MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON—To strengthen the cassava industry in the region and empower the new breed of extension workers, 26 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the Provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental completed the Training on Cassava Production Technologies, which was conducted on May 11–15, 2026.
The 5-day capability-building activity, held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Center (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, aimed to enhance the technical competencies of AEWs by equipping them with updated knowledge, practical skills, and sustainable approaches in cassava production for effective technology promotion in their respective local government units (LGUs).
The training featured a strong lineup of resource persons from the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) and the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office X (DA-RFO X). Experts from the Field Operations Division of DA-RFO X discussed improved cassava production technologies, including sustainable agronomic practices, pest and disease management, and the use of high-yielding varieties. Meanwhile, specialists from the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) emphasized the crop’s economic potential through sessions on value-adding, market opportunities, entrepreneurial development, and market linkage strategies for cassava growers.
To complement the lecture sessions, the participants engaged in benchmarking and experiential learning activities that highlighted successful agricultural enterprises and diversified farming systems in Bukidnon. Among the sites visited were the Bliss Lingi-on Multipurpose Cooperative in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and the Techno Demo Farm in Sumilao, Bukidnon where the participants were able to observe organized cassava production systems and learned how cooperative-driven initiatives can improve production efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and increase farmers’ income.
The group also visited the Green Thumb Farming School in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, an ATI Certified Learning Site for Agriculture owned by Ms. Julie Ebio, where they were introduced to integrated farming approaches and agritourism initiatives that promote farm diversification and sustainability.
For many participants, the training served not only as a technical learning opportunity but also as an inspiration to strengthen their role in agricultural development and public service.
“As a new extension worker, this training is both an eye-opener and a powerful toolkit,” shared Mr. Bell Jelord H. Curiba from LGU Libona. “The knowledge we gained here gives me the confidence to step out into the field and truly serve our farmers. Cassava has so much potential, and I am eager to bring these technologies back to Libona to help our farming communities thrive,” he added.
With enhanced capacities and broader perspectives, the AEWs are expected to become stronger partners in advancing sustainable cassava production and improving the livelihoods of farming communities across Northern Mindanao.
Reports from Technical Support Staff Karlo Jayvert R. Cardente
