Polomolok, South Cotabato – The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center XII spearheaded the second batch of the Capacity Building on Vegetable Production in support of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Region XII, held from May 14 to 16, 2025. The three-day training assembled 30 participants from different communities, aiming to enhance their capabilities in sustainable vegetable farming practices to reinforce food security across the region.

The activity commenced with opening messages from Mr. Ibrahim S. Sangcupan, the EPAHP Regional Coordinator from DSWD XII, and Ms. Marichu T. Lim, the EPAHP Focal Person, who laid down the goals and collaborative nature of the program. Participants were given a broader perspective through key sessions facilitated by ATI-RTC XII’s resource persons. Ms. Mercedita G. Aglibot, Project Officer, discussed the framework and objectives of the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), while Ms. Gladys Hazel E. Cafe, Technical Staff II, provided insights on the present state of the vegetable industry at both global and local levels.

The succeeding days were focused on applied learning, as Ms. Cafe guided the participants through practical methods in sustainable vegetable production and the preparation of organic concoctions. The hands-on sessions highlighted affordable, eco-friendly farming techniques tailored to the unique challenges of urban and peri-urban settings, empowering participants to adopt sustainable practices within their communities.

As the training concluded, Mr. John Lord L. Auman, OIC Chief of the Information Services Section, expressed gratitude to everyone involved and emphasized the importance of putting new knowledge into action. He encouraged the participants to become active partners in advancing food self-sufficiency, echoing ATI-RTC XII’s commitment to supporting EPAHP’s vision of eradicating hunger and poverty through inclusive agricultural development.