INTRODUCTION

What is Agricultural Extension?

Agricultural extension, as defined by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), helps
farmers access knowledge, information, and technologies, and improves their interactions within
the agricultural sector. This approach enhances farmers' skills, making agriculture more effective
in meeting people's needs. By promoting product safety and quality and facilitating technology
transfer, agricultural extension becomes essential for rural development. It enhances farmers'
knowledge and skills, contributing significantly to overall development efforts, particularly in
agricultural and rural areas.

Agricultural Extension in the Philippines

In countries like the Philippines, agricultural extension has been crucial for centuries. Since the
Spanish colonization era, initiatives like model farms were introduced for demonstration. Today,
the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) acknowledges the importance of
agricultural extension, defining it as the provision of training, information, and support services
by government and non-government organizations to improve the capabilities of farmers and
fisherfolk.

Challenges in Agricultural Extension in the Philippines

One of the major challenges is limited funding challenges agriculture against infrastructure and
health for resources, affecting the quality of information materials and hindering extension
workers' mobility. Decentralization lacks financial empowerment, necessitating more support for
LGUs. Human resource development is limited, risking obsolescence/being outdated without
continuous training. Political interventions affect hiring and program focus, and coordination
issues arise due to the lack of a national apex agency. Limited resources lead to individual farm
visits, while alternative methods like mass media are underutilized. And lastly, complexities in
supply and demand persist among agencies.

OBJECTIVES
a. Participating in extension activities is essential for developing knowledge and skills in
agriculture extension methods, techniques, and strategies. These activities typically
 involve engaging directly with farmers and rural communities to provide them with
valuable agricultural information, resources, and support.
b. Identifying problems in learning site operations and extension activities is crucial for
improving efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, community engagement, and
continuous improvement in extension programs. By addressing challenges proactively,
extension workers maximize impact and contribute to positive outcomes for farming
communities and rural development.
c. Practicing and developing desirable work attitudes and values in extension management
are essential for promoting professionalism, integrity, empathy, adaptability,
collaboration, and continuous learning. By embodying these qualities, extension
managers can enhance their effectiveness, build positive relationships with stakeholders,
and contribute to positive outcomes for agricultural development and rural communities.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Agricultural Advisory Services
The agricultural market is evolving rapidly, benefiting a few well-off farmers while leaving
small-scale producers behind due to their inability to meet market demands. Limited access to
information, understanding, and networks further hinder their capacity to compete effectively. To
prevent value chain development from becoming a 'race to the bottom' for these marginalized
stakeholders, there is a crucial need for market-oriented agricultural advisory services
(MOAAS).

Agricultural Extension Services (AES)

Agricultural Extension Services (AES) are crucial for sharing agricultural knowledge and
technology in rural communities to enhance productivity, sustainability, and rural development.
AES involves government partnerships providing scientific expertise to address challenges and
foster progress. It includes activities like technology transfer, education, training, advisory
services, and community development, delivered by extension agents and organizations. AES
empowers farmers with tools and information to improve practices, access markets, and adapt to
challenges like climate change, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Impact of Agricultural Extension
AES significantly improves agricultural productivity, livelihoods, food security, and rural
development. AES promotes food security by encouraging sustainable farming methods. AES
facilitates technology adoption, enhancing efficiency and resilience, as seen in Kenya. AES
empowers farmers by providing knowledge and resources for independent decision-making, as
observed in Ghana. In summary, AES bridges scientific research with practical farming methods,
fostering sustainable agricultural progress, poverty reduction, and rural livelihood enhancement.

Importance of Agricultural Extension

Agricultural extension empowers farmers by providing essential information to improve farming
practices, with effectiveness linked to local administration and increased agricultural production
(Wida, 2019). These services significantly enhance productivity, food security, and rural
livelihoods, underscoring agriculture's economic importance in rural areas (Agu-Aguiyi et al.,
2021). Recognized as crucial for delivering the necessary information to modern farmers, it
enables them to directly generate income from agricultural activities (Jones & Garforth, n.d.).

Work of Extension and its People

Extension services play a crucial role in developing rural, suburban, and urban communities by
going beyond just teaching about farming. They provide full support for producing, processing,
marketing, and distributing safe and healthy food, ensuring local food security. Although
extension workers may not have all the skills, they help as teachers, helpers, and development
experts to make communities more sustainable. Important skills include understanding markets
and evaluating impact, which can be learned at higher levels. Overall, extension services act as
educational bridges, connecting farms to tables.

Major Practice in Agricultural Extension

CLSU's DAE offers a specialized Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program focusing on
Agricultural Extension Education, equipping students for work in both public and private sectors.
The curriculum includes field practice and internship training, enhancing students' extension
abilities. During the 280-hour internship, students engage in extension activities, developing
crucial communication and engagement skills (Agricultural Training Institute, 2017).
Syngenta Philippines Incorporation
Syngenta Philippines Inc. is a global leader in agriculture, providing innovative solutions to
farmers worldwide. In the Philippines, they offer sustainable crop protection technology,
advanced seeds, and training programs to enhance productivity and efficiency.

METHODOLOGY
Orientation and Overview of the Major Practice
Orientation will familiarize students with the Major Practice in Syngenta Philippines. They will
apply theoretical knowledge in extension programs under supervision. The supervisor assigns
practitioners to various program activities.

Technology Promotion
Syngenta Philippines promotes innovative agricultural technologies, products, and solutions to
farmers nationwide. This includes encouraging the adoption of advanced crop protection
products, seeds, and agronomic practices for better crop yields, quality, and profitability.
Syngenta employs various strategies like field demonstrations, training programs, collaboration
with extension agencies, and digital platforms to educate and empower farmers, aiming for
enhanced agricultural practices and productivity.

Capability Building
In the Philippines, Syngenta boosts farmers' livelihoods and food security by offering sustainable
crop protection technology and innovative seed varieties. Their products undergo strict safety
trials to ensure high-quality yields. Syngenta also provides farmer training through learning
centers nationwide, where agronomy experts offer valuable advice to enhance farming
productivity.

Applied Communication
EC materials are created, produced, and distributed to provide agricultural information
effectively. Materials are disseminated through print, broadcast, and electronic formats, reaching
extension clients widely.

Documentation, Monitoring, and Evaluation

This method includes documenting each activity, continually monitoring program progress, and
conducting a thorough evaluation of all activities upon completion.

FRAMEWORK
The framework involves inputs from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Syngenta
Philippines Incorporated, and the student. DAE provides procedures, guidelines, coordinators,
and advisors, while Syngenta contributes its vision, mission, and resources. The student adds
time, talent, and energy.
The process includes pre-development orientation, where objectives and guidelines are
discussed. During the practice, the student engages in Syngenta's operations, documenting
activities and observations. Afterward, they prepare and present their practice report for
approval.
Outputs include completing the 240-hour field practice, engaging in extension activities, and
having the practice report approved.
The major practice aims to enhance the student's knowledge, attitude, skills, and values in
agricultural extension, leading to improved competitiveness and practical insights into
agricultural challenges and strategies.

Principles of Extension
1. Principle of Cultural Difference
2. Principle of Cultural Change
3. Principle of Grass-root Organization
4. Principle of Cooperation
5. Principle of Interests and Needs
6. Principle of Participation
 7. Principle of Adaptability in the Use of Teaching Methods
8. Principle of Leadership

Extension Modality Development

Extension Modality Development pursues the development of extension delivery models for the
holistic delivery of extension services of the University to its clientele and target communities.

a. Adopt-A-Community Program – a modality that shall affect the transfer of technologies and
good practices and guarantee the relevance of CBSUA’s four-fold functions in instruction,
research, extension, and production to the development of its partner communities such as
schools, barangays, parish, daycare centers, and cooperatives.

b. Techno-Gabay Program – a partnership program with PCARRD-BCARRD framed with four

interrelated modalities: Farmers Information & Technology Service, Magsasaka
Siyentista, Information, Education & Communication, and Information and Communication
Technology.

c. Rainforestation cum Livelihood Program – an extension modality in the preservation of

Philippine rainforest like Mt. Asog and at the same time provide alternative source of income
like dairy goat raising and abaca production to farm families dwelling in the critical slopes of the
mountain; with support from NEDA-PEP.

d. Volunteer Program

Different Approaches to Extension

1. Participatory Approach
2. Mass Approach
 3. Single Purpose Approach
4. Commodity Approach
5. Community Approach
6. Area Approach
7. Integrated Approach

SYNGENTA TECHNOLOGIES
SIBOL TRAINING
In collaboration with Ifugao State University in Potia, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, and Syngenta
established a 2-hectare model farm and mini-training center. This initiative benefitted 137
farmers who received training in soil health, including soil analysis using test kits.
Syngenta Philippines is committed to its SIBOL soil health project, which educates growers on
sustainable farming techniques and good agricultural practices. To support this, the Commercial
team receives follow-up training to deepen their understanding of SIBOL. Additionally, soil
health discussions will be integrated into field promotional activities such as corn expositions
and harvest festivals starting next year.

INSECTICIDE
Proclaim Opti is a highly effective solution for combating diamondback moth infestations in
cabbage crops.

FUNGICIDE
Ortiva Top is a dependable option for controlling diseases in various crops including rice (palay),
corn (mais), tomatoes (kamatis), onions (sibuyas), mangoes (mangga), potatoes (patatas), and
cabbage (repolyo).
Score demonstrates high efficacy in combating leaf spots in tomato (kamatis) leaves.
SYNGENTA OJT
(TECHNO DEMO)
Promoting Syngenta Philippines' products to farmers. Recognizing their importance in enhancing
agricultural productivity, engaging in various outreach activities, and emphasizing the
effectiveness of Syngenta's solutions. Empower farmers with knowledge and resources,
contributing to the adoption of sustainable farming practices and the optimization of crop yields.
The OJT presents an opportunity to foster partnerships and drive the adoption of innovative
technologies for the benefit of farming communities and agricultural development.

CLSU TECHNOLOGIES
Special Purpose Rice:
URC researches to improve Special Purpose Rice through hybridization. They've developed
three types: white aromatic, pigmented, and sticky rice. Through conventional methods, five new
varieties were created and applied for Plant Variety Protection in January 2020.

Masti-Check:
Masti-Check is a test kit for detecting subclinical mastitis in goats. It helps goat raisers quickly
diagnose affected udders for prompt mastitis management.
Drip Irrigation for Onion and Garlic Production:
Drip irrigation delivers water through special pipes with emitters. LWRMC found that drip
irrigation significantly reduced water usage compared to traditional methods. Onion and garlic
yield under drip irrigation increased by more than 50% compared to national production
averages.

Instant Organic Aromatic Rice Arroz Caldo:

A disaster relief food made with aromatic rice, developed by RM-CARES in partnership with the
College of Home Science and Industry.

Aromatic Brown Rice Food Products:

URC created functional foods using aromatic brown rice flour. Products include instant
champorado, biscuits, rice burgers, and ready-to-fry crackers.
The KAMALIG Model Farm, covering a 2-hectare area on the campus, has been transformed
into an agricultural park featuring science and agriculture-themed sections that range from
aquaculture to apiculture (beekeeping).

The Aquaponics system for Tilapia and Lettuce cultivation is truly remarkable, employing a
straightforward method that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. This symbiotic relationship
establishes a self-sustaining system that requires minimal input. Beneficial bacteria play a crucial
role by converting toxins from fish waste into nutrients for plants. The tilapia waste is directed to
the Aquaponics greenhouse through an underground pipe, and a pump facilitates the circulation
of waste to the plants.

Subsequently, the plants filter the water by absorbing these nutrients, establishing an ideal
environment for the fish. This cyclic process contributes to maintaining a well-balanced and
healthy tank for both the fish and the plants.