Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City--- Twenty-six participants from the military camps of Bukidnon, Marawi, and Butuan City participated in the training on urban gardening organized for the Military Livelihood and Education (MILE) Program of the Philippine Army.
Major Primo G. Dawiguey Jr., Commanding officer of the Army Intelligence and Security Unit delivered his message and expressed his gratitude towards the ATI-RTC X management for conducting the training and also to the participants for their desire and willingness to learn. He stated that the said activity is a part of the Military Livelihood and Education (MILE) Program of the Philippine Army and reminded the participants to take this training seriously and at heart. Major Dawiguey also stated that they have previously requested training at ATI-Caraga on mushroom production. By this time, they need to gain additional knowledge and skills in vegetable production so they can restore their garden in their respective military camps and also do it in their homes. Training Specialist III Teodosia D. Jaraba delivered the opening remarks, on behalf of Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez.
The lecture started with a lecture-discussion on the Basics of Vegetable Gardening delivered by Ms. Jaraba. During the lecture, she explained the basic requirements of a garden. She also showed the nutritional content of common vegetables. Ms. Karen Balbarino inquired if eating too many beans like mongo can increase uric acid. Ms. Jaraba answered that based on her experience, she has not yet experienced joint pain despite her fondness for eating mongo. She also discussed the Importance of Healthy Soils, Organic Matter and Soil Microorganisms.
For the afternoon session, Technical Support Staff Gia Joy Lusterio discussed the Production Guide of Selected Legumes, Root Crops, and Solanaceous Crops. In her discussion, Ms. Leah Maratas asked how can consumers know if the cassava roots are properly cooked and are safe to consume. Ms. Lusterio answered that a cassava root is well-cooked if the fork goes right through the root.
For the morning session of the second day, the lecture on the Production Guide on Selected Crucifers and Cucurbits Crops and Management of Common Insect Pests and Diseases was delivered by Karlo Jayvert R. Cardente. He showed pictures of common insect pests and diseases and also included some ways of managing them. For the afternoon session, Ms. Jaraba delivered her topic on composting/vermicomposting. She showed the production steps and how to properly use compost. She also discussed the advantages of using compost as fertilizer.
During the closing program, three participants gave their impressions of the training. Ms. Leah T. Maratas thanked the center for conducting the training. She said that she learned new things like the different families of vegetables. She also learned the importance of choosing the right variety and also the proper process of composting including its use as a fertilizer. Mr. Jeck T. Asi shared that he also knows the scientific way of caring for and maintaining a garden. He also said that they can use all these learnings in the near future when they retire from service. Ms. Mary Cris B. Patentes shared that she is beyond thankful for the training. Before, she heard about vermi compost used as fertilizer but she did not know the process. She is also convinced that by growing your own vegetables, you can really guarantee their safety and nutrition. After the giving of impressions, Major Dawiguey expressed his gratitude to ATI-RTC X for giving the time to conduct the training. He also reminded the participants that they must put their learnings into action. The Training on Urban Gardening was conducted on June 21-22, 2023 at Camp Edilberto Evangelista (submitted by: Training Specialist III Teodosia D. Jaraba)
