By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a training hall in Quezon City, agricultural experts and trainers gathered with a shared mission—to strengthen the skills of those who guide farmers across the country. For many communities that depend on agriculture, the knowledge shared by extension workers can shape how crops are grown, how farms adapt to change, and how livelihoods improve.
To support this mission, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) conducted a Retooling on the Basic Agricultural Extension Course (BAEC) on February 23 and 24, 2026 at the ATI Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City. The activity was organized through the institute’s Career Development and Management Division as part of its continuing effort to enhance the capabilities of agricultural trainers and facilitators.
The two-day program brought together 20 resource persons who revisited key lessons and strengthened their teaching and facilitation skills. Participants reviewed topics such as Personal Awareness and Self-Mastery as well as Community Work, which are important foundations for effective agricultural extension services.
Agricultural extension workers serve as a vital bridge between research institutions and farming communities. They help translate scientific knowledge, government programs, and new technologies into practical guidance that farmers can use in their daily work. By improving their communication and facilitation skills, extension workers can better support farmers in increasing productivity and adopting modern farming practices.
During the retooling activity, ATI experts guided participants through a series of input sessions, coaching activities, and mentoring discussions. These sessions allowed resource persons to exchange ideas, share experiences from the field, and update their instructional strategies for training agricultural stakeholders.
The training also focused on improving facilitation techniques so that extension workers can deliver lessons more effectively to farmers, fisherfolk, and rural communities. Participants learned methods for engaging learners, encouraging participation, and adapting training materials to different audiences.
According to ATI officials, strengthening the skills of trainers and facilitators is essential for improving the overall quality of agricultural extension services in the country. When trainers are well-prepared, they are better equipped to guide farmers in adopting improved farming methods, climate-resilient practices, and sustainable agriculture technologies.
The Basic Agricultural Extension Course remains one of ATI’s core programs for building the capacity of agricultural extension workers. It provides essential knowledge on community engagement, communication, and leadership—skills that are crucial for those who work directly with farming communities.
Agriculture continues to play a major role in the Philippine economy, supporting millions of farmers, fisherfolk, and rural families. However, the sector also faces many challenges, including climate change, fluctuating market prices, and the need for modern farming technologies.
Through training initiatives like the BAEC retooling, the government aims to strengthen the network of extension workers who help farmers navigate these challenges. By improving how knowledge is delivered, ATI hopes to ensure that farmers receive practical guidance that can improve productivity and sustainability in the long term.
The activity also reflects the government’s broader goal of promoting knowledge-sharing and capacity development within the agriculture sector. By investing in the development of trainers and facilitators, the institute seeks to create a stronger system for transferring knowledge from research institutions to the people working directly on farms.
As the training concluded, participants expressed their commitment to continue improving their methods and supporting agricultural communities across the country.
For many farmers who rely on timely advice and updated knowledge, well-trained extension workers remain a crucial partner in building stronger farms, more resilient rural communities, and a more secure food future for the nation.
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