e-Extension Agenda January 2013 1

Vol. V No.1 January 2013

ATI Caraga Conducts First Ever Blended e-Learning Course on Artificial Insemination in Pigs

A total of 83 e-Learners who took the online course on Artificial Insemination (A.I.) in Pigs was able to finished the first ever blended course conducted by ATI.

TANDAG, Surigao del Sur – The e-Learning course “Walang Aray sa AI: Artificial Insemination

(A.I.) in Pigs” is one of the more in-demand online courses offered in the e-Extension portal. Since the course was launched in January 2011, there were around 553 enrollees and 446 have graduated.

LAOAG, Ilocos Norte -- The Agricultural Training Institute, the lead implementing agency of the

Department of Agriculture’s e-Extension Program for Agriculture and Fisheries, gathered once again its e-Extension Coordinators for their yearly assessment and planning workshop.

Being the Institute’s sixth workshop

The said online course is best offered as a blended course where after completing the requirements online, a hands-on training will be conducted. With this in mind, the ATI-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) in Caraga invited the e-learners from the region who passed the course for a two-day hands-on training on Artificial

Insemination in Pigs.This is the first blended course

ever conducted by the Institute for an e-learning course with a hands-on exercise as part of the requirements. A total of 83 participants that consisted of agricultural extension workers (AEW), faculty members and students from Caraga State University (CSU) and Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU), participated in this activity.

AI experts from the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAG) in Surigao del Sur were on hand to impart their knowledge on various procedure of AI, from semen collection to semen morphology and to the actual process.

Finishing the e-Learning course first before going through the hands on training proved to be an advantage for the participants. “The learning we have gained from the e-course was enhanced with this hands-on training” said Teovelita Pongautan, one of the participants.

ATI-Caraga is the first ATI Training Center to conduct the blended course on AI and will now be a yearly activity.

The hands-on training was held in three batches at Tandag, Surigao del Sur last year (BCNatividad)

What’s InsideMarketMaker to Revolutionize Agricultural Extension in the Philippines -------------------- 2

ATI holds the 5th e-Learning Mass Graduation --------------------------------- 3

Techno Gabay Program Officially Turned Over to DA-ATI ------------------------- 8

New e-Learning Courses ----------------------- 10

Putting an e-Twist to Training of Trainers ---------------------------- 11

ATI Reviews its e-Extension Program, KM Initiatives on Extension

since the e-Extension Program was launched in 2007, this year’s activity has been entitled 6th S.E.N.S.E. Knowledge Management for Extension Assessment and Planning Workshop. SENSE refers to the workshop’s theme “Season’s End, New Scenes Emerge.”

► page 3

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 2

MarketMaker to Revolutionize Agricultural Extension in the Philippines

GFRAS Delegates visit the Farmers’ Contact Center

NEWS

MANILA -- Going beyond the traditional mode of extension has always been the aim of

Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).Revolutionizing agricultural

extension from the conventional way of technology transfer method of linking research to the farmers into a more dynamic approach where improving farm income is also a priority. With the MarketMaker Program of the United States, the objective of creating a market for the producers as well as connecting producers to the right consumers is a step towards revolutionizing agricultural extension.

MarketMaker is a national partnership of land grant institutions and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) dedicated to the development of a comprehensive interactive database of food industry marketing and business data. Put simply, MarketMaker is a platform that seeks to foster business relationships between

DILIMAN, Quezon City – Some participants of the Third Annual Meeting of the Global Forum

for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) visited the Farmers’ Contact Center (FCC) of the Philippine e-Extension Program manned and housed at the central office of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to get a better look and understanding about the Program and the Center.

The activity took off with a presentation about the Institute – its programs and services – then later on zeroed in on the Department of Agriculture’s e-Extension Program for Agriculture and Fisheries with emphasis on the e-Learning and e-Farming components. After the briefing, the delegates had the chance for an open forum with the ATI’s e-Extension Team. The delegates also got to drop in at the FCC to personally meet and interview the Center’s agents.

producers and consumers of food industry products and services.

The concept is to connect the farmers, consumers, buyers and sellers through a database that can be accessed through a website that includes an interactive mapping system, buy and sell forum and demographic searches. Dr. Khin Mar Cho of Cornell University Cooperative Extension presented the US MarketMaker Program to the Philippine e-Extension Team during the 2nd Knowledge Sharing Forum on Good Agricultural Practices through e-Extension organized by the ATI.

During Dr. Cho’s presentation, she explained that the MarketMaker Program took the concept of online marketing where buyers and suppliers can transact for the price, volume, mode of delivery and payment of the product. Dr. Cho also pointed out that they have asked the commitment of individuals and the

organization of farmers to participate in the program as food suppliers. She likewise shared their experiences during their initial stage and in encouraging more farmers and consumers to join in the program.

The Forum, participated in by the e-Extension Coordinators of ATI, was held last September, 2012 at the Bayview Park Hotel, Manila. (BCNatividad)

The delegates primarily aimed to gather lessons on the role of Rural Advisory Services (RAS) in agricultural innovation systems during the activity. In particular, they examined the good practices in terms of cooperation and interaction between the ATI as the RAS provider and its partner institutions. The group likewise determined the benefits for the ATI and its partners based on the results from the interaction and the skills needed for the RAS providers that will be helpful in enhancing the program.

Based on the exchanges during the briefing and in the interviews with the FCC agents, the delegates found some interesting aspects which include: the RAS provider must have strong skills in information technology (IT) as well as negotiation skills for partnership with other service providers. The group also believed that the RAS provider must have strong information management, facilitation, and communication skills; and a wider knowledge on the program. They also recommended the involvement of civil society and non-government organizations to complement the partners and in the identification of good agricultural practices that could be applicable in the e-Extension Program.

The visit was part of the Field Tour activity that highlighted the 3rd GFRAS Annual Meeting held at the Heritage Hotel, Manila last September, 2012.(YCAPauig)

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 3

e-Learning by the Numbers

ATI Reviews its e-Extension Program.....From page 1

by Jose Rey Y. Alo

ATI holds the 5th e-Learning Mass Graduation

LOS ANGELES, Butuan City -- For the 5th time, ATI- Caraga gathered the e-Learners for

a mass graduation on December 6, 2012 at the ATI Training Center, Los Angeles, Butuan City.

This year, a total of 431 individuals composed of 51 Agricultural Extension Workers, 371 students and 9 faculty members from Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City and Surigao del Sur State University – Tagbina Campus, Surigao del Sur, successfully completed the various e-courses offered by ATI.

The activity started with a tour within ATI’s learning site. Technical personnel guided and briefed the participants on the practices employed

The workshop, which used to be focused solely on the implementation of the e-Extension Program, has evolved into a far greater endeavor to cover the other Knowledge Management (KM) related activities of the Institute. These include the School-on-the-Air Program, the commodity-based information campaign for organic agriculture, rice, corn, high value crop, and the recently turned over Techno Gabay Program. As added functions of the e-Extension Coordinators of the ATI Network of Training Centers, these activities have already been incorporated into their work plans.

Main objectives of the activity were to give an update on Knowledge

Management (KM) activities as well as strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of the program. Furthermore, the e-extension coordinators also presented their KM-related accomplishment reports for 2012 and prepared their Work and Financial Plans for 2013 and 2014. With the inclusion of KM-related activities for extension, new strategies where formulated for funding and collaborations specifically for the Techno Gabay Program.

Also on hand during the assessment and planning workshop was a teambuilding activity for e-Extension Coordinators.

The activity was held last November 12 to 16, 2012 at the Fort Ilocandia Hotel in this province. (BNatividad)

NEWS

in the Center’s various project components. Although most of the graduates were not first timers in e-Learning, still they have common problems in accessing their accounts. Hence, Mr. Fil Victor Babanto, ELO Coordinator, took the opportunity to review some important points like updating their email address and contact numbers, single account rule and emphasized non-sharing of keys and answers.

The increased number of graduates which is 17 percent over that of last year’s is a clear indication of the effectiveness of the electronic way of bridging the information and transfer of technology to various clients. ATI-Caraga is expecting a leap

in the number of participants in the succeeding years, especially students with the partner-SUC’s commitment of making e-Learning a part of their curriculum for they are convinced of the relevance of inculcating in the minds of the youth and encourage to go into agriculture courses. (MGBSalve, ATI-Caraga)

Number combinations do amuse me. So let's continue talking about numbers, some number-

meanings at our e-learning site:

1 Each online course has a one-time enrollment key that you need

to input in a form to be able to access the main course material. It is never automatic; it helps us segregate users. It is asked for and is manually entered.

2 Each online course, or courseware, that we have has

two parts: the front-end, where you get to see what the course is all about; and the main course content, where you get to see the actual course material.

4 There are four agencies who have partnered with ATI in developing

online courses. These are DA-BAR, DOST-PCAARRD, DA-PhilMech and the Sustainable Agriculture Center of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City.

5 We have five categories broadly classifying our e-learning

courses: crops, livestock, fisheries, social technology and sustainable agriculture.

41 These are the number of courseware developers,

out of those whom we have trained, who have actually completed and contributed online courses that are now available for enrollment.

50 This was the most number of simultaneously logged-in

e-learners and users within a single 5-minute block. This was on July 22, 2011 at 4:12 in the afternoon.

60 The passing grade for each online course.

750x500 This is the size, in pixels, of

the stage where you view the main course content of the online course. It is functionally viewable across all devices.

1000 We've had our first thousandth liker in

Facebook. She is Merlyn Gumap-as, a student from Butuan City.

10,000 Mr. Edwin Aguinaldo, a farmer

from Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, is the 10,000th registered user at the e-learning site.

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 44

AT THE REGIONS

e-Extension reaches Romblon State University

New AEWs of Isabela And Cagayan Trained in e-Learning Course on

Extension Delivery System

ODIONGAN, ROMBLON – This year, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training

Center – IVB has been reaching SUCs for the promotion of e-Extension Program of DA-ATI among the respective SUCs which aims for incorporation of the online courses in the curriculum of the schools.

To further promote e-Extension Program among the Schools, Universities, and Colleges (SUCs) in the MIMAROPA Region, an e-Extension briefing/orientation spearheaded by ATI-RTC-IVB among twenty six (26) faculties and students of Romblon State University took place at RSU, Odiongan Campus on September 7, 2012.

The participants were a mixture of students and faculties from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries, College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Accountancy, College of Education, and Institute of Information and Technology.

The 1-day activity is integrated with e-Extension briefing by Ms. Graciel Gacutan, e-Extension Coordinator, followed by the actual hands-on demonstration of the online courses. Positive impressions from the students and faculties about the e-Extension Program were indeed heart-warming. One of the students commended the program for the easy access of information it offers especially in the aspect of agriculture and fisheries.

The activity ended with parting words from Dr. Alice Foja, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Romblon State University that as she stood at the back of the computer lab looking intently at how focused and interested the participants were, she promised that she will see to it that the e-Extension Program focusing on the online courses will be endorsed to the academe in their next meeting. (Josephine G. Darm, ATI IVB)

CABAGAN, Isabela – The new Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) of the Local

Government Units (LGUs) were recently trained on extension delivery system. It was conducted at ATI-RTC 02 Cabagan, Isabela with 25 newly appointed Agricultural Technologists (ATs) of LGUs in Cagayan and Isabela District 1 and 2.

The first two days of the training were allotted for input or discussion of the different modules on extension delivery system. This included agricultural extension in Cagayan Valley which dealt on the status of agricultural extension service in the region; extension concepts, features and principles; roles and qualities of extension worker; extension approaches and methods; extension communication; ATI e-Extension program and values redirection towards productivity.

The last two days were allotted for the micro-teaching where participants were given the opportunity to practice

the knowledge and skills gained from the training. The participants were divided into four groups where each group chose their major topic to present which was subdivided among the members. They were rated according to content, mastery of the subject matter, visual quality and appropriateness, manner of delivery (self-confidence and posture). The critiques include self, peers and the panelists. Most of the participants got an average rating of 75 to 85% which shows their being effective extensionists.

As an output of the training, the participants formulated their action plans that include activities which they will implement such as technical briefings, field visitations, conduct of techno-demo and field day. Some participants included e-extension briefings for barangay officials and farmers to promote the ATI’s e-Extension program. (Claris M. Alaska and Julius K. Cusap, ATI RTC II)

PILAR, Bohol. – On its 3rd Anniversary celebration of the Barangay Farmers Technician

(BAFTECH) Congress bearing the theme: “Kakugi ug kahanas sa teknolohiya sa pagpanguma diha sa mga kamot sa katawhan, lig-on sukaran sa katilingbanong kalamboan,” which was conducted last December 5, 2012 at Poblacion Public market in this municipality, ATI in Central Visayas joined the activity as active partners in service.

Nearly 200 farmers of which majority are BAFTECH actively participated in the activity despite the fact that Bohol is hoisted under Signal Number 3 with the Super typhoon Pablo.

But with the objective of enhancing farmers’ knowledge on agriculture and fishery, the Local Government Unit

e-extension graces 3rd BAFTECH Congres in Bohol

conducted the activity as scheduled. Thus, they invited Merrian Piquero Soliva, e-Extension Coordinator of ATI in the Central Visayas to share the e-Extension Program with the thrust of updating farmer’s knowledge on agriculture and fishery. (Merrian Piquero Soliva, ATI-RTC VII)

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 5

AT THE REGIONSATI-RTC Cagayan Valley conducts School on the Air on Organic Corn

Cabagan, Isabela – School on the Air on Organic Corn is the fastest mechanism to

disseminate the information and technology to the corn farmers. The program was aired at DWPE Radyo ng Bayan in Tuguegarao City every Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 am to 7:00 am.

The program was a joint undertaking of ATI-RTC Cagayan Valley and the Cagayan Valley Agriculture Resources Research and Development (CVARRD) Consortium. The program slot of the Consortium with DWPE was utilized in airing the SOA on Corn Program. This was hosted by Dr. Rogelio Matalang, the Chief Executive Officer of Cagayan State University, Lallo Campus.

There were 285 farmer enrollees from the municipalities of Tuguegarao City and Penablanca of the province of Cagayan and municipalities of Cabagan, San Pablo and Sta. Maria of the province of Isabela.

The enrollees were taught the technology of producing white corn organically. To encourage the enrollees to regularly listen to the program and to assess their learning

on topics discussed, a question with reward or prize were asked every airing. Questions were answered through text messaging in the program’s official contact number.

Testimonies of enrollees were also received through text messaging. They said that the topics are practical and timely.

The Program culminated last December 12, 2012.(Norma G. Maddalora, ATI-RTC 2)

e-Extension Orientation for PSU and FITS Centers

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan - An orientation on ATI’s e-Extension Program was recently conducted

at the Center last September 12, 2012.The orientation was attended by

the staff of Pangasinan State University (PSU) - mostly from the campuses of Sta. Maria, Infanta, San Carlos City and Binmaley. These campuses are the ones offering agriculture and fishery courses in Pangasinan. Also in

attendance were representatives from the different Farmers Information and Technology Service (FITS) Centers in the province.

The participants were primarily oriented on ATI’s e-Extension Program and its components. After the orientation, an open forum followed where issues and concerns were addressed and clarified.

One of the highlights of the activity was the hands-on registration and enrolment to an e-Learning course by the participants. The ATI is currently offering several e-Learning courses, where two of those courses - corn production and agricultural marketing - were developed at the Center.(Maricel Dacapias, ATI-RTC I)

Sa wakas humana jud me ug seminar. Thanks ATI 10..We’ve LEARN a lot sa inyong gi held nga training diri MSU-LNAC- Junalyn Obena, Student, Lanao del Norte

Hello! It’s entertaining when you study online about agriculture - Arlyn Ariston, Student, Lanao del Norte

Salamater kadayaw ATI sa inyong gihatag nga hands-on training on basic ICT literacy for agricultural extension workers.- Bitcheil G. Abis, AEW, Surigao del Sur

A million thanks to e-learning. More power and God bless. Naka graduate ako sa 5th mass graduation in CARAGA.- Analie P Sarin, AEW, Agusan del Norte

I am delighted to see that our government is having this service. I would like to enroll myself on ABACA1.- Mig Vacunawa, Businessman, Leyte

What our e-Learners say

5

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 66

6th SENSE with a Sense Indeed in IlocandiaEvery time the Knowledge

Management Division of ATI held an assessment cum planning – a

unique maxim emerged. This time we had the 6th S.E.N.S.E (Season’s End, New Scenes Emerge).

When Mam Niet asked us about the previous catchphrase – everybody shouted their heart out enumerating the words like Reloaded, Four Play, and High Five with of course at the end of the deafening yell – everybody asked for the most-sought prize (the travel according to batch and according to beauty and best – as Sir Rey had put it – or whatever the exact sequence maybe).

See! With that cue, these guys had a lot of enthusiasm and it only tells that the group had telegraphic memories that could register almost all activities and promises (hmmmm!)

According to our colleague, our group is different from the others, wherein, we had this feeling of yearning despite the frequent meeting that we had. This is because, e-Extension is unique and so the people with it.

Our 6th SENSE had its sense indeed especially that it is held at Ilocandia. When this was earmarked during the Techno Gabay Formal Turn-Over at AIM Conference Center in Makati City, that instead of the Video Production as scheduled, the group agreed to hold this firsthand, and voila! Mariel was summoned for a bigger responsibility. Though, there were overlapping schedules – the activity pursued with flying colors.

With Mariel’s vibrant personality

together with her two (2) supportive boys (Frank and Ralph) we had a great time. Despite the not-so-good-feeling-that-I-had in day two, yet, my stay and our stay in retrospective were excellent.

Holding the assessment cum planning at Ilocos is worthwhile already. Noting that majority of the e-Extension Coordinators were first-timers (a tourist in the making) – thus, we deserved to be housed in Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel at Calayab Laoag City in Ilocos Norte – the only five-star resort hotel in Northern Philippines and the grand tour treat at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation at Burgos, Windmills at Bangui, Patapat

Viaduct in Pagudpud, Sand Dunes at Lapaz, Laoag, then to Vigan and a two-hour dinner with karaoke at Director Maningding’s residence in Pangasinan – were worth to be cherished.

The almost 15-hour bus journey from Ilocos to Manila was not a hindrance to us, instead it build another excitement on board Florida Bus with the ala-Pinoy-Henyo version facilitated by Ms. Tess and Ate Jo with Kuya Al’s guess with a 6th Sense with the rest of the group’s back-up, the butt-stressing ride was transformed into a gut-raising spiel.

Plus…plus and another plus! we were very much thankful for the freebies prepared by Mariel and the Region 1 staff – the famous Ilocano bed sheet (so adorable). And thanks to KPMD as well for providing us the green-OA-Blogger-hood (for sure, everybody who has it will be flooding their blogs here: can’t wait to read them all). Another and… hehehe! Were the sumptuous Ilocano foods that were served during our stay – our tummy loves it.

With all the million-worth accomplishments that we had in 2012, the e-Extension Coordinators graciously delivered almost all their targets. The planning for 2013 and 2014 were in-place and everybody is looking forward for the next level of our respective endeavours.

Whatever maxim the future brings, we are crossing our fingers for another challenge that we will be cruising ahead of us. Padayon ta!

| Merrian Piquero Soliva

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 77

That was fun!

It’s been a busy year, to say the least. No doubt our training center is not alone in saying this. Perhaps

the entire ATI network can honestly say that it has been a year of work, work, work.

Relevance in the midst of all the drudgery – therein lies the challenge.

Sometimes (or too often?) our work becomes too exacting, demanding, or mandatory, that we forget we should look not just on the numbers, but also particularly on the results – what people really need, not just report indicators.

But try we did, with a lot of help from friends and co-workers. And in the process, we had a memorable year.

2012 was not run-of-the-mill. It was a year with a lot of groundbreaking in the region – extension service provider accreditation (an ESP hurdled the criteria this year), technically and financially capacitating local government units’ agricultural extension arms (middle of this year, we put our heads together with LGUs to put into effect a new program implementation strategy for next year), capability building (3 season-long trainings and 164 short-term activities or a total of 167 this year, as opposed to 129 in 2011 and 105 in 2010), going organic (58 of our trainings

| Primalou B. Imperial

with LGUs focused on that), climate change adaptation (trainings focused on “climate-smart” or “climate-change ready” technologies), video production as neophytes (we were blindsided by the work target but managed to come out with our firsts this year), Nutrient Manager for Rice Mobile (some regions launched it last year but in Bicol the service became available this year with the holding of an info caravan), Techno Gabay Program (we took our first step into unfamiliar territory with a TGP consultation workshop with ATI-RTC5 as newbie program coordinator)…

The list goes on, probably with a lot of personal firsts too from the people behind the feats, nationally and locally.

In 2012 we celebrated ATI’s 25th year and e-Extension’s fifth year after takeoff. ATI and the e-Extension program have been rolling stones all these years, but both showed even more remarkable changes in 2012.

Take this year’s e-Extension activity held November 12-16, 2012, themed “6th SENSE: Season’s End, New Scenes Emerge.” It was the first assessment workshop, it seemed to me, that ATI’s regular functions in Knowledge Management was put side by side with e-Extension. The theme somehow hints at a paradigm shift or at the very least a streamlining of objectives, a welcome development

An aside: trust ATI Central Office’s Knowledge Products and Services Division to come up with forward-looking themes for its yearly e-Extension activity. Previously, ATI-CO produced equally impish and relevant themes for its yearly assessment e-Extension activities.

e-Extension came to life in December 2007 with the creation of the e-Extension Portal and launch of the e-Learning which had five online courses initially. It’s been five years since. The rest is trailblazing history.

In March 2008, the first e-Learning Assessment Workshop was titled “Sum-It” with seven ATI Training Centers initially involved in e-Learning course development. In 2009, ATI-CO dubbed the second assessment workshop as “e-Learning Reloaded” where the first seven ATI Training Centers plus seven more new ones took part.

In 2010 the third assessment workshop was called “e-Extension CoMotion.” It planned for the integration of the Techno Gabay Program and the initial operation of the Farmers’ Contact Center. The emerging e-Extension components took on more defined shape during the fourth assessment workshop in 2011 which was titled “e-Extension FourPlay” where School-on-Air was formally recognized as part of e-Extension.

Finally, it was “Hi-5 for 2012” during the fifth e-Extension Program Review and Planning Workshop. The activity identified the e-Extension channels, namely e-Learning, Techno Gabay Program, School-on-Air, Farmers’ Contact Center, and the ATI Interactive website.

Overall, it’s been a lot of work, a lot of learning, a lot of fun. Thank you ATI directorate and managers. May we bring the needed services to our clients. To God be the glory.

Prime who is an e-Extension

Coordinator in Bicol Region takes a look

back to the year 2012 that was and gives a glimpse to what may come in

2013

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 8 8

MAKATI, Philippines – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), as the extension and

training arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA), will now be the lead agency in implementing the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) initially for the management of the two components - Farmers’ Information Technology Services (FITS) Centers and the Magsasaka-Siyentista (MS) or Farmer-Scientists after the formal turn-over ceremony held recently.

The Techno Gabay Program (TGP) was originally initiated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) since 1998 to promote technology dissemination and utilization guides and facilitate knowledge sharing, learning and use among extension workers and farmers. Other than the FITS Centers and MS components, the Program has components that include Information Education Communication (IEC) Materials and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

With a two-year transition period, the PCAARRD started its institutionalization strategy by mainstreaming the TGP components into ATI’s programs and services

before it formally transferred the program to ATI. Executive Order no. 81, known as “Encouraging local government units to Adopt the Techno Gabay in their Agricultural Extension Programs and the Concerned Government Agencies to Provide the Required Assistance for the Purpose” has been issued by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2009 to mandate the ATI to link the DA’s extension programs to the extension delivery modalities under the TGP and to provide access to online databases on e-Learning courses and other agricultural information.

During the formal turn-over ceremony, PCAARRD transferrred the TGP program documents with included Manual of Operations, list of FITS Centers and their status, and the list of MS, among others.

ATI Director Asterio P. Saliot

Techno Gabay Program Officially

Turned Over to DA-ATI

in his message during the turnover ceremony readily accepted the challenge of implementing Techno Gabay. “This turn-over marks a new beginning with ATI now at the helm as the lead coordinating body to oversee the implementation of the Techno Gabay particularly the FITS and the MS in the LGUs, it is a challenge since it’s not easy to double the feat of what PCAARRD has started.” Saliot also stressed that the partnership between ATI and PCAARRD will continue since he “believed that PCAARRD shall always continue and has committed to assist us along this line especially along the other TGP components, IEC and ICT.”

The Techno Gabay Formal Turnover Ceremony was held last October 23, 2012 at AIM Conference Center, Makati, Philippines. (BCNatividad)

STA. CRUZ, Laguna – October 24, 2012 was another milestone for ATI-Region

IVA and IVB and the Southern Tagalog Agricultural Resources and Research Development Consortium (STARRDEC). At the regional level, the Consortium (STARRDEC) formally turned-over to ATI- 4A and 4B the responsibility to oversee the implementation of the Techno-Gabay Program originally one of the banner programs of the DOST-PCAARRD. Dr. Asterio P. Saliot was represented

2nd TGP Summit Another Milestone for ATI-4A and 4B

Techno Gabay Updates

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 9

BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - With the institutionalization of the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) at ATI,

the ATI-RTC 8 conducted the TGP Assessment and Planning Workshop on November 7-8 at the Visayas State University Beach Garden, Baybay City. Seventy-seven FITS Center managers or their representatives participated in the activity.

Of the 80 FITS centers in Region Vlll, 64 were represented in the activity called for to assess the implementation of the program and to prepare their work and financial plan for 2013. Six Partner Member Agency (PMA) team leaders also attended the activity. The PMAs are responsible in the monitoring of the FITS centers and in campaigning for the adoption of TGP by the local government units in their assigned provinces.

Based on the assessment, all FITS centers represented are active FITS centers per evaluation criteria established by PCARRD, which coordinated the implementation of the program before it was turned over to ATI on October 23, 2012. Assessed during the activity were the different components of the program: FITS center, Magsasaka

LOS BANOS, Laguna -Ten (10) newly established FITS Centers in Calabarzon and three from

the Mimaropa region attended the FITS Operations Training Course held on October 15-16, 2012 at the Arisabel Clubhouse, Los Banos, Laguna. The partcipants were provided with briefings on the ATI Programs and Activities, Techno Gabay Program Institutionalization to ATI, Policies and Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation. Resource persons came from ATI region 4A and 4B and STARRDEC. The FITS staff also formulated their work and financial plans for the coming year.

A field visit was done on the second day. They went to PCARRD-DOST, FITS-DA STIARC, Magsasaka Syentista Teodoro dela Cruz, Office

Newly established FITS Center

Trained on FITS

Operations

ATI 8 convenes TGP implementers

in Eastern Visayas

by Engr. Renato Dela Cruz, Chief of the Extension Programs and Partnerships Division of the ATI, in the Opening Program. Director Saliot, in his message, highly-praised the Consortium for their trust and support to ATI. He assured them that the TGP’s Goals and Objectives will be uphold.

Under the baton of the ATI, the component modalities of the TGP will be mainstreamed in the ATI’s Programs and Services as explained during the event by Ms. Antonieta Arceo, Chief of the Knowledge

Products Management Division of ATI-Central Office. Her presentation and answers to the queries during the open forum paved the way to a clearer understanding of the mechanics and processes of TGP Institutionalization to ATI.

There were about 300 stakeholders of the TGP who attended the memorable event. One of the highlights was the arrival of Hon. Jeorge “ER” Ejercito, the amiable Governor of Laguna during the closing program who also delivered an inspirational message. The

Governor applauded the efforts of the Consortium for the smooth conduct of the activity. He also emphasized the importance of agricultural research and extension as well as taking heed of environmental protection for the present and future generation. Governor Ejercito was very generous in augmenting the cash rewards for the Best FITS Center and Best Magsasaka Siyentista.

Kudos to those who made the event truly remarkable. (Mariel Celeste C. Dayanghirang, ATI-RTC 4a)

of the Provincial Agriculturist -Cavite FITS satellite CCAFP and PMA-CVSU. Closing program immediately followed at the STARRDEC office in CVSU. ATI 4A Center Director delivered the closing remarks.

The participants came from Cavite ( Dasmarinas and Imus), Laguna ( Pila, San Pablo City, Nagcarlan, Rizal and Pagsanjan ), Rizal ( Teresa and Morong ), Quezon ( Alabat ) and Palawan ( Coron, Cullion and Espanola ). FITS staff from Gumaca, Quezon and Romblon also attended the activity for the updates. The participants are composed of FITS Managers, Information Service Specialists (ISS), Technology Service Specialists ( TSS) and Magsasaka Syentista (MS). (Rolando V. Maningas, ATI-RTC IVA)

Siyentista, Information Education and Communication and Iinformation Communication Technology.

All FITS centers represented came up with their work and financial plan, which were submitted as input to the national planning workshop conducted on November 12-16 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. They also

identified their training needs that include: Desktop Publishing, Basic ICT and e-Learning, and Refresher Course for the Technology Service Specialists and Information Service specialists.(Hazel Grace T. Taganas, ATI-RTC VIII)

Techno Gabay Updates

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 10

Increasing Corn Farm Productivity through the Use of Mechanization TechnologiesBoost the efficiency and minimize the hard labor in your farming operations! Learn the ins and outs of farm mechanization from its definition, levels, importance and economic benefits as well as the different technologies used in corn production and postproduction. This is brought to you by Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech).

Getting the Big Bucks: Guide to Grant Proposal Writing (Writing1)The e-Learning course on Getting the Big Bucks: Guide to Grant Proposal Writing comprises three modules that cover topics from developing, writing and following up a grant proposal. The course will also discuss how to present a better conclusion and budget, appendices and bibliography, including the necessary follow-ups after the proposal is written and submitted, among others. The course is developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Center of Xavier University’s College of Agriculture.

Try our new Online CoursesEnroll for free at www.e-extension.gov.ph/elearning

400 farmers attended

the NMRice info caravan conducted by ATI-RTC 02

San Mateo, Isabela. A total of 399 farmers from Cagayan and Isabela

province attended the NMRice information caravan conducted at ATI-RTC 2, San Mateo, Isabela on September 28, 2012. Since the activity was simultaneously conducted with the field day and graduation of the Seasonlong TOT on Integrated Rice-based Farming System and Climate Smart Field Schools, the briefings were batched into 4. The briefing started at 6:00 am with the group of 209 Climate Smart Field Schools participants before their field visits. The second batch of briefing were done for the group of 88 Sta. Ana and Claveria Rice-based Farming Systems participants. The 3rd batch for the group of 33 Sta. Praxedes Rice -based participants and the 4th batch for the group of 35 FFS Palayamanan participants. Briefings were conducted before the participants proceeded to the field visitation during the field day.

The briefing focused on the presentation and discussion of the NMRice mobile text and the e-Extension program components of ATI. Some issues were raised regarding the accuracy of the recommendations via text messages. These issues were addressed properly.

Advocacy materials like FCC fans, bookmarks, NMRice card and e-extension program pamphlets were distributed as supplemental reading resource of the participants who attended the briefings. (Norma G. Maddalora, ATI-RTC 2)

NEWS

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 1111

Putting an e-Twist to Training of Trainers

Nutrient Manager Mobile for Rice Farmers in Rizal Province

A total of 200 rice farmers and AEWs attended

the Info Caravan for the Nutrient Manager Mobile held last September 28, 2012 at the Ynarez Fitness Center, Rizal Provincial Capitol Compound, Antipolo City.

The participants were introduced on how to avail nutrient and fertilizer recommendation to their specific rice field using the latest technology on information and communication such as short messaging services (SMS), interactive voice response (IVR), electronic mail (e-mail) and internet.

Mr. Efren Laurelles, Associate Scientist of the International Rice

Research Institute (IRRI) based in Los Banos, Laguna provided the briefing. IECs were distributed and data were collected from the farmers, result of the recommendation will be send to the LGU agriculture office. (Rolando V. Maningas, ATI-RTC4A)

The Training of Trainers (TOT) is a national program. It is a season-long, discovery-based

training program conducted by the Department of Agriculture usually in coordination with the Agricultural Training Institute.

The training content includes steps and activities from land preparation of the studied crop/s until its harvest. Most TOTs run for 16 weeks with variations depending on the type of crop studied. The participants apply and observe various treatments on identified crop/s. The observations will be used to formulate implications,

generalizations and recommendations. These observations need to be validated against established concepts and theories traditionally researched by participants from printed materials.

In the TOT in Organic Vegetable Production conducted by DA-RFU 10 and ATI-RTC 10, the participants have difficulty in obtaining adequate and updated information on theories to validate experiences observed in the field. There is lack of research resources because there is no comprehensive library that may contain all the information that they

needed. Also, agricultural schools, where they could

do research, are far from ATI. Accessing their library materials would mean

additional expense on the part of the participants. On the other hand, while the internet is a popular

source of information, its use is not

known to most of the

participants. The usual

TOT training

design does not include modules for computer application and Internet appreciation. In addition, it requires logistics like internet fees and transportation cost.

Seeing the need to facilitate research using the net, FITS ATI-RTC 10 proposed and lobbied for the incorporation of a module on computer operation and Internet appreciation in the TOT. The module include topics such as The Computer, MicroSoft Office Application Programs, and Internet. Popular agriculture websites were also provided for reference.The facilities of the FITS were made available for free to the participants who undertook research even after office hours.

The training was designed to capacitate the participants on computer operations and the use of the Internet for research purposes. Training them in basic computer use was the most economical, efficient, and logical solution to the difficulty of looking for sources of information. The low computer literacy level of participants became a problem. However, this was addressed by adjusting the training methodology. Participants learned how to operate the computers as evidenced by their frequent use of the internet for their research. Their outputs were much better because they were able to validate observations against established concepts and theories.

They used the internet to research about vegetable crops particularly pests and diseases that affected these crops. The Internet made research easier for the participants because of the time element involved in searching for information and immediate response to queries. Slides presentations where simulations were shown were showcased during the Field Day. The outputs were better and more presentable than previous TOT presentations which were done manually with the use of newsprint.

The patronage of more than half of the participants who used the internet for research convinced the ATI management to institutionalize the inclusion of the module on computer operations and Internet appreciation in all its TOT courses. (Noemi Beth G. Macario, ATI-RTC 10)

NEWS

e-Extension Agenda January 2013 12

Editor Antonieta J. Arceo Pamela MG Mappala

Writers Benedict C. Natividad (ATI-CO) Yovina-Claire A. Pauig (ATI-CO) Maricel Dacapias, ATI-RTC I Norma G. Maddalora, ATI-RTC 2 Claris M. Alaska, ATI RTC 2 Rolando V. Maningas, ATI-RTC 4a Josephine G. Darm, ATI IVb Primalou B. Imperial, ATI-RTC 5 Merrian Piquero Soliva, ATI-RTC 7 Hazel Grace T. Taganas, ATI-RTC 8 Noemi Beth G. Macario, ATI-RTC 10 Mary Grace B. Salve, ATI-Caraga Layout Artist Benedict C. Natividad

Editorial Consultants Jose Rey Y. Alo

Advisers Asterio P. Saliot PhD, CESO III Evelyn Aro-Esquejo PhD, CESO VI

The e-Extension AgendaVolume V No.1 January 2013

A blog gives you plenty of opportunity to express deep-seated beliefs and trivial

pursuits. It’s quite liberating. So given the chance to write a blog in between activities trying to get out of a work backlog, I grab the chance to write.

(That is, when the “creative” energy is up to it. Doing the more logical, analytical and objective part of media production work – editing reports and 120-page long proceedings, writing and revising a script, sorting out administrative arrangements for various KM projects – left-brain thinking predominates. Right-brain thinking tended to slither into the background, thus the more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective job of wring blogs becomes something of an effort.)

Backlogs and writer’s block notwithstanding, something has got to be said about two guests from the United States who took time to encourage e-Extension managers and coordinators in the Philippines to pursue this “high calling.”

Sweet, fun, and smart Dr. Khin Mar Cho of Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CUCE) as well as gracious, good-humoured and inspiring Dr. Gregory Crosby of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture featured in a two-part knowledge sharing forum held this year in Manila on September 10th and March 30th respectively.

Dr. Khin undoubtedly captured the mind and heart of her audience during a knowledge sharing forum on e-Extension held at home-by-the-by Bayview Park Hotel in September.

Director Saliot introduced her as beautiful, young, energetic, and a good friend. Cheerfully, Dr. Khin related that she had been asked if she was a Filipina – graciously giving back the compliment to Filipinas. Frank and honest, Dr. Khin modestly explained that she had been working with CUCE and teaching for quite a while, so she is not fresh-out-of-school as she might look. But yes, she happily admitted, she is energized coming to the Philippines! She is part of the team, Dr. Khin happily professed after her talk as she received the Philippine e-Extension jacket from Director Saliot and Ms. Niet Arceo.

Dr. Khin shared that in addition to administering MarketMaker, CUCE also conducts extension activities such as “education within two hours” – an 8-week nutrition program focusing on nutrition education and women’s participation.

CUCE is working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to assess the requirements for electronically linking farmers with markets in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Bangladesh. Concept mapping workshops consisted of face-to-face sessions and computer software to brainstorm, sort, and

rate their suggestions to better address food marketing issues in the community. A Brainstorming Prompt helps generate ideas from the participants: “I would be much better able to market and distribute my products if…”

Meanwhile, Dr. Gregory Crosby stirred the interest of his listeners. Kudos and big thanks to Dr. Crosby for taking time to discuss the US eXtension during the first part of the knowledge sharing forum held in March at ATI-Central Office. His perceptive insights and encouragements are footholds we should firmly hold on to in our climb up the e-Extension peak.

It was Dr. Crosby who described e-Extension as “a very high calling – something we need to do more of in the country.”

His words are worth remembering as we do our work: “If you don’t know exactly what these people need, begin with quantitative and qualitative assessment of what producers really want… what kind of help they want, and how they want it delivered… You need to know how they are getting information, and deliver information according to your audience’s needs.”

Congratulations and thank you ATI-CO for the rare privilege of meeting and listening to Dr. Crosby and Dr. Khin. Despite having so much more to do in our work, we are persist, we are not disheartened.

| Primalou B. Imperial