The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Cagayan Valley conducted a Greenhouse Management Training for members of the San Isidro Luna Integrated Farmers Association (SILIFA) in Barangay San Isidro, Luna, Isabela last September 25, 2026.
Led by Community Development Officer II and Area Coordinator Marwin Mariano, the lecture session intends to improve farmers’ knowledge of establishing a controlled environment that protects crops from severe weather and pests while maximizing growth, quality, and resource efficiency.
It provided farmers with practical skills to control environmental variables, optimize crop growth, and ensure consistent yield quality. Key topics included climate control (managing temperature, humidity, and airflow), irrigation and fertilization systems, integrated pest and disease management, and substrate selection to help SILIFA members mitigate weather-related risks, improve resource efficiency, and maximize profitability throughout the crop life cycle.
Participants also gained insights into modern production techniques, data-driven monitoring, and sustainable post-harvest handling. The training encouraged hands-on problem-solving, empowering farmers to transition from traditional methods to technology-assisted protected cultivation, fostering long-term resilience and higher productivity.
Meanwhile, the farmers expressed their gratitude to the program for its continuous support through training and seminars that boost agricultural productivity.
“Natutunan ko po sa training kung paano po mag-alaga ng greenhouse at kung paano imaintain ito. Ang SAAD program ay napakalaking tulong sa aming mga magsasaka dahil sa mga interventions na kanilang ipinaabot pati mga training at seminar para sa aming dagdag kaalaman para mapalago at maparami ang aming ani,” shared SILIFA Vice President Rogelio Baniaga.
(I learned from the training how to care for and maintain a greenhouse. The SAAD program is a huge help to us farmers because of the interventions they provided, as well as the training and seminars that gave us additional knowledge to grow and increase our harvest.)
“Ang natutunan ko sa training namin ay kung paano magtanim at palaguin sa tulong ng greenhouse. Malaking tulong sa aming pangkabuhayan lalong-lalo na sa aming magsasaka ang SAAD program. Yung mga interventions po na binigay nila ay nakatulong para gumaan yung pamumuhay namin. Sana tuloy-tuloy ang SAAD program para mas maraming magsasaka ang makinabang at matulungan,” SILIFA Secretary Segundina Singca expressed.
(What I learned in our training is how to plant and cultivate crops with the help of the greenhouse. The SAAD program is a major boost to our livelihood, especially for us farmers. The interventions they provided helped make our lives easier. I hope the SAAD program continues so that more farmers can benefit and receive help.)
Through this initiative, these beneficiaries are now better equipped to safeguard their crops from unpredictable weather, pests, and diseases for year-round production, higher yields, and improved crop quality. ###
