PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte – The Information Services Section (ISS) of the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 conducted the ISS Planning Workshop and Target Setting for FY 2022 from December 7-10, 2021 in Davao Region.

The activity was designed to ensure the smooth and harmonized implementation of programs, projects, and other related activities of ISS.

Aside from the six ISS staff, there were also 14 other non-ISS staff who were invited to join due to their involvement in ISS activities in FY 2021 and 2022.

Aside from the planning workshop and team-building activities, the group also visited two Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) in the region. These are the School for Practical Agriculture (SPA) on Apiculture of Epifanio Loyola Jr. in Datu Abdul Dadia, Panabo City and the AMCG Farm in Toril, Davao City.

The AMCG Farm was established in 2011 as a Netafim and Netaphils technology demonstration farm showcasing technologies from Israel. It uses a fertigation machine which controls the amount and pH level of fertilizer that goes into the irrigation system. It provides nutrients to melons and lettuces sheltered in greenhouses via hydroponics technique. Through this technology, a farmer can save water and fertilizer, eliminate ground water pollution, cut down production cost, and maximize crop yield.

Meanwhile, at the Loyola bee farm, the group learned that the bees being cultured there are Meliponines or stingless bees. Its honey has a high demand in the market and is being used either as a food or medicine.