Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon elevated the knowledge of Agricultural Extension Workers of Aurora and Bataan on the recently concluded Training of Trainers on Integrated Pest Management of Lowland Vegetables, held at ATI RTC 3 Dinalupihan Bataan, on March 21-24, 2023.
This training aimed to enhance the AEW’s knowledge, attitude and skills in sustainable vegetable production with emphasis on integrated pest management.
Ms. Glarissa Balbares of the Department of Agriculture Region 3 HVCD Program discussed the situation of vegetable industry in Central Luzon, vegetable industry road map and the projects and programs of the department intended to help the vegetable farmers in the region.
Ms. Luisa Rodis of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) of Bataan discussed the concept and principles of conducting a farmer field school (FFS). She emphasized that FFS is participatory experiential and discovery based learning. She also identified Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) as an integral part of FFS and emphasize the importance of conducting a proper AESA for better and more effective learning.
On the second day, Ms. Rodis also tackled the production technology of the lowland vegetables, soil nutrient management, and harvesting and post-harvest technology. She also shared best practices in growing different crops.
Ms. Rosalyn Fulgencio of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) started the third day with her discussion about the common pest and diseases of low land vegetables. She gave different techniques on how to identify the insect and diseases base on their symtoms. Meanwhile, Ms. Marietta Agregado defined the concept of Integrated Pest Management. She discussed the different IPM techniques and emphasized that using chemical control should always be the last resort in managing pest and diseases. Mr. Fitzgerald Cabiltes also from RCPC introduced the use of pheromones for vegetables.
On the last day, the participants conducted an Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) in a vegetable farm owned by the Samahan ng mga Mangagawa at Magsasaka ng Abucay (SMMABI) Association Brgy in Salian, Abucay Bataan. The participants observed three different crops and identified the existing pest and diseases as well as the presence of natural enemies. They processed their data and presented the general observation and recommended actions to their co participants and the farmers of SMMABI. Ms. Luisa Rodis facilitated the activity.
The twenty participants successfully completed the four days training and held their graduation in Sibul Spring Resort Abucay, Bataan. The Chairman on Agriculture of Abucay, Mr. Dante Baluyut and Mr. Adamson Cabutaje of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Bataan graced the graduation program.
The activity was made possible with the help of partners from Bataan Peninsula State University who shared their facilities, Ms. Luisa Rodis of OPA Bataan for sharing her expertise and assistance in identifying the site for the field activity and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Abucay Bataan headed by Mr. Erano Marabe for organizing and hosting the AESA and graduation program. Furthermore, gratitude is expressed to the officers and members of Samahan ng mga Mangagawa at Magsasaka ng Abucay (SMMABI) Association for giving a warm welcome to the participants from Aurora and Bataan.
