The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted a five-day activity on "OA Level Up: Technical Guidance Session" for the implementation of the Organic Agriculture (OA) program held at Merryland Integrated Farm and Training Center Inc. in Brgy. Taal, Pulilan, Bulacan, from February 17 to 21, 2025.
The session commenced with a welcome address from Mr. Jian Carlo SJ. Castillo, owner of Merryland Integrated Farm, followed by an overview from Ms. Zarah Jane Sendrijas, ATI-OA focal person. Dir. Bernadette SF San Juan, National Director of the Organic Agriculture Program, highlighted the government's role in food security and sustainability during her session.
The participants engaged in field visits on the second day, including a tour of Dr. Roland James Bayang's Black Soldier Fly production site in Pampanga, where they learned about sustainable practices that convert organic waste into valuable nutrients. Additional visits included the ALIAS Center at PSAU and Mills Integrated Farm in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
Furthermore, Ms. Alexandria Suñga from NOAP facilitated a workshop on business plan components, allowing participants to collaborate on their enterprise plans.
Moreover, groups presented innovative proposals for organic ventures such as organic papaya production and vermiculture.
The final day focused on strategic programs for organic agriculture and ATI's work plan for enhancing organic farming initiatives.
Attended by 30 municipal focal persons, the program aimed to deepen participants' understanding of organic farming systems and enhance their roles in promoting and implementing organic agriculture initiatives.
Additionally, it sought to improve their skills in preparing enterprise plan proposals.
The said training highlighted ATI-CL's commitment to empowering local agricultural leaders and promoting sustainable practices within the region's agricultural landscape.
