Batch 15 of the Rice Specialists’ Training Course (RSTC) was formally welcomed virtually last June 6, 2022. 30 trainees from different farm schools, provincial and municipal agriculture offices, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Region 02 and Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR). The batch chose the name Banwar.

 

The opening program was attended by Joy Bartolome A. Duldulao, OIC Branch Director; Lea dR. Abaoag, lead of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Extension Service Program (RCEF-RESP)
Training Component; and Andres L. Dela Cruz, Jr., RCEF coordinator.

 

“Being a rice specialist is a big responsibility. To become one is a great challenge. Sabi nga kapag gusto ay kakayanin. I’m sure na kaya kayo nandito ay hindi lang sa gusto niyong matuto kundi matuto din ang iba mula sa inyo,” said Abaoag.

 

The RSTC aims to develop the trainees’ technical and decision-making skills in rice and rice-based production technologies. They will henceforth serve as resource persons and facilitators in various RCEF training programs. (DA-PhilRice Isabela, FB)