Product Offerings
Products:
Capacity-building programs: Rice, Corn, Cassava, High-value crops
Extension services: Farm Business School, Training of Trainers, PGS, FAW management
Grants and scholarships: AFE grants, AgriDOC scholarships
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is the extension and training arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines. Based in Quezon City, Metro Manila, ATI is tasked with empowering farmers, fishers, and agricultural extension workers through capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and innovative e-extension services. Led by Director Remelyn R. Recoter, ATI forms a cornerstone of Philippine agricultural modernization and rural development policy.
Core Mandate and Specialization
ATI’s core mandate is to coordinate and implement training programs and extension services aligned with national agricultural development priorities. Established to enhance competencies in the agri-fisheries sector, the institute specializes in:
- Technology transfer and capability enhancement for stakeholders.
- Development of e-learning and digital extension tools.
- Support for farmer-led innovation and enterprise development.
Primary Program Areas
- Rice and Corn Industry Development
- High-Value Crops and Cassava Promotion
- Organic Agriculture and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS)
- Livestock and Climate-Resilient Agriculture
- Digital Extension through ATI e-Learning Platform
Products and Services
Training and Capacity Building
- Farmer Level: Trainings in rice cultivation, diversified farming, agripreneurship, and integrated pest management.
- Extension Workers: Training of Trainers (ToTs), e-learning modules, certification programs.
- Farm Business School: Enhancing entrepreneurial skills of farmers through localized business management curricula.
Grants and Scholarships
- AFE Grants: Agricultural and Fisheries Extension (AFE) scholarships for students, local extension workers, and rural youth.
- AgriDOC: A flagship scholarship and training program for future leaders in agriculture.
Digital Extension Services
- ATI e-Extension Portal: Online training modules, webinars, and multimedia courses across all agricultural subsectors.
- Distance Learning Modules: Specialized content in native languages and context-based agricultural practices.
- Gusto Ko, Organiko: A web video series promoting organic agriculture.
Organizational Reach and Impact
- 16 Regional Training Centers (RTCs) across the Philippines delivering programs at provincial and community levels.
- Over 100,000 training participants served annually, including farmers, youth, fisherfolk, and LGU-based extension officers.
- Partnered with universities, NGOs, and international bodies (e.g., SEARCA, FAO) to deliver specialized programs.
- Led multiple campaigns for climate-resilient agriculture and youth agri-entrepreneurship.
Business Capabilities
- Training Infrastructure: State-of-the-art training facilities, demo farms, and digital learning platforms.
- Program Development: Extensive curriculum design aligned with DA policy, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and international best practices.
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): Centralized performance tracking through learner management systems and impact reports.
Compliance and Public Governance
As a government agency under the DA, ATI adheres to:
- Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules
- Philippine Commission on Audit (COA) standards
- ISO-aligned internal processes in program implementation
Financial and Operational Insights
ATI’s funding is sourced from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) through the Department of Agriculture, with an annual operational budget ranging from PHP 800 million to over PHP 1 billion. This budget supports infrastructure, program delivery, scholarships, research, and digital transformation.
International Collaboration
ATI represents the Philippines in ASEAN training networks and maintains technical exchanges with institutions from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Australia. Through these partnerships, it has introduced innovations in:
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- Farmer Field School models
- Knowledge management systems for agri-extension
Achievements and Recognition
- Launch of ATI e-Learning Portal, now with over 1 million course enrollments.
- Awarded national digital transformation citations for online extension innovation.
- Recognized as a model public institution for agricultural training by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
- Core partner in Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) programs.
Testimonials
Feedback from participants and institutional partners frequently highlight:
- “ATI’s Farm Business School helped me transform my farm into a thriving agri-enterprise.”
- “The e-learning courses are flexible, relevant, and empowering for remote learners.”
- “AgriDOC gave us the tools and confidence to lead rural development in our communities.”
Conclusion
The Agricultural Training Institute is the Philippines’ flagship institution for agri-fisheries extension and training. Through a robust network of regional centers, pioneering e-extension platforms, and impactful training models, ATI empowers the country’s agricultural frontliners with knowledge, innovation, and community-based resilience.