A total of one hundred fifty leaders of irrigators associations (IA) in the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan attended the 3 batches of briefing on Balance Fertilization Strategies (BFS). The briefings were held on February 24, 26, & 28, 2025 at Solana, Cagayan; Tumauini, Isabela; and Lal-lo, Cagayan respectively. These were attended by the National Irrigation Administration Region 02 representatives, DA-LGU partners staff, and their Municipal Agriculturist.

This training aimed to strengthen the capacity of farmers in balance fertilization strategies to increase productivity and ensure agricultural sustainability. This initiative was in support to the Irrigators Associations and Farming Support Services Program (FSSP) of National Irrigation Administration.

Participants engaged in a series of lectures covering the Balance Fertilization Strategy on Rice (Abonong Swak) and ICT tools for nutrient management such as Rice Crop Manager (RCM), Leaf Color Chart (LCC), Minus One Element Technique (MOET), e-learning and others ICT applications. The topics were delivered by the ATI technical staff.

“Sa totoo lang maraming naitutulong ang training na ito lalo na sa ating mga farmers, naiimplement na din natin ngayon.Actually noong unang nagtratraining ako parang hindi ako naniniwala sa iba kasi ‘Dyak pati, dyak padas’ kunada da garod. (I don't believe until I experience it as they say). So, maraming salamat sa ATI family na parating nandyan para sa atin para maimplement natin sa ating pagbubukid,” said Mr. Roldan Acierto, IA President of Tumauini Amianan Farmers Irrigators Association (TAIFA).

Additionally, participants were provided with reading materials on rice production and LCC to further support their learning.