AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
Introduction
The ATI is the extension and training arm of the Philippine Department of Agriculture,
mandated to train agricultural extension workers and their beneficiaries and lead in the
delivery of e-extension service for agriculture and fisheries.
The Agricultural Training Institute was created through Executive Order No. 116 on
January 30, 1987 from the merger of the Bureau of Agricultural Extension (BAEx), the
Philippine Agricultural Training Council (PATC) and the Philippine Training Centers for
Rural Development (PTC-RD). It has one International Training Center for Pig
Husbandry (ITCPH) and 15 Regional Training Centers of which ATI-CAR is one.
The ATI shall be responsible for the training of all agricultural extension workers and
their clientele, who are mostly farmers and other agricultural workers, ensure that
training programs address the real needs of the agricultural sector, and ensure that the
research results are then communicated to the farmers through the appropriate training
and extension activities.
Role and Functions
An agency under the Department of Agriculture (DA) that was established under
Executive Order No. 116, the ATI is responsible for training the members of rural-
based organizations, agricultural extension workers and their clientele to
promote and accelerate rural development.
It also conducts research in which the results are communicated to the farmers through
appropriate training and extension service towards the attainment of the Food Self-
Sufficiency Program of the Philippine Government.
Objectives
The Agricultural Training Institute, as the orchestrator of the National Extension System,
ensures harmonized management of agricultural and fishery extension delivery systems
in empowering the farmers and fishers for food security, poverty alleviation and social
equity for sustainable development.
Vision
Food availability and affordability for every Filipino family through excellent extension
services in agriculture and fisheries.
Mission
Empowerment and building capacities of agriculture and fisheries stakeholders for
sustainable development.
Head of the bureau
Mula Named New Director of ATI | Agricultural Training Institute | Home of the
Philippine e-Extension (da.gov.ph)
Current program
1. Rice
Agricultural Development Officers of the Community (AgRiDOC)
We aim to ensure the future of agricultural extension by producing a new breed
of extension and development officers through this initiative under the research
project on “Improving Technology Promotion and Delivery thru Capability
Enhancement of the Next Generation of Rice Extension Professionals and other
Intermediaries” or IPaD.
This is made possible through our collaboration with the Department of
Agriculture (DA) Rice Program, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Training of Trainers
Through our network of training centers, we conduct training programs on
various technologies on rice production for agricultural extension workers
(AEWs) who, in turn, will equip rice farmers with new knowledge, attitude and
skills.
Season-long Training
We provide intensive training programs for AEWs and farmers which include
hands-on activities on land preparation, crop management, machinery operation,
among others.
Rice Crop Manager
Read on Rice Crop Manager under e-Farming.
EXPLANATION
- Dito po parehas nilang tinetrainig yung mga AEW(agricultural extension workers)
and the farmers.
- Through their network of training centers, they conduct training programs on
various technologies on rice production for agricultural extension workers
(AEWs) who, in turn, will equip rice farmers with new knowledge, attitude and
skills.
- They also provide intensive training programs for AEWs and farmers which
include hands-on activities on land preparation, crop management, machinery
operation, among others.
2. Corn and Cassava
Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP)
We aim to uplift the condition of poor farmers through this corn-based partnership
program for sustainable agricultural development. FSTP is an integrative three-
phase agricultural research, development and extension methodology. We
capacitate these farmers on becoming farmer-scientists by providing training on
values development and farming technologies.
This is in line with Executive Order No. 710, Series of 2008 also known as the
“Nationwide Adoption of the Corn-based Farmer-Scientists Research,
Development and Extension Training Program for Sustainable Agricultural
Development to Liberate Poor Farmers from the Bondage of Poverty and
Hunger.”
School-on-the-Air
Through our network of training centers, we offer distance learning programs
through radio on the complete package of technology on corn production for
farmers.
Training of Trainers
We aim to continually strengthen the corn industry by training AEWs on various
corn production technologies. They will then enhance the skills and capabilities of
corn farmers towards greater productivity.
National Corn Congress
In partnership with the DA and the Philippine Maize Federation since 2004, we
convene corn industry stakeholders annually to generate new insights and
recommendations towards enhanced competitiveness.
National Corn Quality Achievers Award
Through this awards program launched in 2012, we aim to recognize the LGUs
and DA-Regional Field Offices with noteworthy performance in the promotion and
development of the corn sector, production of safe and quality corn,
enhancement of participation from corn clusters and strengthening the
partnership between DA and LGUs.
Training Programs & Seminars on Cassava
We also work towards the enhancement of capabilities of our farmers through
training activities and seminars on various cassava technologies from production
to processing.
National Quality Cassava Achievers Award
In promoting the development of the cassava industry in the Philippines, we hold
this annual undertaking to showcase the achievements of our cassava
stakeholders and highlight the good practices in this industry.
EXPLANATION
- Dito po they conduct this trainings for sustainable agricultural development. Ina-
uplift nila yung condition ng mga poor farmers through this corn-based
partnership program. Like dito sa FSTP. FSTP is an integrative three-phase
agricultural research, development and extension methodology. Dito they
capacitate there farmers para maging farmer-scientists by providing training on
values development and farming technologies.
- They also offer distance learning programs through radio for the complete
package of technology on corn production for farmers
- This training activities and seminars they conduct is para ma enhanced pa yung
capabilities of their farmers on technologies from production to processing
3. High Value Crops
Training Programs on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
We ensure continuous learning among our farmers in terms of applying GAP
methods and techniques in the production of cacao, banana, mango, highland
vegetables, lowland vegetables and other high value crops.
School-on-the-Air
We offer season-long training courses aired through radio to enhance the skills
and knowledge of farmers on the various production technologies for high value
crops.
Training of Trainers
We provide training programs for AEWs who will capacitate high value crop
farmers on various production processes including mechanization and
postharvest technology.
EXPLANATION
- They ensure continuous learning among their farmers in terms of applying GAP
methods and techniques in the production of cacao, banana, mango, highland
vegetables, lowland vegetables and other high value crops.
- They provide training programs for AEWs who will capacitate high value crop
farmers on various production processes including mechanization and
postharvest technology
4. Organic Agriculture
Capability-building Programs
To ensure the development in the practice of organic agriculture in the country in
line with the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10068), we
provide support to and conduct seminars and training activities on organic
farming leading to National Certificate II in collaboration with TESDA. We also
support the establishment of Learning Sites in Indigenous Peoples’ community.
School-on-the-Air
Like in our other commodity-based training programs, we use radio to equip
organic farming practitioners with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve
competitiveness and sustainability.
National Organic Agriculture Congress
In collaboration with the DA and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery
Standards, we gather various stakeholders in organic agriculture in this annual
event launched in 2003 to promote sustainable and healthy farming and
showcase success stories of organic farming practitioners.
Extension Grants for Extension Service Providers
Pursuant to the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, we accredit private ESPs to
provide a variety of extension activities to the stakeholders on organic agriculture
as well as hasten and improve public-private partnership on extension services.
See also Extension Service Providers (ESPs) under Extension Programs,
Projects and Partnerships.
EXPLANATION
- Para ma-ensure ang development in the practice of organic agriculture in the
country in line with the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10068),
nagpo provide sila ng support to and conduct seminars and training activities on
organic farming, leading to National Certificate II in collaboration with TESDA.
They also support the establishment of Learning Sites in Indigenous Peoples’
community.
- Like in their other commodity-based training programs, they also use radio to
equip organic farming practitioners with the knowledge and skills they need para
ma achieve yung competitiveness and sustainability.
5. Urban Agriculture
Street Caravans
In line with the ATIng Gulayan ng DA initiative, they hold seminar series in barangays in
different cities to engage households in the food sustainability efforts. Nagbi-visit din sila
sa mga schools para ma-raise yung awareness ng mga students about farming and to
increase their appreciation towards agriculture as a viable source of food and
sustenance of the next generations.
6. Livestock
We ensure the continuous development of the livestock industry through our various
training initiatives that provide the stakeholders with up-to-date knowledge, attitude and
skills on Halal, pig husbandry and others.
7. Social Technologies
Extension Management
Through the provision of training, we equip the staff from Local Government
Units (LGUs) with working knowledge and skills to become effective leaders and
extension managers in adapting to change, overcoming resistance and adopting
innovative and efficient management techniques to remain high performers.
Soft Skills Development
We intend to help Municipal Agriculturists enhance their soft skills, which are
their personal attributes that enable them to interact effectively and harmoniously
with other people. Through training, we aim to improve their proficiency in
understanding perceptions and personalities; building influence; improving
teamwork and collaboration; and expanding their skills in communication,
facilitation, and negotiation.
Farm Business School
We capacitate small-scale farmers through training and seminars on
entrepreneurship development and market access funded by the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Agri Mechanization
By virtue of Republic Act 10601 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization
(AFMech) Law, we provide support services to promote the development and
adoption of modern, appropriate, cost-effective and environmentally safe
agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment. We train farmers, fishers,
manufacturers, extension workers, agricultural engineers, technicians and
operators on agri-fisheries mechanization for productivity and efficiency
enhancement.
Gender and Development
Pursuant to Republic Act 7192 or Women in Development and Nation Building
Act of 1992, we provide learning opportunities for women in agriculture.
Early Child Care Development Program
As an effort to remind and make parents understand the roles and
responsibilities in shaping their children's future, we conduct capability-building
activities to agriculture extension workers and rural women about the value of
discipline and responsibilities as well as practical tips on child rearing.
Special Concerns Program
Recognizing the contribution of the persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and
indigenous people in nation building, we conduct a series of lectures and training
on sustainable agriculture and livelihood improvement.
EXPLANATION
- Through the provision of training, they equip the staff from Local Government
Units (LGUs) with working knowledge and skills to become effective leaders and
extension managers in adapting to change, overcoming resistance and adopting
innovative and efficient management techniques to remain high performers.
- They intend to help Municipal Agriculturists enhance their soft skills, which are
their personal attributes that enable them to interact effectively and harmoniously
with other people. Through training, we aim to improve their proficiency in
understanding perceptions and personalities; building influence; improving
teamwork and collaboration; and expanding their skills in communication,
facilitation, and negotiation.
- Nagpoprovide din sila ng learning opportunities for women in agriculture
- Meron din sila na para maremind yung mga parents to understand the roles and
responsibilities in shaping their children's future, they conduct capability-building
activities to agriculture extension workers and rural women about the value of
discipline and responsibilities as well as practical tips on child rearing.
- Nagkoconduct din sila ng series of lectures and training on sustainable
agriculture and livelihood improvement para sa mga persons with disabilities,
senior citizens, and indigenous people in nation building
FUNCTION
POLICY RESEARCH
Conduct policy research to come up with timely and reliable recommendations on the
appropriate credit policies and programs for the agriculture and fisheries sector.
ACTION RESEARCH
Conduct action research on innovative financing schemes for small farmers and
fisherfolk.
MONITORING
Regularly monitor the flow of credit to the agricultural sector particularly those provided
by the banking sector including government credit, guarantee, insurance, and capacity
building programs.
PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
Oversee the implementation of agricultural credit and guarantee programs to ensure
that credit is truly made available and accessible to small farmers and fisherfolk.
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Empower the rural finance sector by facilitating capacity-building programs for rural
financial institutions, including cooperatives and other people’s organizations, and for
individual farmers and fisherfolk.
ADVOCACY AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
Conduct advocacy and information dissemination activities to promote and generate
greater awareness, understanding, acceptance, and support for agri-credit policies and
ACPC programs.
ACCREDIT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Accredit debt securities and non-bank rural financial institutions pursuant to the
implementation of RA10000 or Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009 (DA-SO 605).
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCE
Determining organizational targets and success indicators to measure timeliness and
quality of services and adhering to stakeholders’, administrative, and legal
requirements.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Enhancing operational efficiency through the adoption of information technology
solutions
CURRENT PROGRAM
EXPANDED SURE AID AND RECOVERY PROJECT SURE COVID-19 - Offers
working capital loans to agri-fishery Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and
emergency and production requirements assistance to Marginalized Small Farmers and
Fishers (MSFF) continue to operations amid the enhanced community quarantine Who
are eligible? - registered agri-fishery based micro and small enterprises, maybe a single
proprietorship, partnership or corporation.
KAPITAL ACCESS FOR YOUNG AGRIPRENEURS - offers loans to finance working
capital and/or fixed asset acquisition requirements of start-up or existing agri-based
projects of young entrepreneurs and agri-fishery graduates.
Eligible - Young agripreneurs aged 18 to 30 years old. Graduates of either formal or
non-formal agri-fishery schooling
AGRI- NEGOSYO - Loan program offers loans to finance capital requirements of agri-
fishery based micro and small enterprises.
Eligible - registered agri-fishery based micro and small enterprises - farmer and fisher
folk organization - individual farmers and fisher folk
SIKAT SAKA PROGRAM - This is in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines
(LANDBANK) to provide credit assistance to small palay and corn farmers for their
production activities/projects. DA agencies, together with the Irrigators’ Association,
will provide support to farmers such as extension, administrative services, assured
market, and irrigation.
ELIGIBLE FARMER BORROWERS - Owns between ½ hectare and 5 hectares of
irrigated land with a clean land title or other documentary proof of ownership to be
turned over to LANDBANK for safekeeping - Must be a member in good standing of an
irrigators’ association - Must have no existing loan for palay/corn production - Must have
a purchase order from the National Food Authority - Must sign a promissory note for the
amount he borrows - Must authorize the IA to manage his farm as remedial measure in
case of non-payment of a loan after one year, to be returned to him after the loan has
been paid - Must attend a seminar on financial education
AGRARIAN PRODUCTION CREDIT PROGRAM (APCP) - is a program jointly
implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR), and the LandBank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). The program caters to
Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) whose organizations are not yet eligible to avail
of loans from LANBANK. Eligible Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs)
avail of loans under the program and in turn re-lend to eligible ARBs to fiance their agri-
production projects and activities.
ELIGIBLE BORROWERS - Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) -
Farmer Organizations/People’s Organizations other than ARBOs with ARB or ARB
household members - Other conduits such as Cooperatives, NGOs, and rural banks
only, with ARB or ARB household members or APCP ineligible ARBOs as clients
