Thirty-two agriculture extension workers (AEW) equip with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively promote and implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in vegetable production in their respective municipalities. The participants across the Cagayan Valley region trained on Training on Trainers on Good Agricultural Practices for Vegetable Production at the Agrcultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02), Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela, on March 10-21, 2025.
The training program enhanced their capacity to provide technical assistance to local farmers, ensuring improved agricultural productivity, sustainability, and marketability of vegetables in the region.
Experts from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 02, Integrated Laboratory Division, Regional Soil Laboratory, Cagayan Valley Research Center, Regional Crop Protection Center, Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services 02, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority 02 led a series of lectures, practical workshops, and field demonstrations over the course of the ten-day event. The topics discussed include: Agro-Ecosystem Analysis, Climate Change Adaptation, Vegetable Seed Production and Seed Certification, Integrated Pest Management, Pesticide Residue Analysis, Integrated Nutrient Management, Judicious Use of Pesticides and Proper Use of Fertilizers, Vegetable Production Technology, and Agricultural Extension Courses.
“My key learnings from our training is the holistic approach to sustainable vegetable production (producing vegetables without compromising the environment). I gained practical skills, knowledge and effective methods for knowledge transfer and capacity building of our vegetable farmers,” Ms. Geraldine T. Castro of Solana, Cagayan shared.
Mr. Laurence D. Tan, AEW from San Mariano, Isabela also expressed his determination to advocate healthy vegetable in the Municipality of San Mariano. “Thank you sa pagkakataon na ito at nakapagtraining kami sa GAP. First time ko pong magtraining ng ganito. Nalaman ko ang importansiya ng pag-aapply ng GAP sa mga vegetable kasi alam naman natin na ngayon ay excessive na talaga ang paggamit ng pesticide. Hindi nakabubuti sa ating kalusugan. Napakaimportante talaga itong training para sa akin. I also will try my best to conduct information dissemination in our municipality,” Mr. Tan, said.
Moreover, the practical Agro-Ecosystem Analysis exercise at the GAP-Certified ARUBAYAN of ATI-RTC 02 was one of the training's highlights. Participants looked over farm fields and gained an awareness of the relationships among pests, natural enemies, soil conditions, weather, and plant health. They were able to support sustainable farming methods and make judgments on pest management as a result. To get a firsthand look at the methods used by GAP-certified farmers, they also went on field trips to Juan Integrated Farm in Mabini, Gamu, Isabela; the Techno-demo Farm of the Isabela Provincial Agriculturist's Office; and Saguibo Integrated Farm in Daramuangan Sur, San Mateo, Isabela. They also went to the Regional Crop Protection Center to observe the various bio-control chemicals being produced.
OIC-Center Director, Dr. Claris Marayag-Alaska, encouraged participants to apply the skills and knowledge they acquired in the training to real-world situations, particularly in the field, during the closing program, in order for the participants to fully comprehend the importance of the training. She also emphasized how important extension services can be for the farmers in our country. She challenged the AEWs to serve as resource persons, give technical support, and give briefings to the farmers in order to share the knowledge they had acquired during the training.
~CDMS
