“I’ve learned new things especially on durian production and I am very much willing to engage on durian. Looking forward on planting durian in our farm,” says Ms. Emmylou R. Loresto, a Magsasaka Siyentista, and owner of Willy’s Integrated Farm of Mallig, Isabela, and a participant during the Training of Trainers on Durian Production, conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02), on August 26-30, 2024.
Thirty agricultural extension workers (AEWs), and farmer-leaders from various municipalities across the region participated in the training.
Ms. Fe G. Oguio, Durian Focal Person of Davao City, shared her expertise during the training. She discussed topics such as common durian varieties, cultural and nutrient management, and national durian situation. Likewise, Ms. Mindaflor Aquino, Chief of the Department of Agriculture - Regional Crop Protection Center (DA-RCPC) discussed durian pest and disease control and the market opportunities was discussed by the Department of Trade and Industry.
On the other hand, the participants also took part in the hands-on activities such as variety classification, and pest and disease identification facilitated by Ms. Oguio. The participants also visited the Courage Integrated Farm in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, and G.L. Cumila Farm in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya.
They also participated in farm lay-outing and tree planting activities wherein they taught on proper planting of durian seedlings at the techno demo farm of Nagtipunan, Quirino, with the support from the Municipal Agriculture Office.
According to durian industry situationer, the Cagayan Valley region has 80 hectares planted with durian in 2023.
The first-ever durian training conducted by the ATI-RTC 02 in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 (DRFO02) was important and timely, as the region wants to expand and develop its durian industry. The region was declared as one of the areas planned for expansion over the next five years starting in 2022. As Ms. Emmylou Loresto said, the participants were likewise determined to engage in durian production. She wanted to venture on durian and debut it from her farm.
