Enhancing the knowledge and skills of agricultural extension workers and farmers in ube production and enterprise development, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA spearheaded a three-day Training on Ube Production with Marketing on May 26-28, 2026, at Hotel Marinduque, Brgy. Isok, Boac, Marinduque.
ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos graced the opening program of the training. In his message, he emphasized the importance of strengthening science-based ube production practices and promoting market-oriented farming to improve farmers’ productivity, competitiveness, and income.
During the training, participants gained insights through lectures and open forums, where farmers actively shared their experiences. To address gaps in recommended planting methods and to improve yield and the quality of planting materials, the lecture-discussions focused on science-based technologies and proper crop management practices.
Participants also engaged in hands-on activities on the proper preparation and planting of ube setts under the guidance of Ms. Clarissa B. Jamilo, a resource speaker from the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Regional Field Office VII. Through practical demonstrations, participants applied recommended techniques in selecting, preparing, and planting quality planting materials.
The marketing aspect was discussed by Mr. Rey Neptune Quindong of the DA MIMAROPA Region F2C2 Program. He emphasized the importance of adopting a market-oriented mindset in farming, highlighting the principle of “planting what can be sold, instead of selling what has already been planted.”
Mr. Quindong also presented important strategies under the F2C2 Program, including clustered farming approaches, along with their benefits and challenges in strengthening market linkages and improving farmers’ income opportunities.
On the third day, Engr. Cheri Dawn F. Falogme, HVCDP Point Person from ATI-MIMAROPA, introduced the e-learning platform and guided participants in creating accounts and enrolling in the online ube production course.
“Sa katunayan po ay mayroon din po akong ube na tanim, pero kinakain lang po namin. Siguro po, sa ngayon ay hindi na muna namin kakainin; itatanim po muna namin at padadamiin po muna. Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat dahil nagkaroon po tayo ng pagsasanay tungkol dito at marami akong natutunan kung ano ang dapat gawin para dumami ang ani,” shared Rosalinda Ogalinola, President of the Caigangan-Bagtungon Vegetable Growers Association.
A total of 32 participants completed the said training.
