MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—A comprehensive training program to enhance vegetable production wrapped up recently after four months of intensive learning at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC).
The Season-long Training of Trainers, which started on June 5, brought together 30 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), farmer leaders, Farmer Field School (FFS) participants, and learning site owners, equipping them with advanced agricultural techniques.
The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) organized this four-month program to deepen participants’ knowledge and hands-on skills. The curriculum included sustainable vegetable production techniques, such as agroecosystem analysis (AESA), pest management, seed selection, soil preparation, fertilizer application, and post-harvest handling. Participants also practiced machinery operation, built a mini greenhouse, and created a nursery area, immersing themselves in each process.
The training also included site visits to Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA), where participants engaged in practical demonstrations, fostering technical skills and collaboration. Through this experience, participants gained insight into real-world applications of sustainable agriculture.
April Ann Baltazar, an agriculturist who excelled in the program and received the Medal of Achievement, plans to apply her training back home in Impasugong, Bukidnon. In a remark, she expressed gratitude for the relationships and knowledge gained during the training.
“This journey turned strangers into friends and family. As we move forward, let us remember this training as a beginning, a step towards a brighter future for our farmers. These new skills empower us to promote sustainable agriculture and inspire the next generation in our communities,” she said.
The AEWs, recognized for their dedication, are now equipped to mentor others in effective vegetable production methods. Interactive lectures and hands-on practice sessions provided insights and strategies they can now bring to their local communities.
DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan praised the younger participants, noting their proactive role in agriculture. He recommended incorporating field visits to greenhouses to enrich future training.
This initiative underscores the importance of ongoing learning and resilience in agriculture, helping local farmers tackle modern challenges and boost food security. Training Specialist III Teodosia D. Jaraba closed the program on behalf of Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez, emphasizing the lasting connections and support among participants.
Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia Lagamon, Malaybalay City Agriculturist Engr. Richard B. Leano and training facilitators from DA-RFO 10 and local agricultural offices attended the commencement ceremony to support the graduates.
“As a working mother, balancing professional responsibilities and personal commitments during this training was a challenge, but the reward was worth it,” said Moisa Niña Paglinawan, Training Specialist and project officer for the program.
This season-long training marks a significant step toward empowering local farmers, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening Northern Mindanao’s agricultural landscape. (ATI-RTC 10/PIA 10/Bukidnon)
