To further strengthen the knowledge and skills of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and farmers in the proper identification, assessment, prevention, and management of banana diseases, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted a three-day “Training on Banana Disease Diagnosis and Management” on April 21–23, 2026, in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
The training opened with a welcome message from Mr. Jayson N. Erondo, OIC–Assistant Center Director of ATI-MIMAROPA, who underscored the urgent need for vigilance against emerging banana diseases that threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
This was followed by a video message from ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, who encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and share the knowledge gained with their respective communities.
The training was structured into two main components: lecture sessions during the first two days and a field-based practicum on the third day. The lectures provided an overview of the banana industry, highlighting that the Philippines ranked as the second-largest banana exporter globally in 2025, and recognizing Oriental Mindoro as the “Banana King” of Southern Tagalog.
Resource speaker Ms. Roxanne M. Fabriquel, an instructor from Mindoro State University (MinSU), delivered in-depth discussions on banana disease diagnosis and management. Her lectures covered banana uses, varieties, propagation techniques, and common diseases, with a strong focus on transmission, identification, prevention, and control strategies.
A key highlight of the training was the field visit to a banana plantation in Calapan City, where participants engaged in hands-on learning. They observed farm practices, identified disease symptoms, and collected plant samples for further analysis. The practical activity concluded with a feedback session, during which Ms. Fabriquel provided expert evaluation and recommendations based on the participants’ findings.
“Ako ay natutuwa bilang isa sa mga kalahok. Akala ko ay tungkol lamang sa pagtatanim ng saging ang aktibidad, ngunit ito pala ay may lectures tungkol sa sakit ng saging upang maiwasan ang pagkalat nito. Nagulat din ako sa mga scientific name, ngunit naging malinaw ito dahil sa maayos na paliwanag ng tagapagturo. Natuto ako kung aling uri ng saging ang dapat at hindi dapat itanim, at na ang mga lupang naapektuhan ng sakit ay hindi dapat agad taniman muli,” said Ms. Liza C. Bugarin, one of the graduates.
A total of 30 participants successfully completed the training, consisting of 15 farmers from Calapan City and 15 AEWs from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist - Oriental Mindoro, as well as from the agriculture offices of Calapan City, Naujan, and Victoria.
