[On Official Letterhead]
Date: ___________________
Hon. ____________________________
Director
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)
Department of Agriculture
[Address]
Subject: Request for DA–ATI Endorsement – Pilot Implementation of TESDA Agarwood Farming NC I–III
Dear Hon. ____________________________:
Warm greetings.
We respectfully request the endorsement and support of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Department of Agriculture, for the pilot implementation of the proposed TESDA National Certificate (NC) qualifications on Agarwood Farming (NC I, NC II, and NC III), with an initial pilot site in CALABARZON (Cavite Province).
Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) represents a high-value agroforestry crop and regulated non-timber forest product (NTFP) with strong potential to improve farmer incomes, diversify agroforestry systems, and strengthen the Philippines’ position in ethical and sustainable agarwood markets. Despite this potential, many farmers lack access to structured, standardized training aligned with good agricultural practices, environmental compliance, and market requirements.
The proposed Agarwood Farming NC I–III program is designed to complement ATI’s mandate by:
- Strengthening farmer technical skills from basic establishment (NC I) to advanced production (NC II) and plantation supervision (NC III);
- Promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), farm planning, and record-keeping;
- Supporting ATI Farmer Field School (FFS) and community-based training approaches;
- Enhancing farmer readiness for high-value markets, certification, and traceability;
- Creating a clear skills ladder for lead farmers, technicians, and farm supervisors.
The curriculum, training methodology, and assessment framework are fully aligned with:
- TESDA’s competency-based training regulations;
- ATI’s farmer-centered extension and training systems;
- DENR policies on sustainable agroforestry and NTFP management.
In this regard, we respectfully seek ATI’s endorsement and collaboration to:
- Recognize agarwood farming as a priority high-value agroforestry skill area;
- Support pilot implementation through technical inputs, co-training, or advisory participation;
- Facilitate alignment with ATI regional and provincial training programs, where appropriate.
Attached for your reference are the following documents:
- Policy Brief: Justification for a Standalone Agarwood Farming Qualification
- Draft TESDA Training Regulations (NC I–III)
- Curriculum Map and Trainer’s Methodology Guide
- Alignment Matrix (TESDA–DA–DENR)
- Pilot Implementation Framework (CALABARZON – Cavite)
We believe this initiative will contribute to farmer professionalization, agroforestry diversification, and sustainable rural livelihoods, in strong alignment with ATI’s mission.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and explore avenues for collaboration. Thank you for your continued commitment to farmer education and agricultural development.
Respectfully yours,
Name
Title / Organization
Contact Information
Noted by:
TESDA Partner / LGU / Industry