Buenavista, Agusan del Norte witnessed a significant milestone in agricultural development last June 23–25, 2026, as farmers and stakeholders gathered for a three-day training program themed “Thriving Ecosystems: Training on Integrated Climate Adaptation, Disaster Resilience, and Nutrient-Pest Risk Management Advisory through Rice Crop Manager Advisory System (RCMAS).”
Organized through the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, the event aimed to strengthen farming communities by equipping participants with knowledge and tools to adapt to climate challenges and improve rice production. Resource persons Ms. Gerlie B. Antipaso of the DA-Rice Program and Mr. Decemboy B. Tiu, Agricultural Technologist from the Cabadbaran City Agriculture Office, guided participants through sessions on climate-resilient rice farming, integrated nutrient management, disaster resilience, and the use of digital agriculture technologies such as RCMAS.
The training was more than a technical exercise; it was a transformative experience. Farmers learned to integrate modern advisory systems into traditional practices, ensuring their crops could withstand unpredictable weather and pest risks. The sessions emphasized resilience, sustainability, and innovation, aligning with the broader goal of building thriving ecosystems in the region.
The impact of the program was best captured in the words of farmer Merlinda C. Claros, who shared, “Pinaagi sa ATI, dako among pasalamat nga na hatagan kami opportunidad nga maka apil sa maong training nga maka tabang sa among pagpanguma, labi na ang pagkat-on sa mahitungod sa RCMAS.” Her gratitude reflected the collective sentiment of participants who saw the training as a vital step toward securing their livelihoods and strengthening community resilience.
This initiative underscores ATI’s commitment to empowering farmers with both traditional wisdom and modern perspectives, ensuring that agriculture in Agusan del Norte continues to thrive amidst evolving challenges. (written by RJ Magdugo and Liza Joy Tubongbanua - CMU BS DevCom OJTs)
