WESVARRDEC hosts PCAARRD’s TGP Project Documentation Training-Writeshop

By Deodith Grace Honrado-Baticbatic & Sally R. Villasis

The Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) in its new base agency – the West Visayas State University (WVSU) hosted a 4-day Training-Writeshop in Project Documentation for Techno Gabay Program.  The activity was conducted by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) last August 28–31, 2012 at the CTE/Hometel of WVSU in La Paz, Iloilo City. 

Some 36 participants include Information Service Specialist (ISS), Technology Service Specialist (TSS) and Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) of selected Farmers Information and Technology Services Centers of Regions IV, V, VI and VII under the Strengthening-FITS (SFITS) Program. 

WESVARRDEC’s Consortium Director Noeni S. Nepomuceno welcomed the participants during the opening program while Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, PCAARRD’s Techno Transfer Program Division Director (TTPD) highlighted the importance and magnitude of project documentation in promoting the gains and successes of FITS projects not just locally but internationally.

Topics discussed include Introduction and Basic Skills of Project Documentation, Technical Orientation on Biotech and Communication Efforts, Photo Documentation, Data Validation Analysis and Ownership Building. 

Part of the 4-day training-writeshop was a cross-visit at Pavia FITS Center, one of the FITS Centers of WESVARRDEC under SFITS program. Also, the group toured to Baltazar Gumana’s Garden, Magsasaka Siyentista of FITS Pavia. MS Gumana showcased his different kinds of ornamentals especially the Florida Beauty (Dracaena surculosa) in which he has developed his best practice of propagating it thru a single node presentation.

The training-writeshop aimed to improve the capabilities and services offered by the FITS Centers to the Level of Outstanding FITS Centers. Further, it aimed to increase the number of translated IEC Materials, number of farmers’ training conducted by FITS Centers, update, enhance and maintain the FITS Information Services and to capacitate and re-tool the FITS staff.