The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted the five-day Training of Trainers on Vegetable Production and GAP Certification under the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) held at San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan on March 4β8, 2024.
Dr. Joey A. Belarmino, ATI-CL Center Director, warmly welcomed the participants and delivered an inspiring message.
βIt is my privilege to welcome you here to our office. Thank you for prioritizing this activity. I look forward to seeing more farmers engaged in vegetable production and certified under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) after this training. The Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification process involves training, capacity building, and technical assistance to help farmers understand and implement the required standards. This knowledge transfer enhances the skills and capabilities of farmers, making them more competitive in the market and resilient to external challenges,β he said.
The five-day training aimed to equip the participants with knowledge and skills in low-land vegetable production, GAP certification, and to prepare a re-entry plan for transferring the technology to the target clients.
The discussion focused on the importance of vegetable production, such as the status of vegetable production in Central Luzon, low-land vegetable production technology, farmers field school, pest and disease management, and PhilGAP certification.
Ms. Glarissa B. Balbarez from the Department of AgricultureβRegional Field Office III; Mr. Rayven C. Valmeo from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Bulacan; Ms. Marietta DL. Agregado and Mr. Evergilio M. Aquino from the Regional Crop Protection Center of the Department of Agriculture; and Mr. Roel R. Rubion served as the resource speakers.
Furthermore, the participants were able to conduct hands-on activities such as mulching, application of biological pest control, agro-ecosystem analysis (AESA), and PhilGAP inspection at some identified locations in Dinalupihan Bataan.
After the learning sessions, Dr. Jayvee Bryan G. Carillo, ATI-CL Assistant Center Director, congratulated the participants for completing the 5-day training and delivered his message of gratitude.
He also challenged the participants to share what they learned and reach as many as they could to further help local farmers and improve vegetable production in the region.
Ms. Belinda T. Refuerzo from the Municipal Agriculturist Office of Guimba, Nueva Ecija, shared that the training was full of surprises and fun. βDuringΒ the training, I was kind of expecting a monotonous and boring week ahead, but then I was surprised because day by day the training is going well and has reversed my expectations. It is full of surprises and fun, which gave me a wonderful week full of knowledge imparted by the resource speakers who have exerted their effort and time in sharing,β Refuerzo quipped.
Engr. Archie M. Punla from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Pampanga commented, saying, βThe reason I attended this training (aside from learning) was to experience ATI, and I do not regret it because it is welcoming and feels right. I really enjoyed my stay, and it felt at home. I look forward to more training.β
The training was concluded with a total of thirty-four (34) graduates, twenty-eight (28) of whom are agricultural extension workers (AEWs), and six (6) farmer leaders from the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga, who gained not just knowledge and skills but also good memories and great experience.Β
Written by:Β Rannel S. Cruz
