By Kenneth Marcos 
A crisp morning at Paoay Lake JLP Resort in Ilocos Norte set the stage for 69 National Tobacco Administration (NTA) extensionists to come together on December 1–2 for the Annual Seminar-Workshop on Enhancing Extensionists’ Capabilities (ASWEEC). The two-day event aimed to equip frontline workers with the knowledge and skills needed to better serve tobacco farmers across the country.
“NTA extensionists are frontliners in service delivery,” said Administrator Belinda Sarmiento-Sanchez. “Continuous learning is not optional — it is essential. It is not only for your personal growth but for the families, communities, and the industry that rely on your guidance.”
Deputy Administrator for Operations Nelson C. Casela formally opened the workshop, highlighting the Farm Technology and Services Department’s (FTSD) role in modernizing tobacco production. “Improving farm productivity requires learning, collaboration, and innovation,” he said. “Workshops like this keep our extension services responsive and relevant.”
The participants engaged in expert-led sessions covering both technical and operational topics. Corporate Planning Manager Fortuna C. Benosa provided an overview of NTA’s government functions, while Administrative Department Manager Dinah E. Pichay explained employee benefits and internal processes.
Technical lectures focused on improving production efficiency and sustainability. Chief SRS Evangeline C. Cabigan discussed tobacco varieties and selection. Supervising TPRO Warlie V. Oribello of NTA La Union covered seedling production, maintenance, and fertilizer computation. Post-production processes were addressed by Senior SRS Kenneth Russel L. Tanaval, who explained flue-curing techniques for Virginia tobacco, and Gilbert A. Taguiam, who presented air-drying methods for Burley and Native tobacco.
Sustainability and crop protection were also emphasized. Edward Andres from Universal Leaf Phils., Inc. shared best practices for environmentally responsible tobacco production, while Science Research Specialist II Jennifer A. Manglal-lan discussed pest and disease management and safe handling of crop protection agents.
To improve accountability, PDO I Chariz I. Tanaval and CDO III Prescilla Nisperos trained participants on proper documentation of production costs using the Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS) forms.
The workshop concluded with Deputy Administrator for Support Services Benedicto M. Savellano encouraging participants to apply their learnings in the field. “Every farmer who gains new knowledge and every hectare that improves in productivity reflects the purpose of this seminar,” he said.
The presence of NTA Board Members Jessie Pat M. Serna, Luzviminda U. Padayao, Willord L. Reyes, and Samuel S. Franco highlighted the agency’s commitment to supporting extension workers, uplifting farmers, and sustaining the tobacco industry nationwide.
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