ALUBIJID, MISAMIS ORIENTAL - To strengthen the implementation of the Organic Agriculture Program in the region, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) conducted a Training on Organic Agriculture with Legal Basis on April 20–24, 2026, at Rosenia Farm, Lourdes, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.
There were 23 farmers from the different barangays in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental who completed the five-day activity.
A key highlight of the training was the discussion on the Organic Agriculture Act, its amendments, and the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Participants were also oriented on the Organic Agriculture Standards and the National List of Permitted Substances for Organic Agriculture, which serve as the foundation for PGS implementation in the Philippines.
One of the participants, Lilibeth B. Macasero, expressed her appreciation to the training. She said, “Daghang kaayong salamat sa pag-organisa niini nga training, nakhibalo ko sa mga saktong pamaagi sa pananom, ug dili diay basta-basta makabaligya ug produkto nga atong tawagon og “organic” kung wala kini’y saktong basihan ug papeles. Importante diay ang certification, ug kini pwede namo makab-ot pinaagi sa PGS, nga maoy maghatag og kasiguruhan nga ang among produkto tinuod ug lehitimong organic.”
Beyond technical discussions, the training also covered values formation and organizational development, updates on organic agriculture programs, an overview of climate change and its impacts on agriculture, and basic concepts of Gender and Development (GAD).
The closing program was graced by ATI-RTC X Center Director Ms. Maria Lydia A. Echavez and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region X Regional Manager III Ms. Yvette B. Guanzo. Both emphasized the importance of promoting Organic Agriculture and strengthening PGS implementation at the local level. They encouraged participants to apply their learnings in their respective farms and to work collectively toward organizing a PGS group in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Javier P. Andalan, ATI-RTC X Organic Agriculture Focal Person, and Ms. Cherry M. Agbon, Technical Support Staff.
