To enhance the knowledge and skills of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in the effective management of rice insect pests and diseases, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted a five-day “Training on Management of Rice Insect Pests and Diseases” on April 13–17, 2026, at Crystal Paradise Resort, Narra, Palawan.
In his pre-recorded welcome message, ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos encouraged participants to actively engage in the training to strengthen their competencies in managing rice pests and diseases. He also emphasized the importance of sharing the knowledge and skills gained with fellow farmers and local communities.
The training opened with a discussion led by Mr. Necodemus F. Cañas, Assistant Professor II at Western Philippines University (WPU), who provided an overview of rice production systems and their vulnerability to pests and diseases. He highlighted the importance of proper pest management in ensuring food security and sustaining stable rice production. He also discussed the identification, biology, and damage caused by major rice insect pests, as well as the role of beneficial insects in natural pest control.
Meanwhile, Ms. Lira L. Malagsic, Assistant Professor III at WPU, discussed the identification and diagnosis of major rice diseases. She explained disease symptoms, disease cycles, and environmental conditions that contribute to disease outbreaks, as well as the importance of using resistant rice varieties. She also stressed that pesticide application should not always be the first course of action, emphasizing preventive measures and integrated pest management approaches.
Ms. Malagsic further discussed pest and disease monitoring and assessment, including field scouting, sampling methods, identification tools, and decision-making based on economic injury levels and action thresholds. She also emphasized the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), covering cultural, mechanical or physical, biological, and chemical control methods.
The training likewise tackled the impact of climate change on pest and disease dynamics, helping participants better understand how climate variability influences outbreaks and how adaptive, climate-resilient pest management practices can be applied in the field. In addition, the resource persons introduced participants to Agroecosystem Analysis (AESA), site-specific pest and disease management planning, and the proper application of control measures.
As part of the training requirements, participants prepared and submitted re-entry plans and AESA reports to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training would be applied in their respective municipalities.
According to Ms. Abegail B. Trinidad of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Dumaran, the training enhanced their capacity as extension workers by deepening their knowledge of pest and disease management and improving their ability to guide farmers effectively. She added that IPM and early disease detection help reduce farmers’ losses and promote sustainable agriculture.
A total of 30 AEWs completed the training, further strengthening the network of extension workers committed to supporting sustainable rice production in Palawan.
