Training and Capacity Building

Compulsory OFWM Training Course Offered by WMTI:

The Water Management Training Institute (WMTI) offers a compulsory 90-day training course for all field staff involved in the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWM) program. This course is designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their responsibilities in water management. The training program covers a wide range of topics including:

• Sociology: Understanding social dynamics and community engagement in water management projects.
• Surveying: Techniques for accurately measuring and mapping land and water resources.
• Flow measurement: Methods for quantifying the amount of water flowing in irrigation systems.
• Designing watercourse construction: Principles and practices for designing efficient water channels.
• Precision land leveling: Techniques for achieving uniform land surfaces to optimize irrigation efficiency.
• Irrigation agronomy: Understanding the science of crop production in irrigated environments.

In addition to the 90-day course, there is a mandatory six-week training program for staff members seeking promotion within the OFWM program. This training focuses on enhancing leadership, management, and technical skills relevant to their new roles. The six-week training program may cover topics such as:

• Project management: Effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of water management projects.
• Leadership and teamwork: Developing leadership qualities and fostering effective team collaboration.
• Technical advancements: Staying updated with the latest innovations and technologies in water management.
• Communication and negotiation: Enhancing interpersonal skills to effectively interact with stakeholders and partners.

These mandatory training programs ensure that OFWM field staff are equipped with the necessary competencies to successfully carry out their duties, contribute to sustainable water management practices, and support the overall goals of the program.

Professional Training Courses Offered by WMTI

The Water Management Training Institute (WMTI) offers a range of professional training courses to cater to the diverse needs of stakeholders involved in the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWM) program. These technical training courses are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants in various aspects of water management. Some of the key technical training courses provided by WMTI include:

• Drip/Sprinkler design: Understanding the principles and techniques involved in designing efficient drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
• Irrigation scheduling: Learning how to develop effective irrigation schedules based on crop water requirements and soil moisture levels.
• Advanced Surveying and CAD: Enhancing skills in land surveying techniques and computer-aided design (CAD) software for accurate mapping and planning of water management projects.
• Advanced Computer Use for WM: Developing proficiency in using computer software and tools for data analysis, modeling, and decision-making in water management.
• Community Development for HEIS: Gaining insights into community engagement strategies and participatory approaches for successful implementation of High-Efficiency Irrigation Systems (HEIS).
• Lift Irrigation System Design: Acquiring knowledge and skills in designing lift irrigation systems for efficient water delivery to elevated agricultural lands.
• Geographic Information Systems: Understanding the applications of GIS technology in water resource management, spatial analysis, and decision support.
• Environment Issues in WM: Exploring the environmental considerations and sustainable practices in water management, including water pollution prevention and ecosystem conservation.
• Resource Conservation Technologies: Learning about innovative technologies and practices for water conservation, soil management, and efficient use of agricultural inputs.
• Crop cultivation under HEIS & Tunnels: Understanding the specific requirements and techniques for crop cultivation in HEIS and tunnel farming systems.
• Design, installation, and management of Solar Systems for operating HEIS: Acquiring knowledge and skills in designing and implementing solar-powered systems for operating High-Efficiency Irrigation Systems.

These technical training courses provided by WMTI equip participants with specialized knowledge and practical skills necessary to address the complex challenges of water management, promote sustainable practices, and contribute effectively to the success of the OFWM program

Technical Training Courses Offered by WMTI:

• LASER Tractor Operation: Participants learn the skills and techniques for operating LASER-equipped tractors used in land leveling and precision agriculture practices.
• LASER Equipment Maintenance: This course focuses on the maintenance and repair of LASER equipment used in various water management applications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
• HEIS Operation & Maintenance: Participants gain comprehensive knowledge of operating and maintaining High-Efficiency Irrigation Systems (HEIS), including pump operation, control mechanisms, and system troubleshooting.
• Crop Cultivation under HEIS: This training course provides insights into crop cultivation techniques specifically tailored for HEIS, taking into account water delivery systems, nutrient management, and crop water requirements.
• Soil Moisture Measuring/Monitoring: Participants learn about different methods and technologies for measuring and monitoring soil moisture levels, enabling them to make informed irrigation decisions and optimize water use.
• Gender Participation in Irrigation Management: This course focuses on promoting gender equality and women's participation in irrigation management, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities in water management practices.
• Tunnel Farming with HEIS: Participants gain expertise in combining tunnel farming techniques with HEIS, covering topics such as greenhouse construction, microclimate control, and crop selection for protected cultivation.

These technical training courses offered by WMTI are designed to equip participants with specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of water management and irrigation practices. By providing hands-on training and theoretical knowledge, WMTI aims to enhance the capacity of participants to effectively operate, maintain, and optimize water management systems, ultimately contributing to sustainable and efficient water use in the OFWM program.

Refresher Courses Offered by WMTI:

• ​Watercourse Designing: Participants refresh their knowledge and skills in designing efficient watercourses, considering factors such as slope, flow velocity, and sediment transport.
• Watercourse Construction: This course focuses on the practical aspects of watercourse construction, including excavation, lining, and proper installation of gates and structures.
• Surveying & Leveling: Participants receive a refresher on surveying techniques and leveling methods used in water management projects, ensuring accurate measurements and alignment.
• Flow Measurement: This course revisits the principles and techniques for measuring water flow in irrigation systems, including the use of different devices and calculation methods.
• Social Mobilization: Participants gain insights into effective strategies for engaging and mobilizing communities in water management initiatives, emphasizing participatory approaches and stakeholder involvement.
• Administrative Procedure: This refresher course covers administrative procedures and protocols specific to the OFWM program, including documentation, reporting, and coordination with relevant government agencies.
• Accounts and Finance: Participants refresh their knowledge of financial management and accounting principles relevant to water management projects, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.
• Basic Computer Operation: This course focuses on refreshing participants' computer skills, covering essential operations, file management, and basic software applications relevant to their roles in water management.
• Extra Courses: WMTI organizes additional courses on a project-to-project basis to meet the specific capacity building needs of schemes or projects within the OFWM program. These courses are tailored to address unique requirements and challenges encountered in the respective projects.

The refresher courses offered by WMTI aim to update participants' knowledge and skills in key areas of water management and administration, ensuring they stay current with best practices and industry standards. By providing opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement, WMTI contributes to the professional development and effectiveness of OFWM stakeholders, enabling them to better contribute to the success of water management projects and schemes.

Specialized Trainings Offered by WMTI:

WMTI provides highly specialized training programs conducted by a team of qualified and multidisciplinary faculty members. These training courses cover various domains and disciplines related to water management in the context of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWM) program. The specialized trainings offered by WMTI include:

• Agricultural Engineering: Training focusing on engineering principles and practices in relation to water management, irrigation systems, and agricultural infrastructure.
• Agronomy: Courses covering crop cultivation techniques, soil management, and plant nutrition in the context of water-efficient agriculture.
• Soil Science: Training programs that delve into soil properties, fertility management, and conservation practices to optimize agricultural productivity.
• Agricultural Economics: Courses exploring economic aspects of water management, including cost-benefit analysis, market dynamics, and agricultural policy.
• Rural Sociology: Training modules that examine social dynamics, community engagement, and participatory approaches in water management projects.
• Project Planning & Evaluation: Courses focusing on the principles and methodologies of project planning, implementation, and evaluation in the context of water management initiatives.
• Irrigation Agronomy: Specialized training covering crop water requirements, irrigation scheduling, and agronomic practices specific to irrigated agriculture.
• Environmental Safeguards: Courses addressing environmental considerations, impact assessment, and sustainable practices in water management projects.
• Agricultural Extension: Training programs that focus on extension methodologies, farmer outreach, and knowledge transfer to enhance adoption of water management practices.

Additionally, WMTI has specialist faculty members in various fields, including design engineering, surveying and mapping, flow measurement, construction, lift irrigation, quality control, monitoring and evaluation, safeguards, LASER land leveling operation and maintenance, permanent raised beds, HEIS design installation and O&M, and solar energy water pumping systems. The institute also maintains a comprehensive database of over 100 visiting experts who contribute to specialized trainings based on the specific needs and requirements of the participants and projects.

These specialized trainings offered by WMTI ensure that participants receive in-depth knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, enabling them to effectively address the complex challenges and requirements of water management within the OFWM program.