BOHOL, December 29, 2023 – To help improve the agricultural production practices and boost the livelihood of farmers into full potential, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Central Visayas completes technical trainings to twenty-two (22) farmers associations (FAs) in Bohol.

The specialized trainings, varying as per association’s project which include crop and chicken management, livestock management, pest control, and the adoption of innovative farming technologies in vegetable production, were attended by 585 farmers from the municipalities of Clarin, Anda, Dagohoy, Batuan, San Isidro, Cortes, Albuquerque, Loay, Sikatuna, Sevilla and Lila.

Of the 22 FAs, 19 received specialized training on vegetable production, one FA attended carabao production and animal healthcare, while 2 focused on chicken egg production and health management.

To make the training more holistic, aside from production, the market linkage and agribusiness development were also included to cover the whole value chain system.

In collaboration with the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) and Provincial Program Management Support Offices (PPMSOs) and support from the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center (B-APC), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) Ubay, Ubay Stock Farm, Research Division and (PATCO) Bohol, actual hands-on demonstrations were provided for a more comprehensive learning experience which the beneficiaries can apply in their respective farms.

Mr. Camilo C. Cantoneros, a member of the Villa Aurora Farmers Association in Dagohoy, expressed his gratitude to the SAAD Program. “Nagpasalamat ko sa training nga giconduct sa SAAD kay sa kadaghan sa training nga akong naagi–an, kini pa nga training ang makatabang jud namo kay daghan mi nahibaw–an kay karon nakahibawo na mi sa mga sakit sa hayop ug unsaon pod pagtambal,” he shared. 

(I am grateful that this training has provided me with knowledge and skills which would surely be of big help for all of us. Out of all the training that I have attended, this is the most informative one. It provided me with information on the different animal diseases and ways to cure them.)

The specialized training program in Bohol is just one of the many initiatives undertaken by the DA-SAAD to empower the farmers and strengthen the agriculture sector, not only for Central Visayas, but in the country. 

After the said training, SAAD Central Visayas remains focused on the delivery of project interventions to the target communities from 2023 until 2024. ###

Writer: Jessica R. Alvero, DA–SAAD Central Visayas Information Officer
Source: SAAD Bohol Area Coordinators, PPMSO Bohol