

conservation and sustenance of soil fertility is a good project that can be implemented by

the farmers in our municipality". However, she added that "I hope the LGU will support this

kind of project by providing assistance like seeds or planting materials of the tree species for hedgerows since these are imported".

The Resource Persons were given the following ratings:

Edwin Dicksen – 4.33 – Very Satisfactory

Mary Frances Buanzi – 4.20 - Very Satisfactory

Remy Balliyao – 4.22 - Very Satisfactory

Overall, the activity was rated 4.21 or very satisfactory utilizing a total cost of 100,329

pesos.

LIVESTOCK

Training on Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) to Livestock Coordinators of CAR

with Animal Production NC II (swine)-June 7-10, 2016 @ ATI-CAR

Good Animal Husbandry Certification (GHAP) may not be so much applicable here in CAR because almost 90% of our raisers are backyard raisers. However we are giving you

this training ta nu ada met agdamag kinyayo ah ket amu tayo ti isungsungbat tayo. Maysa pay

dagitoy principles ti GAHP ket mabalin met nga iaramid ijy taraken tayo even without the

certification. Another concern is this food safety, ta datayo metlang met mang consume ijay

da taraken tayo why not practice the principles of food safety for our own sake. Daytoy NC

tayo ti Animal Production, is in response kadagiti request tayo and as part of our continuous

capability building that we may be able to become competitive to our ASEAN neighbors especially this ASEAN integration, so hopefully we all passed the assessment. – Opening

message of Mr. Cristino E. Balancio, Sr. Agriculturist/Head PASS, ATI-CAR



"Food Safety is one of our major concerns here as we part in the primary production and

post-harvest stages of food supply chain. In practicing GAHP we are not just thinking of our profit but we are protecting our consumers." - Ms. Katrina Maminta, Science Research

Specialist II, DA-BAFS-CO

"Animals are just like us, they have feelings, they could feel our love and they love us

back in return, so we have to treat them just like they are one of us." -Dr. Marietta Blanco,

Agricultural Technician II, DA-RFO

CAR

Completing this training were 33

agricultural extension workers and

seven (7) SUC representatives. With a

62% average learning increment, it

implies that the training made a

significant increase in the knowledge

of the participants regarding the topics

on GHAP.

As well, the official participants

plus (5) walk-in clients undergone

hands-on, interview and examination

for their Animal Production NC II on

Swine. Gladly, all of them passed the

assessment.

There seven (7) invited resource speakers were given the following ratings:

1. Edward Buraga – 3.63 – Very Satisfactory 2. Mary Arnel D. Garcia – 4.15 – Very Satisfactory 3. Rhitzel Palima – 3.93 – Very Satisfactory 4. Katrina Maminta – 3.75 – Very Satisfactory 5. Dr. Francis Dimalanta – 3.74 – Very Satisfactory 6. Marietta Blanco – 3.93 – Very Satisfactory 7. Rodolfo Tiwaquen – 4.08 – Very Satisfactory

Overall, the activity was rated 3.93 or a very satisfactory one. An amount of 147,839.80

pesos was utilized for the successful conduct of the training.

Farmer Livestock School on Goat Enterprise Management for Farmers of Posnaan,

Aguinaldo, Ifugao

The municipality of Aguinaldo has a great potential for agricultural development due to

its wide land area and temperate climatic condition that is suitable for crops and livestock

production thus most household raise animals for food and for cash. Hence, this training was

proposed to ATI-CAR and was duly approved by the management.

Through this season long training, the 26 enrolled participants farmers will learn the

technology of goat raising from the Basket of Technology Options (BOT). They will through

discovery method to ensure that the animal will not only survive but also proliferate.

Maintaining healthy environment and bio security: a

hands-on exercises in Animal Production



RBO

Training on Root Crops and Saba Banana Production and Processing for Indigenous

People’s Organization Leaders and Members of CAR-June 21-23, 2016 @ ATI-CAR; NPRCRTC-

BSU; Kadassan Farm and Alilis Farm, Tuba Benguet

Consumption of root

crops and saba banana is being promoted to help

attain food self-sufficiency

considering that these have minimal cost of production

and affordable majority

Filipinos. However, in times

of increased production,

these crops when not

consumed instantly are

being spoiled.

The most logical way to

address the problem is to process these crops to

preserve and increase the value. In turn, these processed products will not only for family

consumption but for additional income. Thus, job opportunities are being created and it even enhances the capability of the farmers especially the IPs to become entrepreneurs.

These training was completed by 29 IPs and one (1) representative from the regional

office of the National Commission on Indigenous People as the activity was coordinated to

their office. First day was a farm visit to Justo Organic Taro Farm, Dalupirip, Itogon; Kadassan Farms, and Alilis Taro Farm both located at Tuba. The remaining two days were

allotted for root crops and saba banana processing at Northern Philippines Rootcrops

Research and Training Center, Benguet State University (NPRRTC, BSU).

A 56% learning increment implies that the training made remarkable increase in the

knowledge and skills of the participants.

“Dakkel nga tulong ti ATI-CAR ta inikkan dakami ti gundaway nga agadal. Naamoan mi

nga adu ti benepisyo naited ti rootcrops ken banana para makatulong ti pamilya ken

comunidad mi. Iyawis ko kadaguti padak nga participants nga isuro tayo ti kabarangay tayo

dagiti naadal tayo nga agprocess tapno saan nga masayang dagiti sobra nga product tayo”. -

Marilyn Panagan, IP from Namatec, Sabangan, Mt. Province

The seven (7) resource persons with their rating:

Joyce Mamao – 4.33 – Very Satisfactory

Esther Botangen – 4.29 - Very Satisfactory

Sonia Loquitan – 3.66 - Very Satisfactory

Milagrosa Justo – 3.60 - Very Satisfactory

Elisia Alilis – 3.76 - Very Satisfactory

Chynthia Kiswa – 4.22 - Very Satisfactory

Cristino E. Balncio – 4.50 – Excellent

Overall, the activity was rated 4.14 or very satisfactory. A total of 111,644.60 pesos was the cost incurred in the training.



III. Expanding Partnerships in Advancing Excellence in Agriculture and

Fisheries Extension Delivery

A. Partnership Development

IV. Scaling-Up Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Innovations

El Xaris Farm: The Sole Organic Agriculture-Learning Site of Apayao

El Xaris Farm was recommended to ATI-

CAR by the Local Government Unit of Conner,

Apayao. It was set-up as Learning Site (LS) on

organic fruit trees and vegetables since he

does not use chemical fertilizers and

pesticides. The farm is owned and operated by

Engr. Joseph Eming and family. With them is a

relative working as farm helper that they

monthly.

El Xaris Farm is willing to utilize their 3

hectares planted with various fruit trees and

vegetables as LS and practicum area. The

family house is accessible by any vehicle while

the farm which is located in a hill can be

reached in 10 to 15 minutes’ walk.

Engr. Eming practices grafting, bending

and pruning in the farm. He also wants to

integrate honeybees to further pollinate the fruit trees. He is very articulate in explaining his

farm operations and can entertain people well. He and his family expressed their willingness

to share their practices and technologies to other interested individuals especially to the

community where they belong.

He acknowledged the need for construction of holding area, packing area, comfort room

and wash room. He further appreciated the importance of 5's which he is willing to apply on

his farm.

Barangobong Farm: Upgrading of Livestock Component

Barangobong Farm is located at Lusuac, Peñarrubia Abra. It was accredited as Organic

Agriculture (OA) Learning Site by ATI-CAR last 2015. It consists of 2.6 hectares wherein one hectare is devoted to OA while other parts are devoted to fruit trees, livestock and fishery.

The farm has an existing 25 stocks (combination of upgrade and native does) and poultry

(duck, turkey and chicken).

An upgrading support given to him was an additional stock of purebreed boer buck to

further improve the does and an anglo nubian buck to upgrade the native stocks. The farm

was also provided with water impounding system to address the scarcity of water that the farm is suffering from especially during summer.

Bending technology practiced by the farm on

the different fruit trees for easy management



V. Strengthening Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Stakeholders

Capacity in Climate Change Adaptations and Readiness

A. Capacity Building Activities

Orientation and Workshop on Community-based Adaptation in Agriculture for Focal Person in Organic Agriculture in CAR-June 14-15, 2016 @ ATI-CAR

The training aimed to address

farmers’ vulnerability to climate

change by enhancing the capacities

of local stakeholders and improve

their local coping mechanisms and

adaptive capacity to climate

impacts. There were 18 extension

workers who actively participated.

Using municipal maps in

identifying potential climate

vulnerabilities and hazards is a

simple tool yet useful in

understanding climate change

adaptation options strategies to

address perceived negative impacts of climate change. - Mr. Rony V. Carlos, Agricultural

Technologist of LGU- Sablan, Benguet

Dr. Carlito Laurean, the resource person, was rated excellent with 4.70 rating. As a

whole, the activity was a very satisfactory one with a rating of 4.41.

A total of 39,969.00 pesos was used in this orientation. B. Tree for Life, Food for Life Project ATI-CAR Sustains It’s Tree for Life Advocacy, Conducts Tree Planting in Sablan, Benguet: can be

accessed @ www.ati.da.gov.ph/car

Committed to contribute in the mitigation of the effects of climate change and of the preservation of the environment, ATI-CAR sustained its tree planting activity for the first semester of 2016. In partnership with the DENR-CAR which provided the needed seedlings, the tree planting activity took place in a communal forest that is considered a watershed area in Bayabas, Sablan, Benguet. The Administrative Section spearheaded the activity as part of its human resource development activities. Thirty –four (34) individuals, composed of 28 ATI-CAR staff and family members, 3 cafeteria staff and 3 DENR staff, joined the activity. Armed with their own cutting and digging tools, they were able to plant 320 seedlings of gemelina, mahogany, narra and rambutan.

Participants orient on the different weather instruments used in gathering climate information

http://www.ati.da.gov.ph/car



Magsasaka Siyentista of Sablan Mr. Eugenio Calis who happens to be an officer of Peoples Organization in Sablan took charge of the clearing and lay-outing of the planting site. According to him, their organization is in charge of preservation and protection of communal forests and watershed areas in the locality. Asked what she felt about the activity, Ms. Jaila S. Sagpa-ey, Information Officer II and the latest addition to ATI-CAR family said that it’s a refreshing reminder that her responsibility as a government worker is not just limited to office works but equally important is her compelling responsibility in preserving the environment. According to Ms. Veronica Siloy, Administrative Officer IV and project officer of the activity, this was the fifth time that the activity was conducted that was started in 2012. Last year, the activity was conducted in Itogon, Benguet. She said that by sustaining the activity, ATI-CAR can contribute to reforestation and preservation of the environment. For ATI-CAR, the activity is a meaningful and productive way of “bonding” together. This makes the activity light and fun. The tree planting activity was conducted on June 25, 2016.

VI. Improving Enabling Environment and Quality Governance

Planning

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring and Report Submission.

A total of 17 TACRs for the month were submitted on time to Central Office. Also monthly physical and narrative reports were constantly submitted.

As part of the center’s transparency seal, online posting of center’s accomplishments for

the month of May was done in coordination with the Information Services Section.

Field Monitoring

For the month, focals of RBO, 4-H, Livestock and TGP conducted a field monitoring of the

livelihood programs and FITS centers supported by ATI-CAR. As a result, no major problems

were encountered.

For 4-H, some members were found out to be married, thus, it was recommended that

they could serve as adviser of their club. The clubs also raised their training needs so they

were advised to submit their proposal.

For the TGP, the FITS centers are operational in maintaining their ICT equipment and

IEC materials.



Staff Development: Center Level

2nd Qtr Staff Development: Feedbacking of Trainings attended by Staff on June 17, 2016 @

ATI-CAR

The activity was intended for the feedbacking of staff who attended various

trainings/activities since January.

There were 18 feedbacks of trainings made. Additional were update on civil service

memo circulars and updates on personnel matters such as leave absences and the proper

accomplishment of forms for application for leave, overtime, CTO, and CPTO.

Staff Development: Individual Non-Degree Course Completed by ATI-CAR Staff

Training Staff Involved

Highlights Assessment of the Course

Training on Filipino Values Restoration Program for Values Restoration Officers

Charlie Sagudan, TS III; Jener Dizon, DMO I

Executive Order 292: Penalties for Administrative Offenses

Topics were accommodating to participants belonging to various religious affiliations

Training on Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation System May 16-20, May 30-June 3, ATI-CO

Vilma L. Lumbas, PO II Cherry Sinong, PEO I

M &E Outputs/Outcomes/Results Prime Benefits of Focusing on

Results Results-Based M&E Principle Results-based Approach Theory of Change

Conveyed realization of the importance of M & E in an organization

Training on Certification and Traceability System for Ensuring Reliability and Competitive Value of Organic Commodities

Charlie C. Sagudan, TS III/OA FP

Certification scheme Stages of official accreditation

scheme Accreditation mechanism Guidelines for production,

processing and marketing of organically produced goods

Rules of production and preparation of organic commodities

Provided relevant information on OA certification

ASEAN Training Course on “Development of Safe Food Value Chain” May 8-21, Lam Dong, Vietnam

Myrna Sta. B. Maria, Assist. TCD

Lectures were focused on Development of Safe Food Value Chain

Field visits to different farms was a good opportunity for the participants to observe the good agricultural practices which could be adopted in their respective countries.

Action Plan is a must for each participants to be monitored by the MAFF-Japan, who funded the ASEAN training.

Learning from this training are worth sharing to technical staff so they could integrate also in their trainings.

Training Course on Farming as a Business and Rice Consultation WS for ATI Rice Focal Persons, May 22-28, ATI-CO

Ronan M. Soriano

FAAB (Farming as A Business) is a project of BRIA (Better Rice Initiative Asia) FARMERS.

A form of private sector development to sustainably increase the profits of low income, small holder farmers.

Farmers are taught to be Farmer Entrepreneurs who will manage their farms as a business

Encouraging, inspiring, and empowering



Training Staff Involved

Highlights Assessment of the Course

Training Management Course May 30-June 3, ATI-CAR

Jaila S. Sagpa-ey Adrian Chris Velasco Jam R. Balingan

The training was intended for the newly hired staff of ATI Network.

It was conducted by ATI-CO and RTC CAR to capacitate the participants to be able to conduct training effectively.

Specifically, the participants should be able to prepare a Training Design, demonstrate skills in presentation and facilitation and will be able to create a summary and integration for a training program.

Filled with learnings Trained participants as trainers and facilitators. Great strategies employed.

Training Course on Advance Fertigation Technology to Increase Crop Production May 22-June 4, Malaysia

Randy T. Soriano

Fertigation Technology is the application of nutrients through irrigation system, a contraction of fertilization and irrigation

It can reduce application of nutrients by eliminating high operational requirement and also improve nutrient efficiency by applying fertilizers closer to when the plants needs them

Increased confidence to train. New technology learned that can be shared to AEWs and farmers.

Other Extension and Operations Support Activities

For the month, the following extension and support activities were implemented:

Activity Highlights Staff involved

Meeting with CDMD, PAD, ISD,HR

Harmonization of TM Course LS/SPA Guidelines Revision; and

SPMS Workshop

TCD Arlene Flores

Pre-Post Convention Preparation and Activities

Venue, activity, supplies and materials preparation for the National 4-H Congress

Jener Dizon and Cristino Balancio

Attendance to Closing Ceremony of UP OU in Climate Risk in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

Ms. Soriano received the “ Certificate of Completion with Distinction on the online course “Responding to Climate Risks in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management”

Randy Soriano

Expository Tour for AEWs of Region 5

Visit to Lily of the Valley (LOV) Organic Farms owned by Mr. Jefferson Laruan and Benguet AgriPinoy Trading Center (BAPTC)

Abdiel Chapap and Adrian Chris Velasco

Loakan, Baguio City Barangay Council Lakbal Aral to OA Farms

Visit to LOV Jener Dizon



Table 3. SUMMARY of FUND DISBURSEMENT BY PROGRAM FUND

Program Fund Disbursement

PS 1,853,453.05

Regular 2,816,198.51 Rice 352,650.42 Organic Agriculture 717,801.06 HVCD 789,701.06 Corn and Cassava 1,258,137.06 Livestock 469,120.05 4-H Club Program 2,081,081.81 RBO 353,943.05 TOTAL 10,692,086.07

Prepared and submitted by:

CHERRY S. SINONG

PEO I

Date: July 8, 2016

Noted and Approved:

ARLENE L. FLORES, Ph.D.

Center Director

highlights - agricultural training...

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