Empowering Block Farm Leaders: ESD’s Human Resource Development Program Kicks Off in Mindanao
Empowering Block Farm Leaders: ESD’s Human Resource Development Program Kicks Off in Mindanao
In its bid to enhance leadership and management capabilities in sugarcane farming communities, the Sugar Regulatory Administration Extension Services Division (SRA ESD) Luzon and Mindanao successfully launched the first batch of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP) for Block Farm Leaders in Mindanao.
The training—designed specifically for leaders of stakeholder associations established between 2016 and 2024—aims to reinforce foundational skills in organizational management and leadership within key sugarcane-producing regions.
Laying the Groundwork: Pre-Training Coordination
The program officially began on July 7, 2025, with a pre-training meeting held in Bukidnon. This session brought together assisting staff, resource persons, and district officers from Davao and Cotabato. Key topics included the background of the resource persons, training objectives, module design, logistics, funding arrangements, and graduation ceremony planning. The collaboration ensured a well-coordinated rollout of the training proper.
A Three-Day Journey of Learning and Leadership
From July 8 to 10, 2025, 54 enthusiastic participants—comprising 28 from Bukidnon, 14 from Davao, and 12 from Cotabato—gathered at the RR Family Spring Resort in Maramag, Bukidnon for the training sessions.
Leading the program were two esteemed resource persons from Central Mindanao University: Dr. Elgie Iman-Aninayon, PhD in Agricultural Education, and Ms. Juliet Iman. Their sessions spanned a comprehensive suite of modules including:
Organizational Management
Leadership Skills
Record-Keeping Practices
Strategic Planning
Conflict Resolution
Team Building Activities
The training promoted hands-on participation and fostered peer learning among farm leaders, enabling them to return to their communities better equipped to lead and sustain their organizations.
Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead
As the training ended, participants engaged in a reflective program evaluation, followed by closing remarks and the distribution of certificates and allowances. Group photos were taken to capture the spirit of camaraderie and accomplishment that marked the three-day event.
This successful rollout of the HRDP in Mindanao sets a strong precedent for future batches, reaffirming ESD’s commitment to empowering grassroots leaders and fostering sustainable development in the sugarcane farming sector.
