TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — Twenty-five rice farmers from various F2C2 rice clusters in CALABARZON gained valuable insights into the concepts and principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the identification and management of rice diseases, and conservation practices for natural enemies.
These were among the key learnings from the five-day training titled “Building Stronger Rice Communities: Advancing Knowledge in Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management,” conducted by the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) CALABARZON, in collaboration with the DA-Regional Field Office IV-A and DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Los Baños.
The training was held from March 17 to 21, 2025, at the DA-ATI CALABARZON Training Hall in Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Resource persons included Ms. Maria Sophia Madamba-Canilao and Ms. Virginia Ompad from PhilRice-LB; Ms. Pamela Marasigan, Ms. Sierralyn Sandoval, Ms. Madora Abril Gallegos, and Mr. Alvin Mendoza from the DA-RFO IV-A Regional Crop Protection Center; and Ms. Mary Grace Leidia from DA-ATI CALABARZON.
During the closing program, farmer representatives from Maugat, Putat, Catandaan, Ulila (MPCU) Rice Farmers Cluster Association Inc., Laurel Rice Farmers’ Association, and Calatagan Rice Farmers’ Association (CARIFA) shared their reflections and key takeaways.
“Ang masusing pag-aaral na ito ay napakalaking dagdag sa aking kaalaman para sa pangangalaga ng palayan laban sa mga peste at sakit. Nawa’y maibahagi namin sa aming mga kasamahan sa Laurel ang lahat ng aming natutunan mula sa training. Mahikayat namin sila sa sabayang pagtatanim at tamang pangangalaga ng palay. Magkaisa at magtulungan para sa ibayong tagumpay. Paigtingin at yakapin pa nawa ang pagsasaka,” shared Ms. Apolonia Genil of the Laurel Rice Farmers’ Association.
DA-ATI CALABARZON Center Director Dr. Rolando V. Maningas also graced the event and delivered an inspiring message to the participants.
News by: Jannah I. Sarvida
