The CDA Region III Extension Office, in partnership with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), had just completed the 14th and last batch of the BTC-COBE at the Crown Royale Hotel, Capitol Dr, City of Balanga, Bataan for 2022.
Overall, the CDA Training Management Team, which is comprised of 2 groups, had finished conducting 14 batches of the BTC-COBE in 7 different provinces in Region III, namely, Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Bataan. A total of 473 participants from 218 Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCA) took part in the training sessions.
Each batch was held within the respective province of the target FCAs. The first batch was conducted in Amco Beach Resort, Buton Street, Baler, Aurora. 28 participants from 15 FCAs attended the training. 25 participants from 13 FCAs attended the training in Hacienda Galea Resort and Events Place, 806 Purok Pinagpala Brgy. Pinagbarilan, Baliuag, Bulacan.
24 participants from 11 FCAs attended the training in Hacienda Gracia Resort and Hotel, Lubao, Pampanga. 33 participants from 17 FCAs attended the training in L. Reutotar Beach Resort, Pundakit, San Antonio, Zambales. 87 participants from 34 FCAs attended 2 batches in La Maja Rica Hotel, Ligtasan Street corner, MacArthur Hwy, Tarlac City, Tarlac.
Nueva Ecija, in turn, had a total of 7 batches held at the Consuelo’s Filipino Chinese Restaurant, Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, gathering a total of 248 participants from 115 FCAs in all 4 districts of the province. The project concludes with 28 participants from 13 FCAs attending the training at the Crown Royale Hotel, City of Balanga, Bataan.
Four modules were discussed in the training, which included the following topics:
- Introduction to Concepts of Entrepreneurship and Successful Enterprise
- Cooperativism and Values
- Introduction to Bookkeeping; and
- Roles of FCAs in Attaining the Goals of RCEF-Mechanization Program & in Sustaining the Farm Machinery Service Provider and Introduction to Farm Machinery Utilization Record Book.
Three workshops covering basic bookkeeping and RCEF-Mechanization Program record-keeping were also provided to the participants to help them practice and retain the knowledge from the modules discussed.
These were facilitated by resource persons from among the experienced staff of CDA Region III Extension Office, as follows, Ms. Marichris S. Lanorio, Ms. Elena P. Dela Cruz, Ms. Jasmin P. Barroga, Ms. Raquel A. Roquis, Mr. Cresencio V. Pilao, Jr., and Ms. Vernilyn Fe C. Parentilla. The topics were conveyed in a manner that the participants would easily relate to, appealing to their innate sense of humor and experience in the farmlands.
In behalf of Executive Director Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia, representatives from DA-PHilMech also joined in on the action, namely, Ms. Julie Marie Sebastian, Engr. Ronnie Duran, Danielle Antoinette I. Castro, and June Rhimel Joven. They enthusiastically responded to the queries of the participants during the open forum. Frequently asked questions included schedules of farm machinery distributions and required entries in the Farm Utilization Record Book.
The training sessions were also graced with the presence of and message of inspiration from a few distinguished guests. Ms. Cristina H. Villamil, CDA Region III Extension Office’s Regional Director, was there to commend the participants for their outstanding dedication to the agriculture industry and to motivate them as they strive to do even more for the entire nation who depends on this industry.
Undersecretary Joseph B. Encabo, Chairman of the CDA, thanked and congratulated the participants for taking part in the initiative to strengthen the local farming industry through the provisions and development of skills and knowledge.
Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, also gave an inspiring message highlighting the advantages of mechanizing the farming industry. She also assured the participants that they are in very capable hands and that by the end of the project, they’ll be equipped with the necessary tools to improve their livelihood.
Aside from the resource persons and guests, these successful training activities wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of the project team of the CDA Region III Extension Office composed of staff from the Cooperative Project Development and Assistance Section (CPDAS) and the Cooperative Research Information Training Section (CRITS). These include Mr. Raul S. Encarnacion (Chief of CPDAS), Ms. Jenalyn D. Ferrer (Acting Chief of CRITS), Ms. Myra C. Dacwag, Ms. Karen Krystel F. Ysais, Mr. Ruben L. Abucejo Jr., Ms. Mirasol M. Calma, and Ms. Dianne Marie B. Balleza.
Field personnel in charge of the participating areas were also present to assist and provide additional guidance to the participants. They were Mr. Alexander P. Rotas of Aurora, Mr. Aron S. Tubig of Bataan, Mr. Cresencio V. Pilao, Jr. and Mr. Francis R. Mangacu of Bulacan, Ms. Margarita U. Gulapa and Ms. Monika Vanessa T. Escober of Pampanga, Ms. Elizabeth T. Acayan of Zambales, Mr. Rogelio D. Pardua, Jr., Ms. Hemilin S. Cardinoza and Mr. Richard B. Padilla of Tarlac, and Ms. Ofelia A. Ciriaco, Ms. Cristina S. Amores, Ms. Jasmin P. Barroga and Ms. Phylicia Kaye P. Cristal of Nueva Ecija.
By the end of each batch, participants went home with certificates of completion and attendance, enhanced knowledge on entrepreneurship and cooperativism, improved linkages, and warm smiles.
This concludes the BTC-COBE for 2022. With the results of this year’s batches, the team will prepare for the next set of trainings for 2023 and strive to continuously improve the project, help more Farmers Cooperatives and Associations in Region III, and contribute to the overall improvement of farming in the country.
Prepared by:
DIANNE MARIE B. BALLEZA
CDS-II
