The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL) successfully conducted the training on Rice-Based Integrated Farming System (RBIFS) for Farmers on June 23-25, 2026, at D’ Planners, in Dinalupihan, Bataan.
The training aimed to enhance their knowledge and skills in sustainable rice production, diversified farming, and farm enterprise management.
It focused on improving farmers’ understanding of rice production technologies and post-harvest practices through the Palay Check System. Reinalyn C. Gulen, Senior Agriculturist, discussed the recommended practices from crop establishment to harvesting, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrient, water, and pest management in achieving higher productivity and better-quality palay.
The participants were also introduced to the concept and principles of rice-based integrated farming by Charls Angelou C. Inieto, Technical Support Staff IV. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating rice production with other farm enterprises to maximize available resources, reduce farm waste, improve food security, and provide additional sources of income for farming households.
Meanwhile, Jayson B. Nidua, Training Specialist II, facilitated the discussion on rice-livestock farming systems, particularly rice-poultry and rice-ruminant integration. He emphasized that integrating livestock and poultry with rice production can help farmers diversify their income while utilizing animal manure as an organic resource for the farm.
The training also covered rice-fish culture, vegetable production after rice harvesting, rice-based mushroom production, and farming as a business, facilitated by Krizzell D. Galang, Training Specialist I. Participants learned how these enterprises can be incorporated into their existing rice farms to create more productive and sustainable farming systems.
In addition, Zarah Jane N. Sendrijas, Agriculturist II, discussed organic rice production, biomass recycling, and vermicomposting. The session encouraged participants to convert farm wastes and biodegradable materials into organic fertilizer, helping improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
A field tour and hands on mushroom production activity were also conducted to provide participants with practical exposure to actual farming operations and mushroom cultivation techniques. Through the activity, farmers were able to observe the proper preparation of materials and gain a better understanding of rice-based mushroom production as an additional livelihood opportunity.
“Itong pagsasanay na ito po ay malaking bagay para sa bagong kaalaman na aming nakuha bilang mga magsasaka. Ngayon, itong natutunan namin ay talagang maia-apply namin sa aming mga bukid, at nagpapasalamat po ako sa ATI at D’Planners sa pagkakataong ito po na nabigyan kami ng ganitong training po," Nelson Austria farmer from San Juan, Samal shared his impression during the closing program.
The training concluded with a discussion on farm business planning, record keeping, marketing, and digital marketing. Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills they gained in managing their farms as sustainable and profitable enterprises.
Written by: Rhea Fe Dela Cruz
