To enhance the capabilities of extension workers and farmers in diagnosing and managing pests and diseases affecting vegetable crops, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA successfully conducted a five-day Training of Trainers (TOT) on Vegetable Pests and Diseases Identification and Control from March 18-22, 2024 at the Simple Living Hotel, Poctoy, Odiongan, Rombolon.
Despite the varied backgrounds of the 24 participants, they acquired essential and up-to-date knowledge on the accurate identification and control of pests and diseases discussed by the resource speakers (RPs), namely, Mr. Walter C. Jatico and Ms. Roxanne M. Fabriquel from Mindoro State University, as well as Ms. Cheri Dawn F. Falogme of ATI MIMAROPA.
To complement the lectures and practice their skills in identifying pests and spotting plants infected with diseases, they engaged in an actual field collection at the communal vegetable area in Brgy. Mayha, Odiongan, which is owned by Ms. Dally Jean F. Florendo, a graduate of the Season-Long TOT on Vegetable Production in 2015.
After the hands-on exercise, the RPs facilitated valuable discussions on improving garden management practices. The participants shared their ideas and provided advice to the farmers managing the area on proper pest and disease management in the vegetable garden.
One of the highlights of the training is the preparation of the participants' action plans. Reflecting on their experience, they expressed appreciation for the relevance of the training, emphasizing their role as TOT graduates in addressing prevalent issues concerning pests and diseases of vegetables.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako at nakasama po ako sa training na ito. Masasabi ko po na marami akong natutunan, dahil hindi ko po alam na hindi pala pwedeng bara-bara lang tayo sa mga tactics o paraan ng pagsasaka. Dito ko po natutunan na may mga approaches na dapat nating sundin sa pamamagitan ng scientific method ng pag-aapply. Kaya't lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa ATI, dahil marami po kaming natutunan at hindi po namin ito ipagdadamot. Ishe-share po namin ito sa iba,” Mr. Hilarion Agustin, Jr. of Di Biro Farmers Association, Cajidiocan, shared.
Looking ahead, participants highlighted the need for continued capacity-building efforts in future training courses on Biological Control Agents and Season-Long TOT on Vegetable Production. They believe that such initiatives are necessary to ensure the sustainability and resilience of vegetable production practices in the province of Romblon.
