The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in partnership with President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU) and Batungbacal Farms, conducted a Training on Mango orchard establishment and Good Agricultural Practices held at Iba, Zambales, on November 26-28, 2024.
The activity marked the first phase of a series of training designed to address challenges in the mango industry and cultivate a new generation of mango experts in Central Luzon. The training was attended by high-value crop coordinators and mango growers from the region.
Ms. Glarissa B. Balbarez of DA-RFO III provided an overview of the mango industries in Central Luzon. She discussed key challenges and outlined the strategies based on the National Mango Industry Roadmap and the Zambales Mango Industry Roadmap.
Additionally, she presented various projects and programs dedicated to revitalizing the mango sector.
Dr. Janice M. Baysa of PRMSU introduced mango as a high-value crop, covering its morphology, phenological growth stages, and the varieties and strains commercially cultivated in the Philippines. She underscored the Philippines' distinction of producing the "Sweetest Mango in the World."
Dr. Baysa also shared insights on propagation methods, orchard establishment, and the proper care and maintenance of seedlings.
Furthermore, Mr. Roel R. Rubion discussed the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) for Mango as defined by the Philippine National Standards. He elaborated the requirements for PhilGAP Certification and Nursery Accreditation, emphasizing their significance in enhancing the global competitiveness of Philippine mangoes and ensuring the availability of high-quality seedlings.
The training incorporated practical application at Batungbacal Farms, a PhilGAP-certified mango farm managed by Mr. Enrico Batungbacal. Participants toured the farm to benchmark its operations and observe smart farming practices such as fertigation, mechanized pruning, and precision spraying.
Mr. Batungbacal also shared the farm's history and its journey toward implementing sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Moreover, the participants honed their skills in mango propagation through hands-on activities, which included selecting suitable scions for grafting and performing grafting techniques directly on the farm.
