OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, October 27, 2023 – Five (5) farmers associations (FAs) in Occidental Mindoro receive training on various crop and livestock commodities to prepare them for lowland rice, corn, coconut, cattle, and goat project management under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 implementation.

Conducted from August 7 to 11, the resource speakers of the simultaneous five-day training were Mr. Jupiter Tividad, former Provincial Agriculturist; Ms. Camille Oblena, Coconut Development Officer; Ms. Coleen Dimaranan, Regulatory Officer; Mr. Moises de Mesa, Agriculturist from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – MIMAROPA; Ms. Sonia Gallardo, employee of the Provincial Veterinary Office – Occidental Mindoro; and Mr. Angelo Dionela, a rice farmer advocate in Occidental Mindoro. Through this, a total of 115 farmers from the five (5) FAs attended the activity.

Lowland rice production

With various challenges such as climate change affecting the local rice production, Mr. Dionela introduced the concept of PalayCheck System to 25 farmers of Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Ambil in Brgy. Ambil.

The PalayCheck System is a comprehensive framework developed to address the postharvest phase of rice production. It encompasses a set of guidelines and best practices that empower farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to optimize their rice production, especially in the face of challenges like climate change.

This system focuses on key postharvest practices, including drying, cleaning, and storage of rice crops. It provides guidance on selecting appropriate drying methods to maintain the quality of rice and avoid spoilage, efficient cleaning processes to safe storage practices to prevent pest infestations and mold growth. The PalayCheck System not only enhances the quality and quantity of rice yields but also contributes to the economic sustainability of farmers by reducing postharvest losses and ensuring the long-term viability of rice production.

By offering comprehensive lectures and practical guidance on postharvest procedures, members from Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Ambil were able to gain essential knowledge in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and optimizing their rice production.

Corn Production

Meanwhile, with the assistance of Mr. Tividad, 25 members of Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Balikyas in Brgy. Balikyas received corn management training. Topics discussed include proper land preparation, depth and spacing for corn plants, selecting good seed varieties, pests and diseases management, fertilization, and irrigation practices, as well as proper handling of corn from harvesting period to postharvest. The training ended with on-site demonstrations, enabling the participants to gain hands-on experience in land preparation and accurate measurement of the depth and spacing between each corn plant.

Coconut Production

In collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) of MIMAROPA,  25 farmers of Brgy. Kanluran were capacitated on coconut production facilitated by Mr. Moises T. De Mesa, Ms. Camille B. Oblena and Ms. Coleen G. Dimaranan. The discussion included the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in coconut farming, proper management of coconut nursery, and coconut farm maintenance.

Cattle and goat Production

While in preparation for livestock-related projects, 40 farmers from barangays Bulacan and  Talaotao were provided with training on cattle management. Similarly, the Talaotao Farmers Association received training on goat raising, production, and management, discussed by Sonia Gallardo, employee of the ProVet – Occidental Mindoro. Throughout the training, she highlighted accurate methods for caring for cattle and goats, identifying and treating illnesses, ensuring suitable shelter and nourishment, and implementing productive breeding practices.

With this, Lorelyn Villas, the Secretary of the Talaotao Farmers Association, was one of the participants who attended the training on goat production. She expressed her gratitude to the Department of Agriculture and the SAAD program for equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary to pursue additional livelihood opportunities.

“Pinasasalamatan po namin ang mga taga-SAAD dahil kami po ay nabigyan ninyo ng dagdag kaalaman kung paano pauunlarin ang aming samahan at ganon din po sa pangangalaga ng aming magiging proyektong kambingan, kung paano namin ito mapangangalagaan ng maayos. Salamat din po sa Department of Agriculture sa pagtugon sa aming pangangailangan para magkaroon ng hanapbuhay,” said Villas.

(We are thankful to the SAAD team for imparting us with additional knowledge on how to improve our association as well as for guiding us in the proper care of our upcoming goat production project. We also appreciate the Department of Agriculture’s response to our needs, enabling us to have livelihood opportunities.)

SAAD MIMAROPA will be completing the project implementation on lowland rice, corn, cattle, goat, and coconut worth Php 5,419,486 in the 4th quarter of FY 2023.###

Writer: Melissa F. Lingco, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Information Officer
Sources: Engr. Maiden Marie M. Segui, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Associate Project Officer, Relan Sabac, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Community Development Officer