BICOL, June 5, 2023 – To prepare the program beneficiaries towards project sustainability, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 conducted its first batch of specialized training on Corn and Rice Production to 4 farmers associations (FAs) in Sorsogon and Catanduanes.

Held on May 3 to 4, 2023, the two-day training was facilitated by Ms. Diane Lorzano and Mr. Khalem Fortuna, Associate Project Officers of the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO), and was attended by the San Vicente Corn and Cassava Farmers Association (25 members), Bolo Rural Workers’ Association (25 members), Buenavista Rice Farmers Association (25 members), and San Juan Rice Farmers Association (25 members).

The training covered various topics on land preparation, fertilizer application and post-harvest practices. Corn and cassava production topics were also discussed by Engr. John Leonard Andaya from DA Regional Field Office 5 (RFO 5) – Central Bicol Experimental Station (CBES), while Rice Production was tackled by Anacleto Esplana, Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) Chief. Alongside, Mr. Jeanidel Apogñol, RCPC staff and Mr. Giovanni Valenciano, Science Research Specialist discussed pest and disease management for both corn and rice.

Based on the Regional Program and Management Support Office (RPMSO) beneficiary needs assessment (BNA), climatic factors, pest infestation and the lack of mechanized farming knowledge were identified as some of the farmers’ challenges. Thus, the recommendation to undergo specialized production training and farm machinery demonstration.

Thankful for the experience and the lessons provided, Mr. Joel Tosoc, president of  Buenavista Rice FA shared his insights about the training. “An samong pagtanaman, kung iisipon 90’s pa tig gigibo. Dahil igdi nagkaigwa kami nin update sa pag-oma asin dagdag kaaraman sa pag hiling nin kahelang kan samong mga palay asin kun pano ini  resolbaran,” Mr. Tosoc said.

(Our farming methods are still inspired by practices in the 1990s. Through this training, we were able to update our prior knowledge in rice farming and learned the different practices in pest control management.)

Looking forward, the agricultural inputs from the SAAD Program are set to be delivered in the 2nd quarter of the fiscal year (FY) 2023. ###

Writers:
Pauline Trixia D. Borja, DA-SAAD Region 5 Information Officer, Jovinel M. Gianan, DA-SAAD Region 5 Information Officer

Sources:
Mary Rose Detera, DA-SAAD Region 5 Associate Project Officer, Jeremy Astillero, DA-SAAD Sorsogon Community Development Officer, Jonas Guañizo, DA-SAAD Sorsogon Community Development Officer, Khalem Fortuna, DA-SAAD Region 5 Associate Project Officer