The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF RESP) is intensifying its efforts to enhance the skills of trainers from learning sites and farm schools in the Ilocos Region.
Nonilon I. Martin, RCEF extension focal, said they are expanding their outreach to include more trainers, aiming to strengthen their capacity to assist farmers in addressing field challenges and adopting mechanized operations in rice production.
“We aim to encourage more trainers to participate in the training to equip them, enabling them to eventually share the knowledge at the farmers-level,” she said.
The Training of Trainers (TOT) programs are specifically tailored to focus on high-quality inbred rice and seed production, farm mechanization, as well as pest and nutrient management.
Gerald Quinit, the farm manager of Quinit Eco Integrated Farm and a graduate of RCEF TOT, expressed readiness to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training.
“I embarked on this training with limited knowledge in rice production. Now, I am confident in sharing my learnings with farmers to enhance their production and yield,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ma. Luisa Supnet, the farm owner of Maria’s Luntiang Bukid and a graduate of RCEF TOT, pledged to value the insights gained from the training and to disseminate more efficient farming practices to fellow farmers.
“The training has deepened my understanding of our farmers’ needs in improving their rice farming practices. I am committed to being a reliable source of guidance and encouragement for the farmers,” she said.
The RCEF RESP is a component of Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, which allocates P10 billion fund every year for the rice farmers. Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, the program is a six-year government initiative to help the farmers compete in the international rice market. The local government units and lawmakers assist its implementation.
