Agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte return to their communities with renewed confidence after completing the two-day Appreciation Course on Rice Science and Technology Updates at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
A total of 25 AEWs from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM) joined the training, which equipped them with tools to improve rice productivity and promote sustainable practices.
The course introduced the PalayCheck System and Palayamanan Plus, technologies designed to help farmers increase their yields and promote eco-friendly farming practices, while supporting AEWs in adapting these tools to local situations.
A key outcome of the training was the creation of Re-entry Plans, where AEWs outlined concrete steps such as crop monitoring, yield improvement, and resource conservation tailored to their municipalities.
For AEW Charmie Sulaiman, the training was transformative. “Exchanging stories with other AEWs opened my eyes to new approaches to common farming challenges. I am excited to share what I’ve learned about crop monitoring and sustainable farming techniques with my co-workers and local farmers,” she said.
Officials from MAFAR-BARMM and PhilRice Midsayap emphasized that empowering AEWs bridges research and practice, ensuring farmers gain accessible guides to make informed decisions. As AEWs return to their municipalities, their strategies are expected to maximize resources, improve yields, and enhance food security across BARMM.
Through continued capacity-building, AEWs are strengthened as catalysts for change, ensuring that scientific advancements in rice production translate into tangible improvements in rural livelihoods.
