November 1, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) training arm has officially launched its new nationwide mobile learning hub program, a move aimed at bringing hands-on training and modern farming knowledge directly to rural communities and small-scale farmers.
Spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the ATIng Extension on Wheels project features mobile learning hubs that will travel to different areas to conduct on-site training, demonstrations and capacity-building sessions for farmers and fishers who have limited access to government extension services.
“We know that our farmers face many challenges. That’s why it’s important to bring them new ideas, technologies and opportunities that can help increase their yield and income,” DA Undersecretary for rice industry development Christopher Morales said during the launch.
“As we always say in the Department of Agriculture, true transformation begins in the fields, and it can only happen if we all work together,” he added.
The initiative was launched earlier this week as part of the concluding activities for the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services Month, marking a new step in the government’s push for a more inclusive and accessible agricultural extension system.
The first batch of mobile units was formally turned over to five pilot regions, namely Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen, where they will serve as roving classrooms equipped with multimedia tools, training kits and materials for hands-on learning.
ATI director Remelyn Recoter said the Extension on Wheels project reflects the institute’s commitment to making learning opportunities more practical and accessible.
“This mobile learning hub is designed to deliver ATI’s programs and services directly to the communities,” Recoter said.
“Farmers no longer have to travel far to attend training or access information. We are the ones coming to them, bringing knowledge, inspiration and opportunities for a stronger agricultural and economic future,” added the agriculture official.
The Extension on Wheels project aims to reach remote and underserved areas, offering lessons on modern farming techniques, digital agriculture and livelihood development.
ATI said that by decentralizing learning and technical assistance, it hopes the mobile initiative will help ensure that no farmer or fisher is left behind in the country’s move toward a more modern and competitive agriculture and fisheries sector.
