The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) certified the Batungbacal Farms as a Learning Site for Agriculture I (LSA I) on March 2, 2023 in Brgy. Bulawen, Palauig, Zambales. The said farm specializes in mango utilizing a modern and very scientific method in mango production.
Mr. Enrico Marciano Batungbacal, owner of the 190-hectare mango-based farm, has been in the mango industry for decades before he decided to open it to the public to pursue his advocacy of helping the other small mango growers.
Equipped with the knowledge and technologies gained from the different countries he visited, Mr. Batungbacal is now successfully practicing modernized and science-based mango production techniques.
"One of our focuses will be this learning site to serve as a training venue in order for us to share our technologies to our mango growers. With that, we will be able to help in strengthening our mango industry not only in Zambales but in the country," Mr. Batungbacal stressed during his welcome message in the ceremony.
Present during the awarding ceremony are ATI-CL Center Director, Dr. Joey A. Belarmino and selected ATI Staff; Provincial Director of TESDA, Ms. Melanie Grace T. Romero; DTI representative, Mr. Enrique T. Tacbad; DOST representative, Ms. Bernardita R. Mortivirgen; the APCO Zambales from DA-RFO 3, Mr. Gil David; Ms. Mary Jane Amuyot, OIC-Municipal Agriculturist of Palauig; and representative from Villar Sipag Foundation.
