Sto. Tomas Rice Farmers strengthen Skills on IPM

STO. TOMAS, DAVAO DEL NORTE – Thirty (30) rice farmers from different rice clusters in the municipality completed the Training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) held from July 21 to 25, 2025, at the Municipal Agriculture Office Training Hall.

The five-day training included lectures and practical field activities to enhance farmers' skills in pest identification, field monitoring, and decision-making.

Farmers practiced insect collection, Agroecosystem Analysis (AESA), and learning how to identify pests and beneficial organisms in rice fields.

Resource persons were Information Officer II Ms. Ruby Jane P. Bentiroso from ATI Davao Region, and Training Specialist III Ms. Ofelia A. Sanchez. In addition, Rice Specialist Mr. Florencio Taer, Jr. from PhilRice Agusan facilitated the sessions, covering topics such as IPM, PalayCheck System, ecological engineering, and responsible pesticide use to promote sustainable and science-based rice farming practices.

The training concluded with a graduation ceremony where 30 farmer-leaders received certificates of completion and starter kits containing fertilizer and assorted vegetable seeds. Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Degorio graced the event and encouraged the graduates to apply and share their new knowledge in their communities.

“Nakat-unan nako diri sa training nga ang mag-uuma diay adunay dakong papel sa komunidad. Aron makab-ot nato ang atong vital role, kinahanglan nga maging responsible kita isip mga mag-uuma importante gyud ang pag-monitor sa atong uma aaron masayran dayon kung naa bay peste nga makadaot sa tanom. Pinaagi niini, makaila ta kung kinsa ang mga amigo ug kaaway nga peste, ug mahibal-an natu kung kanus-a ang husto nga oanagin sap ag-apply og pestisidyo. Nakaamgo pud ko nga daghan pa diay lain nga paagi aron makadugang og kita sama sa Palayamanan. Naa ko’y mga bag-ong teknolohiya nga nakat-unan nga sigurado makatabang sa among umahan”, shared Joy S. Cabaluna, one of the participants.

Through this initiative, ATI hopes to strengthen farmers’ knowledge and skills, supporting efforts to increase rice productivity, promote sustainable practices, and build resilience among rice farmers in the Davao Region.

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Contributor: Ruby Jane P. Bentiroso