SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, in partnership with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of San Francisco, conducted a one-day Rice Forum titled “RiceGuard: Integrated Management of Common Rice Pests and Diseases” on April 29, 2026, in Barangay Tagapua.

More than 30 rice farmers representing four farmers’ associations participated in the activity, which aimed to strengthen their knowledge and skills in managing common rice pests and diseases. Barangay Captain Hon. Susan C. Arguillas expressed her gratitude to the MAO, led by Acting Municipal Agriculturist Ms. Aia Mae F. Sarsaba, for selecting their barangay as the venue and for continuously supporting local farmers through knowledge-sharing initiatives and technology-driven programs.

Project Officer Mary Grace B. Salve explained that the forum was designed to help farmers enhance their ability to identify pests and diseases, apply effective control measures, and adopt preventive practices that can lead to improved harvests and increased income. She also highlighted programs that encourage youth participation in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of engaging the next generation in farming.

During the forum, participants were introduced to the basic concepts of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), along with discussions on common rice pests and diseases and practical strategies for their control and management. Resource persons Mr. Kane Nekko A. Galvez, Agriculturist II, and Ms. Erlinda M. Datulayta, Assistant Municipal Agriculturist, both from MAO-San Francisco, facilitated the technical sessions and shared their expertise with the farmers.

In addition, Mr. Kit Paul B. Paler, Network Controller of ATI-RTC XIII, introduced digital agricultural tools such as Payong ng Pag-asa, Pinoy Knowledge Bank, and the ATI e-Learning platform. These applications aim to provide farmers with accessible, timely, and reliable agricultural information to support their decision-making and farm management practices.

The activity highlighted the continued collaboration between ATI-RTC XIII and the local government of San Francisco in promoting sustainable rice production and empowering farmers through education, innovation, and technology.