El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental –To empower farmers with the skills to develop and produce marketable rice-based products with proper costing and innovative packaging, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X), in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, successfully conducted a three-day training on Value-Adding for Rice-Based Products and By-Products from May 21- 23, 2025
On the first day, participants were introduced to the basic principles of food processing, production of rice delicacies, and the essentials of product packaging, labeling, costing, and pricing by Mr. Nick Jay Arr Engallado, Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) operator of Engallado’s Nature Farm, and Ms. Melanie Garrucho, LSA owner of Garrucho’s Garden.

Day two featured Mr. Pedro P. Mariquit, owner of Mariquit Mushroom, who shared his expertise on mushroom culture and straw mushroom production. Meanwhile, Dr. Anacleto G. Turan, faculty member at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines–Claveria, led a session on feed formulation using rice by-products.

On the final day, Agricultural Technologist Lito Emmanuel N. Gardose discussed the application and benefits of carbonized rice hull technology. Meanwhile, Technical Support Staff Karlo Jayvert R. Cardente demonstrated vermicomposting using rice straw, promoting eco-friendly waste management and soil fertility enhancement.
ATI-RTC X Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez congratulated the participants and encouraged them to apply, adapt, and share their learning in their respective communities.
Ms. Rose Quiduido, one of the participants, thanked ATI-RTC X for the training as she has learned new learnings.
The initiative is part of ATI-RTC X’s continuing commitment to empowering rice farmers gaining essential skills and unlocking greater economic opportunities.
