1. e-Extension Agenda
Vol. I No. 4 November 2009
ATI Launches Contact Center
Aggie Secretary Yap as Keynote Speaker
T he long wait is over. The
Farmer’s Contact Center (FCC)
of the Department of Agriculture
(DA) with Agricultural Training Institute
(ATI) at the forefront is here and ready
to serve you.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap
will lead in the unveilling of the hotline
numbers of the FCC and will give the
keynote speech during the launching
on November 28, 2009 in Tagbilaran,
Bohol.
The FCC is an alternative
delivery channel in providing timely
information and extension services.
Through the FCC, people can inquire
on agri-related concerns via voice
(call), short messaging service (SMS
or text) as well as emails and other
online communication such as instant
messaging and fora.
The FCC can be contacted at 982-
2474 (AGRI) for Metro Manila, 1-800-
10-982-2474 (AGRI) for provincial toll
free call and 0928-4990-965 for mobile
answer is not yet in the KB or if the
users.
agent doesn’t know the answer, the What’s Inside
Inquiries can also be sent through
query will then be escalated to level 2.
text at 391-32 (DA) for SMART and
TalkNText subscribers and 0928-4990-
Level 2 is composed of experts from e-Learning now ‘compulsory’ to
the DA agencies and institutions. If students of NORMISIST--------- 2
965 for non-SMART subscribers.
the query needs further probing and/
Also, FCC can be reached at
or field and farms visit this would be e-extension Goes Int’l--------- 2
info@e-extension.gov.ph
referred to the level 3 experts. Level 3
There will be three levels of
experts are composed of agricultural
support that will be made available
extension workers (AEWs), agricultural ATI joins Agrilink 2009-------- 3
to respond to the clients’ queries.
scientists and from other institutions/
Level 1 would be the Call Center Awakening the Lola Techie
organizations like State University and
Agents with agriculture background. in our AEWs------------------ 6
Colleges (SUCs).
These agents will answer the queries
The FCC is under the e-Farming
using the KnowledgeBase (KB), if the
►page 3 Always, Onward-------------- 7
1
2. NEWS
e-Extension Agenda
e-Learning now ‘compulsory’ to all aggie
students in NORMISIST
B UTUAN CITY, Caraga Region --
Starting June 2009 e-Learning
will be considered compulsory
to all students taking up agriculture
courses at
all class grade. A certificate of
completion will be awarded to
them provided they meet all of
the following: shall have finished
all the course
the Northern modules and end-
Mindanao NORMISIST incorporate of-module exams
State Institute ATI’s e-Learning to their (EOMs), shall have
of Science and visited ATI-Caraga’s
Technology
curriculum demonstration
(NORMISIST), site for the field
an agricultural state college based in demonstration activity, and shall
Butuan City, Caraga Region. have aced the exams with a
This development transpired when composite rate of not less than instructors in agriculture as this can
the Institute’s Academic Council, 60%. broaden their knowledge on the
chaired by NORMISIST President Dr. Aside from agriculture students, particular field and be in the know on
Joanna B. Cuenca, approved last May NORMISIST also requires all its faculty latest agricultural technologies and good
13, 2009 the proposal of ATI-Caraga to members in the College of Agriculture practices of various commodities.
incorporate e-Learning modality in their to take up e-Learning. Other students In this fast-paced and ever-changing
Agriculture curriculum. and faculty members not belonging world, academic institutions – being the
As a result of this approval, to the said College but are currently seat of knowledge and wisdom – cannot
beginning school year 2009 all students engaged in farming may enroll in afford to be lagged behind from the
taking up B.S. in Agriculture and B.S. e-Learning on an optional/voluntary current technological trends. In their
in Agricultural Technology are required basis. pursuit towards competence, excellence,
to take up e-Learning. Their composite The e-Learning of ATI can and development, their curricula have
score will have a weight in their over- be helpful both for students and to be relevant and realistic in relation to
the demands of time. (JPDEJampac)
e-Extension Program goes International
H ANOI, VIETNAM -- Almost
two years after its launching,
the e-Extension Program for
Agriculture and Fisheries has been
recognized as one of the significant
ICT as it has been lined up as one
of the topics shared during the 4th
World Information Technology Forum
and delivered the paper entitled "ICT
Initiatives of the Philippines Towards
(WITFOR) held last August 26 The e-Extension Agenda
to 28, 2009 at the National
►page 3
Vol. I No. 4
initiatives in the global ICT community Convention Center in Hanoi, Novemebr 2009
that aim for sustainable development. Vietnam.
With its network of institutions The Agricultural Training Editor Theresa Aurora B. Cosico
and the services it offers, the Institute (ATI), the lead
Writers Yovina-Claire R. Agsawa
e-Extension Program started to make implementing agency for
Benedict C. Natividad
waves in the international scene of e-Extension and the extension Vic Thor A. Palarca
and training arm of the Contributors Primalou Imperial (ATI-RTC 5)
Ms. Mappala delivers her Philippine Department Dennis Boyd Baltazar (ATI-RTC 8)
paper in Vietnam for WITFOR of Agriculture, has Hazel Grace Taganas (ATI-RTC 8)
been invited to share Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac
its experiences and (ATI-CARAGA)
learnings gained Layout Artist Benedict C. Natividad
during the program Photographer Clemente A. Gabion
Template Design Alexander DG Hernandez
implementation. Ms.
Editorial Consultants Antonieta J. Arceo
Pamela Mappala, Pamela MG. Mappala
Assistant Chief of Jose Rey Y. Alo e-Learning
the ATI-Knowledge Process Adviser
Products Management Advisers AD Evelyn Aro-Esquejo MNSA, CESO VI
Division (ATI-KPMD) AD Alberto B. Maningding MNSA, CESO IV
represented the Institute Dir. Asterio P. Saliot MNSA, CESO III
2
3. NEWS
e-Extension Agenda
ATI joins Agrilink 2009
A s part of the continuous effort
to promote the extension
services of the Department of
Agriculture, the Agricultural Training
Institute (ATI) actively participated
provided interested visitors the Likewise, ATI took the chance
chance to be personally briefed on the to give out information education
eExtension Program of the Department communication (IEC) materials to those
specifically on the
e-Learning site Agrilink is now on its 16th year
who
visited
in the Agrilink Trade Fair 2009 at the features and its serving the Philippine Agriculture the nook.
World Trade Center, Metro Manila last online courses. and Fisheries Sector There
October 8 to 10, 2009. Steps in were
Computers were set up in the registering into about
“Knowledge Nook” of the website, list 4,232 pieces
the Department of online courses of various
of Agriculture's and downloadable IEC materials
booth. techno kits were like Guide
These introduced to to Citrus
the visitors. Production,
At the Guide to
same time, Mango
visitors were Production,
given the Guide to
opportunity to Broiler
A briefing on the e-Extension
register at the Production,
program was conducted
nook while they Cattle
Agrilink visitors avail the free IECs materials were being briefed. Raising, Integrated Pest Management,
Vegetable Production, among others
that were distributed.
From page 2 The AgriLink Trade Fair is an
e-Extension goes Int’l.... in socio-economic fields such as international agribusiness trade
agriculture, healthcare, environment, exhibition where the government
Sustainable Agricultural Development: education and commercial and sector, principally the Philippine
The e-Extension Program for business promotion. Department of Agriculture, and
Agriculture and Fisheries", which was With this year's theme "ICT for the private sector showcase their
written by programs and services, products
Ms. Mappala WITFOR 2009 was attended by more Sustainable
Development", and technologies. The fair is being
together than 700 delegates from 120 countries, WITFOR conducted by the Foundation for
with Ms. where international speakers had 2009 was Resource Linkage and Development
Antonieta J. thorough discussions and exchanges on a minister- Inc.(FRLD) and is already on its 16th
Arceo, Chief level event year. (BCNatividad with reports from
of the ATI- the various ICT- issues YCRAgsawa)
participated
KPMD and by Vietnamese
Mr. Joserey Prime Minister Nguyen Tang Dung as From page 1
Y. Alo, e-Learning Process Adviser of well as other high ranking officials FCC Soon to be Launched....
ATI. from the global ICT community
WITFOR 2009 was attended such as ICT ministers, senior policy- component of the e-Extension
by more than 700 delegates from makers, international organizations, Program of the DA. The e-Farming
120 countries, where about 100 UN agency representatives aside from component features the delivery of
international speakers had thorough the non-government organizations, farm and business advisory services
discussions and exchanges on the academe, ICT experts and the private through the use of the ICT. The service
various issues to help achieve the UN sector. also includes technical advisory on
Millennium Development Goals and to WITFOR is organized every two agriculture and fisheries technologies
contribute to the implementation of years by the International Federation and agricultural marketing assistance
the Action Plan of the World Summit for Information Processing since to the farmers, extension workers,
on the Information Society. 2003 by establishing linkages among in terms of making their farming a
These issues include the developed and developing profitable enterprise.(BCNatividad)
e-government, telecommunication countries to be able to exploit the
infrastructure, human resources, developmental opportunities through
open source software together with ICT. (PMGMappala)
solutions and IT application lessons
3
4. NEWS FEATURE
e-Extension Agenda
Angara: ICT can be brought to the Grassroots through the
Aurora e-Village Project
T
“ he Aurora e-village Project proyektong ito, inisip natin na in just a click of a finger as what
hopes to demonstrate that ICT magkaroon ng agricultural information President Antonio D. Kalaw of
can be brought to the grassroots system para sa mga farmers natin. Nais Development Academy of the
specifically the province of natin magkaroon ng production system Philippines (DAP) said “With modern
Aurora.” technology, the information
The Aurora e-Village Project aims to integrate
This was the statement we need to be more
ICT as part of a rural community’s life to improve competitive is available
of Senator Edgardo J. Angara
in his keynote speech in the access to information, enhance productivity, with one click of a finger
soft-launching of the Aurora increase family income and improve quality of life through the use of
e-Village Project held in the in the community. Information Communication
Rice processing Complex Technology or ICT, or what
Baler, Aurora last June 29, we commonly refer to as
2009. ay maiangat ang antas ng kalidad the wonders of computers, the web,
“While the rest of the world have ng mga produkto” Governor Angara- the internet, the cellular phones and
gone online in terms of business and Castillo said. texting”.
personal transactions, the provincial Commissioner Angelo Timoteo The project aims to integrate
Government of Aurora, the Department M. Diaz De Rivera of Commission on ICT as part of a rural community’s
of Agriculture and the Development Information and Communications life to improve access to information,
Academy of the Philippines embark on Technology (CICT) sees the project as enhance productivity, increase family
a new challenge of uniting and linking the key in
the municipalities of Aurora though bridging the
Information and Communication digital divide
Technology (ICT) by creating a in Aurora,
system of transaction and accessing where better
information particularly agriculture” access to
said Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) information
Director Asterio Saliot. will be
According to Senator Angara, expected
the idea of the project started when “With the
he was invited in Bangalore, India, help of ICT
where there is a digital village and we can now
bridge the Senator Angara with Governor Bellaflor Angara of Aurora,
they taught their farmers on how to
access the internet and get valuable physical divide DAP President Antonio Kalaw and ATI Director Asterio P. Saliot
and digital during the launching of the Aurora e-Village Project
information for their production. ”And
we hope that the people of Aurora divide that persist in the province of income and improve quality of life in
especially the farmers would adopt and Aurora. This project will be reference the community. It also aims to provide
assimilate ICT as a helpful tool for their site for which we will now look at for a collective strategy in the adoption,
production” added Senator Angara. the other provinces of the country in dissemination, and commercialization
Governor Bellaflo Angara-Castillo trying to replicate the success that will of technology-based, market driven
of Aurora believes that though the surely come out from this particular production system for agricultural
project the quality of the product would project” Commissioner Diaz De Rivera productivity and competitiveness.
greatly improve. “Sa said. And access to information can be For the first phase of the project,
acquired four municipalities of Aurora will be
the main beneficiaries, namely Baler,
Maria Aurora, San Luis and Dipaculao.
Local cooperatives from these four
municipalities will be capacitated to
provide technology-based information
that they can share with the farmers.
For the second phase, the project will
be implemented in the four remaining
municipalities of Aurora namely,
Casiguran, Dingalan, Dilasag and
Rice Processing Complex of Aurora Dinalungan.(BCNatividad)
4
5. NEWS
e-Extension Agenda
Snapshots What our e-Learners Say
“...I have very limited ideas in this field, that is why i am learning
(Goat 1). P.S. Is this website/online help/online course part of the Philippine
government or is this a private sector? If this is part of the government
project, Congratulations! You guys are the best and have the most advance
technique/Information technology :)”
Eric Roca
Cebu
“Thank you very much. I’ve already started the course (Goat 1); I find it
quite informative and am very pleased because it is also quite interesting
and practical. More power to you and your fellow trainors/mentors.”
Angel-Jose Solis
Vienna, Austria
The Regional Consultation
workshop For the Development of “...Thank you very much. This is the most recent certificate (Greenhouse
Knowledgebase for Agriculture and 1) I have received. I really need this one because of my current job
Fishery is a gathering of regional application in the public high school. She was asking about how I will be
experts of different commodities applying my knowledge in the seminar and in my case I can impart to my
with a goal to create FAQs for the students as an educator the application and knowledge I have received. I
Knwledgebase that will support the even came to know that Ms. Jocey (courseware developer) and I have the
Farmers’ Contact Center (FCC). Also, same alma mater.
during the consultation a commitment Jennifer Lorenzo
setting for the experts was made in Bulacan
support of the FCC. (Story on page 8) From our shoutbox @
www.e-extension.gov.ph/elearning
Maganda at marami ako nalaman. Salamat at kailan ko makuha ang certificate
ko?
Julius Acosta
This is a nice and informative course. Thanks! If I will plant yellow corn this
month, will there be a good price next year?
Aries Magat
I am from Normisist. I want to extend my thanks for this opportunity. God
bless everyone.
Reycinee Joy Basan
ATI Director Asterio P. Saliot awards Techno Guide on Corn Production
the Certificate of Completion to Out Now!!!
Ms. Vilma Abalos, Agricultural
Technologist and Municipal FITS Includes the following brochures:
Coordinator of Umingan, Pangasinan
for finishing five e-Learning courses.
Ms. Abalos noted that she
• Corn Cultural Management
enjoyed the e-Learning courses • Corn Industry Profile
when she first enrolled in the course • Management Guide for the Various
From Seed to Seed: Online Course Growth Stages of Corn
on Corn Production that led her to • Pest and Disease of Corn
take four more courses. • Cost and Return of Investment in
Corn Production
• Harvest and Postharvest Operations
for Corn
5
6. FEATURES
e-Extension Agenda
Awakening the
by Dennis Boyd Baltazar ATI-RTC 8
in our AEWs
M aybe you are wondering who (AEWs). But why not? Our
is "Lola Techie" or maybe
not. For those who don't
know her, Lola Techie is the savvy
grandmother who superpokes her
hope-to-be Techies gave us
(based on what we gathered
in promoting e-extension) one or a
combination of the following: 1) they
enthusiasts. For the young once
don'ts, we can offer them better
dos although
much work of
convincing is
apo in Facebook, post her laments don't know how to use a computer or
needed for those
in Twitter are afraid to use
in the 4 and 5
and plays Lola Techie became popular it; 2) they don't don'ts.
an MMORGP have access to a
because of her savvy ability computer; 3) they Why do
(Massively
multiplayer
to adapt latest technology, don't have time to we need to
ATI only hopes that our AEWs use the computer; convince these
online role- "grandparents"?
playing game) would do the same 4) they don't find
(not that they
Lola Techie
where she gets it useful; or 5)
are old in age
angry because they don't care.
The challenge for us now is to but are old to adapt technology).
there are too many "abangers" (I Convincing these group of AEWs to
don't even know what it means) and awaken the Lola Techie in our AEWs,
adopt the technology would mean a
plays Mafia Wars instead. Now you get specifically the young once, not so good selling point for our program,
it? Right! She's the funny grandmother much with the
just like telco's Lola Techie. This
in one telco ad for their DSL service. young ones
may mean work and more work but
Lola Techie is the epitome of because
I think it would be worth the while.
the older generation who are ready they are
After all what we hope to achieve
to embrace change big time, hence computer
here is to deliver the technology to
the name (I guess). How we wish our stakeholders by all means. Who
that we can say the same thing for knows, eventually, our AEWs would
our agricultural extension workers embrace change the Lola Techie way.
AEWs in field work
The yellow button
by Hazel Grace Taganas ATI-RTC 8
W hether it coincided with the of information and communication their anniversary shirts, their way of
"yellow color of the day(s)" technology in attaining a modernized heralding the program and letting
the nation had, the enlarged agriculture and fisheries sector. It others know that there is another
yellow e-Learning buttons spread all specifically provided VSU guests efficient alternative to classroom
over the facade of ATI 8's booth were and constituents information on the learning.
a hit and captivated many particularly e-Farming and And
students during the Visayas State e-Learning The author talks about how the yellow because it’s
University (VSU) 85th Anniversary on components of e-Learning button made an impact to yellow, it
August 1 to 11. the program, visitors during VSU anniversary was more
The yellow buttons featuring than just
we gave away to the e-Learning
our booth visitors text support service which is that time. Whatever added meaning
attracted others the 391-32 and the on-line they had to the yellow button, the
to visit our booth courses that are available message was clear, it reminded them
and see what we and accessible via the net. of a change that took place and made
have in stored for While ATI 8 staff pinned them aware of a change that is taking
them. The center's the e-Learning buttons place that we are confident they
booth showcased the in their anniversary hats would embrace.
e-Extension program of during the parade, others who
the Institute to advocate the use availed of it proudly pinned them in
6
7. FEATURES
e-Extension Agenda
Always, onward
by Primalou Imperial ATI-RTC 5
A s aptly told by Ms. Meitats (a nitty-gritty and preliminaries that had horse-drawn wagon across the street.
fellow e-Learning Coordinator) to be done for the upcoming launch We enjoyed the novel exercise of
in Demystifying Sagada!, the of the Farmers Contact Center this being able to make our way across the
e-Learning Office coordinators’ first September. city and along the seaside boulevard
get-together earlier this year was Topographically, Negros Oriental, entirely on foot. We felt we understood
in the highlands of the Cordilleras. whose capital is Dumaguete City, is a why foreigners abound in the area.
The activity reviewed Incidentally,
the barely two-year old ELO Coordinators from all over the country met for the second we learned that
e-Learning program’s time this year, this time in Dumaguete City, to explore another the famed, more-
considerable successes program that harnesses the vast powers of information and than-a-century-old
and necessarily some communication technology. Silliman University
lessons learned, and thus in Dumaguete
is ATI Director
place quite unlike cool, mountainous Asterio Saliot’s alma mater. His colorful
Benguet or Mountain Province. The account of his days as a working
Negros provinces are in an island that student in the University, about various
sits apart from the rest of Western concerns the ATI directorate had
Visayas. Barely literate in geography, to deal with in the course of ATI’s
I should perhaps stop right there reengineering or makeover, as well
in describing
this tranquil
Visayan island
and its beautiful
seascapes and
Participants from ATI-RTC 4A gently sloping
terrain. Before
properly plan for the trajectory of its embarking
future activities. on our trip to
This August, the ELO Coordinators Dumaguete,
from all over the country met for however, I
the second time this year, this eagerly “googled
time in Dumaguete City, to explore it, just a little bit.”
another program that harnesses A fellow
the vast powers of information and traveler we met
communication technology. With on the airport
discussions greatly enriched by informed us quite
the operational savvy of seasoned emphatically that
agriculturists from the training centers, Dumaguete is the
the workshop participants “eighteenth best Some of Dumaguete’s beautiful sceneries
discussed place to settle
the in the world, in the world, according as the riotously enjoyable fellowship
to surveys.” It’s plain to see why. night shared with him and the equally
Dumagueteños live up to their name, inspiring Assistant Director Alberto
which means gentle people. Walking Maningding: these brought the
through the city streets and asking workshop participants in closer kinship
for directions from helpful bystanders with our Directors.
and storekeepers, we found the During the long trip in one
description fits very well indeed. We of three utility cars that took the
saw the Dumaguete drivers’ road workshop participants to one of
courtesy. On one occasion I was Negros’s renowned tourist destinations,
surprised and sheepish in turn the Antulang beach resort, the
when tricycles skirted to a stop
Participants of the Dumaguete Planning so they would not block my view ►page 10
Workshop and I could take a picture of a
7
8. Farmer’s Contact
Center e-Extension Agenda
ATI Holds Workshop to Develop Knowledgebase
in Support of the FCC
D UMAGUETE CITY, NEGROS
ORIENTAL -- The Agricultural
Training Institute (ATI)
gathered the e-learning coordinators
and training specialists of its Network
Text Support Center in January
2009, ATI started the creation of this
knowledgebase as a prelude to the
full implementation of the e-Farming
among the stakeholders. Next phase
would be the ATI Centers' series of
regional consultations among the
stakeholders that would supplement
the contents needed for the
component of the e-Extension Program
of Training Centers for a planning
workshop to develop a ATI gathered the e-learning coordinators
knowledgebase and training specialists of its Network of
towards the
establishment
Training Centers for a planning workshop to
of the Farmers' develop a knowledgebase
Contact
Center of the for Agriculture and Fisheries. Set
Department to launch within theyear, the FCC knowledgebase. It is where subject
of is one main service that the DA will matter specialists of various agricultural
Agriculture be offering to its clientele to provide commodities would be gathered
(DA). farm and business advisory services together to get their involvement in
After through the use of information and this undertaking.
the soft communication technology (ICT). The knowledgebase would be
launch As its initial undertaking, the the FCC reference to respond to the
of its ATI held the national planning frequently asked questions of the
workshop which aimed to establish clientele of the DA. The ATI is the
the appropriate system of referrals at lead implementing agency of the DA's
the regional level for the frequently e-Extension Program for Agriculture
asked questions (FAQs), determine the and Fisheries.
mechanics of extracting information at The national planning workshop was
the regional level, and formulate work held in Dumaguete City from August 10
plans for the regional consultations to 14, 2009.(YCRAgsawa)
Acquiring Knowledge from the Grassroots
for the FCC
Now on to the regions! Contact Center
After the successful undertaking (FCC): A Regional Before launching the FCC, ATI needs to establish
Consultation
of the National Workshop to develop a knowledgebase for Agriculture and Fisheries to
knowledgebase in support of the workshop For the
Development of serve as the support system of FCC.
Farmers' Contact Center held in
Dumaguete,
the Agricultural consultation workshops aim to (1)
Training Knowledgebase discuss the essence and features of
Institute (ATI) for Agriculture FCC, (2) validate the system that must
takes the and Fishery,” be in place to make FCC operational,
consultation the series of (3) generate the Frequently Asked
workshops workshops Questions (FAQs) with corresponding
to the are being held answers relevant to agriculture and
regional level. throughout fisheries production and (4) enlist the
Dubbed as the country commitment and participation of the
“Towards the specifically in the
Establishment 17 regions of the
Philippines. ►page 9
of Farmer’s Participantsduring workshop proper
The regional
8
9. e-Learning
e-Extension Agenda
Before launching the FCC, ATI the FCC is a pioneer project in the
From page 8 needs to establish a knowledgebase for Philippines and needs a lot of work to
Acquiring Knowledge.... Agriculture and Fisheries to serve as be successful.
the support system of FCC. Generating “This is the first attempt of such
subject matter specialist (SMS) to project in the Philippines and it is a
be part of FCC. Participants were challenge because of the enormity
Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) of work to be done before we
of the various commodities from can launch the Farmer’s Contact
DA-Regional Field Units, local Center,” Maningding added.
government units (LGUs), state The regional consultation
universities and colleges (SUCs) workshops consisted of briefings
and the private sector. on the Overview of the e-Extension
Mandated by the Program, Overview of the Farmers'
Department of Agriculture (DA) Contact Center which includes
through its Department Order the discussion of the conceptual
No. 3 series of 2007, the ATI framework of the FCC and the
takes the lead in the provision proposed system of referral,
of e-Extension services of consultation workshops on system
the DA. Because of this, the of referral and the emerging issues
ATI launched the e-Learning Subject Matter Specialist preparing drafts of FAQs and recommendations during the
component of the Program last all the Frequently Asked Questions implementation and generation of FAQs
December 2007. For its subsequent (FAQs) of the various agricultural and lastly commitment setting.
endeavor, the ATI plans to launch the commodities from the experts in the Expected outputs from the regional
Farmer’s Contact Center (FCC) to form regions, it will be consolidated and will consultation and workshops are the
part of the e-Farming Component serve as the foundation of the support directory of experts per commodity per
of the e-Extension Program. FCC system of the FCC. specialization, list of Frequently Asked
will serve as an alternative delivery Assistant Director Alberto B. Questions (FAQs) and corresponding
channel and will supplement the Maningding, ATI’s Deputy Director for answers, validated referral system,and
current extension and agricultural AFE Operations urged the experts and the issues and recommendations
support efforts. The intent is to provide Subject Matter Specialists to help ATI in which will serve as guide in the
accurate replies to the clientele’s this project during one of his messages drafting of institutional arrangement
queries through call (voice), short in the regional consultations. “We ask mechanisms and guidelines for
messaging service (text), discussion the help of all the experts of DA-RFU, implementation.
forum of the e-Learning site as well as SUCs, LGUs and the private sector in The consultations were held for the
the contact us email, and refer them to establishing the knowledgebase for whole month of September until the
experts for a detailed advise. the FCC,” he said. He also added that first week of October.(BCNatividad)
Upcoming Online Courses
Watch out for these four new online courses that will be offered by
December, 2009.
Online Course on Abaca Pest Management.
This course deals on the identification of the major pests of abaca that
cause significant decline in fiber production. The course is intended to provide
basic knowledge on abaca pest management to agricultural extension workers,
farmers and other stakeholders who are engaged or planning to go into abaca
production.
Online Course on Integrated Pests Management for Banana.
This online course has 7 modules that tackle the pest of banana ant its
corresponding control measures.
Online Course on Organic Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture.
This online course discusses methods of production and application of
organic fertilizer. Likewise, it discusses the factors that could influence the
quality of the organic fertilizer produced. This is being developed by DOST-
PCARRD.
Online Course on Jackfruit Production.
It gives information on the different jackfruit varieties to cultural
management, and pest and disease management. The course also tackles
harvest and postharvest production and jackfruit marketing.
9
10. e-Learning
e-Extension Agenda
e-Learning Site: Fuller and Better
L earners enjoy new features
and courses at ATI’s
e-Learning website.
The e-Learning site (http://
www.e-extension.gov.ph/
The e-Learning site just got better
users can post a message.
Aside from this, there are
with the introduction of the shout- also new and improved courses
box and new online courses available at the e-Learning site.
As of mid-November, new courses
elearning/) is now more interactive on Basic Agricultural Marketing
feature was initially positioned at the
with the addition of an instant Extension (Agrimark1) and Yummy
homepage until last October 29, 2009
messaging feature – the shoutbox Yam: Ubi Production (Yam1) are
when shoutboxes and chat lounges
and chat lounge – where online users already accepting enrollees. Developed
were created in every front-end of all
can exchange thoughts with the site’s
the online courses to separate general by ATI-RTC1, Agrimark1 is e-Learning’s
technical support team, e-Learning
concerns from the course-specific ones. first social technology course that
coordinators and course developers.
As such, anyone who visits the site can ►page 11
Set up last August 8, 2009, this
see this feature but only registered
From page 7 “Anachronism” probably partly
List of Online Courses describes Dumaguete too, and I mean
Always, Onwards....
it as a compliment – age-old culture
T
hese are the list of e-Learning multitalented Mr. Mar Lapitan of ATI- coexisting with modern-day people and
Courses currently offered RTC 4A dispelled travel time doldrums way of life. It is charming, it works,
through the e-Extension by playing on his mobile phone the and it brings desired results.
Program. Enroll now at www.e- Faithful Love mp3. The sound brings to ATI prepares for the Farmers
extension.gov.ph/elearning mind old-fashioned wedding receptions Contact Center, another ICT-based
and idyllic Agriculture and
Establishing Feed Resources public dances Fisheries service
for Your Goats (Developed by during town delivery system.
DOST-PCARRD) fiestas. Before It hopes to
Starting a Slaughter Goat Enterprise you could “Anachronism” probably address the age-
(Developed by DOST-PCARRD) say Bluetooth partly describes old problems of
Citrus Growing: A Promising everyone was
asking for a file Dumaguete too, and I technology gap
Enterprise and inaccessible
From Seed to Seed: Online Course transfer. mean it as a compliment
information.
on Corn Production The – age-old culture The problem
Managing Common Diseases in incongruity of coexisting with modern- has become an
Banana the age-old day people and way anachronism too,
Growing Durian the Better Way instrumental
playing heartily of life. It is charming, you might say.
Abaca Production: Cultural Always
Management Practices of Abaca in very mod it works, and it brings
moving forward –
Growing Bamboo for Profit and a communications desired results this has become
Healthy Environment (Developed by devices... I the hallmark of
DOST-PCARRD) wracked my ATI, particularly
Production of High Value Crops in brain for the the team built by
Greenhouse word that best Ma’am Niet, Ms.
Savoring the Green Brew: Arabica depicts the experience (which we all Pam, Sir Rey, and the rest of the very
Coffee Production enjoyed BTW). able AKMD team. The special kind of
Seaweed Farming (Developed by Watching a horse-drawn carriage magic that worked in Dumaguete that
DA-BAR) plod alongside a shiny black top-of-the- brought the participants together from
Basic Agricultural Marketing line car in Dumaguete City, the word all across the country… may it continue
Extension came to mind so faintly I almost failed serving us all in good stead, and help
Yummy Yam: Online Course on Ubi to catch it, from memories of college us make age-old problems in farming a
Production class lectures buried underneath years thing of the past.
of bureaucratic limbo.
10
11. e-Learning
e-Extension Agenda
From page 9 e-Learning Enrollees Escalate
M
e-Learning Site....
ore and more extension Online learners now have the
workers, farmers and other opportunity to interact through online
covers the rudiments of agricultural people who are interested discussion forum and access a wide
marketing. On the other hand, Yam1 in agriculture are now enrolling in the array of digital learning resources
covers the major management e-Learning courses in the e-Extension to enhance their knowledge on a
practices in ubi production and was site (www.e-extension.gov.ph). particular commodity. Other relevant
developed by ATI-RTC 7. Moreover, To date, there are 11 full courses agricultural information is also available
the course on Production of High Value on agri-fishery on every
Crops in Greenhouse (Greenhouse1) technologies
With e-Learning courses continue e-Learning
is now being offered with a revised available online to increase so are the enrollees course which
version – Greenhouse1.2 – by ATI- with a total of 972 and graduates can help the
RTC3. As such, to enroll in a course, enrolees. enrollees
registered e-Learning user just needs Among the make the
to enter an enrollment key that enrolees, there are now a total of 465 right decisions in their farms.
they can request through Text send graduates from the 11 courses. Also, the digital learning resources
to 09284990965 or email from the Most of the online enrolees are people can be downloaded at the user’s
technical support team at support@e- interested to venture in agribusiness convenience. The interactivity of
extension.gov.ph. and agricultural extension workers e-Extension website was even
But it doesn’t stop there because (AEWs) across the country as the heightened by new feature the
three new online courses are still on major participants. All 11 courses are Shoutbox; The shoutbox was created
the way which will be made available free except for the fee-based course on for the users to get instant replies from
before the end of November 2009. Swine Husbandry which is offered by the web administrator the moment
With all this new inclusions at the the International Training Center on Pig they are logged in.
e-Learning site, users can’t help Husbandry (ITCPH). All the full online courses are
but anticipate for more from it. The Of all the 11 courses, two courses currently exclusive to Filipinos here and
e-Learning team never ceases to work were developed by the DOST-PCARRD abroad because of the courses’ local
for the continuous improvement of which are the Basic Agricultural recommendations.
the site and for a better service to its Marketing Extension and Yummy Yam: A quick look at the 11 full courses
clientele. (YCRAgsawa) Ube Production and one course on can be browsed at www.e-extension.
Seaweed Farming was developed by gov.ph/elearning.(VTPalarca)
DA-BAR.
Techno Guide on
Lowland Vegetable Production
Out Now!!!
Includes the Following leaflets and
brochures:
• Ampalaya (Bitter Gourd)
• Okra
• Patola (Luffa Gourd)
• Hot Pepper
• Squash
• Upo (Bottle Gourd)
• Eggplant
• Sitao
• Tomato
• Management Guide for Integrated
Pests and Diseases of Lowland
Vegetables
• Guide in Selecting Lowland
Vegetable Varieties
11
12. e-Extension Agenda
Text Queries on Agri & Fishery
Keeps on Increasing
M ore and more individuals Scholarships and Programs, etc.
resort to the Text Support The Text Support Center is a
Center of ATI for immediate helpdesk that caters to queries on
response to their concerns on agriculture and fisheries. Farmers,
agriculture. fishers extension workers, agri-
Since it was launched last January entrepreneurs or anybody
until November 12, 2009, the text can send their
queries received by the center already questions
reached a striking volume of 2,472. through Short
Majority of which, (1,608 queries), Message
pertains to the e-Learning Program of Service
ATI. (SMS),
Second is for Other Concerns/ commonly
Greetings with a total number of 222 known
texts while concerns on Rice fall only as Text, to
on the third spot with 184 inquiries. the hotline
As such, the most prevalent topic number 391-
across all commodities is Pest and 32(DA)for SMART and
Disease Management with a total TalkNTextsubribers and 0928-4990-
of 150 queries. This is followed by 965 for non SMART subcribers.
Cultural Management Practices and It is under the e-Farming
Varieties/Breeds/Species with 150 and component of ATI’s Extension
78 queries, respectively. Program. This is in collaboration with
Few queries that are also raised all the Department of Agriculture’s
to the Text Support Center includes (DA) attached bureaus and agencies
Commodity Prices, Marketing, as well as other partner agencies of
Programs, New Technologies, ATI ATI.(YRCAgsawa)
12