ATI boosts women’s role in agriculture through training programs
TANTANGAN, South Cotabato — The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region 12 is strengthening its training initiatives to better equip both men and women in the agriculture sector, with a strong focus on empowering members of Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs).
Porsha A. Rivera, alternate focal person for rural-based organizations and agricultural learning sites, highlighted ATI’s commitment to ensuring women have equal access to capacity-building opportunities in agriculture.
She said the agency recognizes the vital role of women in the sector and continues to support them through training programs tailored to their needs—allowing them to earn a livelihood while managing responsibilities at home.
Each year, ATI Region 12 conducts capacity-building activities for RIC women members to enhance their skills and provide practical knowledge for income generation.
Rivera emphasized that one of ATI’s main goals is to help RIC members establish sustainable livelihoods.
Most training programs focus on food processing, handicraft production, backyard gardening, and poultry raising. Participants are also given access to agricultural learning sites where they can explore modern technologies and innovative farming practices.
In addition, ATI links RIC members with government agencies that can help them market their products.
One beneficiary, Earlyn Lejisma Salazar, 57, a housewife and member of the Masinadyahon nga Kababaehan sang San Vicente RIC in Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, shared how the training improved her livelihood.
She joined a program on edible landscaping, which taught her how to grow vegetables more efficiently in her backyard. Participants also received gardening tools to support their community garden projects.
Salazar said the training not only improved her farming skills but also helped her earn additional income while providing her family with fresh and safe food.
She added that she shared her learnings with fellow RIC members, and together they now manage their “Gulayan sa Bayan” project, generating monthly income from their harvest.
ATI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers—especially women—through continuous training, technical assistance, and livelihood opportunities.
Rivera said the institute remains ready to provide knowledge, support, and resources to help communities build sustainable sources of income.
NPO News Team | Philippine Information Agency - PR
