The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office X (DA-RFO X) and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) of Lanao del Norte, successfully organized the Training on the Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS). The event transpired from March 10 to 14, 2025 at Jika Farms and Field Café Co., an ATI-certified Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) located in Lala, Lanao del Norte.
The said training aimed to equip participants with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to implement and sustain solar-powered irrigation systems, a sustainable solution to address water management challenges in agriculture.
Acting Provincial Agriculturist of Lanao del Norte, Engr. Jalandoni Piti-ilan graced the participants with a message where he emphasized that the purpose of the training was to equip participants with the skills to identify suitable sites, develop designs, and enhance their capacity for successful project implementation in the province.
Thirty-six Agriculture and Biosystems Engineers (ABE) and Agricultural Extension Workers from the Province of Lanao del Norte and DA-RFO 10 engaged in lectures and discussions, workshops, and field visits on detailed engineering design, design data, and cost estimation. The training aims to address the growing need for sustainable and efficient irrigation solutions in agriculture. Resource persons Engr. Darwin M. Nevares, Agriculturist II; and Engr. Mark Jon L. Bibal, Agriculturist II, of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Central Office, equipped the participants with the needed skills to identify suitable sites, develop designs, and enhance their capacity for successful project implementation in the province.
The participants, together with the resource person, also visited the established SPIS sites at Rebe, Lala, Lanao del Norte and Bel-is, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, where they observed and made a list of suggestions for improvements and comments on the sites.
The week-long training is accredited with 10 CPD points.
