The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Agricultural Institute (ATI), recently wrapped up a five-day training on Cassava Seed Pieces Production, Nursery Establishment, and Accreditation from October 9-13, 2023. This event transpired at the DA-Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
The main purpose of the training is to equip both experienced and new cassava growers and nursery operators with the knowledge and skills to produce top-notch cassava planting materials. These materials are the building blocks for a thriving cassava industry in the country.
The training brought together 25 cassava growers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW) from various municipalities in Region X, along with one participant from CARAGA Region. The event was graced by the presence of Regional Technical Director Carlota Madriaga of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10, who showed her support and encouraged participants to make the most of the five-day learning experience.
Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Executive Director of DA-RFO 10, highlighted the potential of the cassava industry, citing a growing market and increased demand for cassava by-products in livestock production. He emphasized the need for proper storage and production facilities for cassava and expressed hope for increased funding for the Cassava Program, especially in Northern Mindanao, which is one of the top cassava producers in the Philippines.
The training featured several dedicated speakers. Ms. Aileen D. Agcaoili, Senior Agriculturist/BPI Corn Banner Focal, provided an overview of the program. While Mr. Reymard M. Galarrita from ATI, led a session on Leadership and Values Reorientation, imparting important life lessons.
On the second day, Dr. Candido Damo, a corn technical consultant from DA, shared insights on the Status of the Philippines' Cassava Industry, its Challenges, and opportunities. He also discussed the Production and Management of Cassava Planting Material. On the same day, renowned entomologist and plant pathologist, Dr. Erlinda Vasquez, gave valuable information about Cassava Pest and Disease Management, with a focus on the Indexing of Cassava Plants and Diagnosis and Detection of Phytoplasma in Cassava.
The third day covered topics like Stem Harvesting, Post-harvesting, Storage Methods, and Cassava Nursery Establishment, presented by Senior Agriculturist Noli P. Garcia from BPI's Crop Research and Production Support Division. In the afternoon, Ms. Manilyn Z. Ofiona, Agriculturist II, and Ms. Rhea Connie C. Villas, Senior Agriculturist, from BPI's National Seed Quality Control Service, discussed the Guidelines for Accreditation of Cassava Seed Pieces Procedure (AO No. 17 Series of 2009, AO No. 25 Series of 2013).
The fourth day included a Field Practicum led by Mr. Noli P. Garcia and Dr. Erlinda Velasquez. The training participants had the opportunity to learn hands-on, distinguishing different cassava varieties and identifying pests, weeds, and diseases. They shared their experiences with the speakers in the afternoon.
On the fifth and final day, during the closing program, selected participants shared their overall insights and what they had learned from the training. Mr. Henry S. Binahon, representing Binahon Agroforestry Farm (BAFF), expressed gratitude for the successful training and gave it a 101% satisfaction rating.
The event concluded with the awarding of completion certificates. RTD Carlota S. Madriaga delivered the closing remarks, expressing her hopes that the participants would apply for accreditation and use their newfound knowledge to benefit the cassava industry. She highlighted the enormous potential of cassava in the market and encouraged everyone to share the knowledge they had acquired for the betterment of the industry. (written and submitted by: Joebert D. Apdian)
