For agricultural progress to truly take root, those on the front lines must be armed with the best possible tools – not just for farming, but for communication, problem-solving, and community building.
This understanding corroborates the training recently completed by key personnel from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Ilocos region, which empowered them to deliver even more impactful support to farming communities.
From May 19 to 24, 2025, DA-SAAD Ilocos area coordinators Duane Joy B. Clemente and Engr. Joshua T. Peduca underwent the comprehensive Basic Agricultural Extension Training Course held at the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) in Tebag East, Santa Barbara.
Organized by the ATI as part of its ongoing efforts to build the capacity of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), this program focused on critical aspects such as personal development, core extension principles, community engagement, and even the nuances of urban agriculture, all designed to translate into tangible benefits for farmers across Pangasinan.
Participants delved into topics like self-awareness and personal mastery, effective agricultural extension approaches, communication strategies, and social mobilization techniques. The training also highlighted the crucial role of urban agriculture as a practical strategy for ensuring food security, particularly in densely populated areas.
A practical highlight of the course was a community immersion activity. Here, participants ventured into a local barangay, engaging with community members and officials to assess needs and apply their learned participatory extension methods in a real-world setting.
The training culminated in the creation of individual re-entry action plans, outlining how Clemente and Peduca will implement their newly acquired knowledge and skills – especially in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication – in their respective areas of assignment for the SAAD Program.
ATI’s Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) is designed to bolster the professional development of AEWs, recognizing them as vital partners in implementing agriculture and fisheries programs at the grassroots. While the devolution of extension services to local government units (LGUs) has led to varied support levels for AEWs across regions, this course helps to standardize and elevate their capabilities, ensuring consistent and effective service delivery.
“This training helped me understand my strengths and how I can better serve the farming communities we work with,” Clemente shared, reflecting on the experience. “It was also an opportunity to reflect on my role as an area coordinator and how I can be more intentional in supporting our beneficiaries.”
Engr. Peduca echoed this sentiment, noting how the training deepened his appreciation for the extensionist’s multifaceted role in sustainable agriculture. “The course opened my eyes to the bigger picture of agricultural extension. Beyond providing technical assistance, we are here to build relationships, listen to farmers, and empower them to become resilient and self-reliant,” he explained.
With their enhanced competencies, Clemente and Peduca are now better equipped to facilitate development initiatives under the SAAD Program, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving food resilience in both rural and urban communities. ###
