A photo opportunity during the Launching Program on National Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program (FSTP) in a Corn-based Production System for Sustainable Agricultural Development Phase I with Hon. Rex T. Gubatina, Municipal Mayor of Madalag, Aklan, Hon. Eudez Torres, Sangguniang Bayan Member, Ms Marianne N. Padalhin, Municipal Agriculturist, Ms. Wilma S. Velasco, UPLB Project Leader/Focal Person in Regions 3 and 8, Mr. Anecito M. Anuada, OIC Program Leader/Focal Person for Region 6, and Mr. Victorio T. De Joseph Jr., Agriculturist II/FSTP Focal Person of ATI Region 6.
MADALAG, Aklan – ATI Region 6, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Banos, DA-Regional Field Office VI, other national government agencies, local government units, and state universities and colleges, implement the National Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program (FSTP) in a Corn-based Production System for Sustainable Agricultural Development Phase I with a total of 35 corn farmers as attendees on April 17, 2024, at Madalag Municipal Hall.
Marianne N. Padalhin, Municipal Agriculturist of the said municipality, welcomed the future farmer-scientists. She is delighted to see our corn farmers gathered together for one purpose: to raise the corn industry in the Philippines. On the other hand, Hon. Rex T. Gubatina, Municipal Mayor, extended his message of support to our corn farmer.
Hon. Rex T. Gubatina, Municipal Mayor, explicitly confers about the benefits of farming and the advantages of sharing knowledge with other farmers.
"There is money in farming. Kumbaga may kwarta sa pagtanom. Kinahang-ean maghugod kita ag uwa ako naila nga magback-out kamo sa raya nga program kasi ginasuportahan kamo ko aton nga gobyerno," said Hon. Gubatina to encourage our future farmer-scientists in finishing the three phases of FSTP. He also added that knowledge is having it to apply and share it. Meanwhile, Hon. Eudez Torres, Sangguniang Bayan Member, promised to help in making a resolution in adopting FSTP program.
Wilma S. Velasco, Project Leader and Focal Person in Regions 3 and 8, discussed the overview and declaration of the corn-based FSTP phase I implementation. She accentuated the importance of going through a process because this program takes years to succeed.
Victorio T. De Joseph Jr., Agriculturist II/FSTP Focal Person of ATI Region 6, enlightens the participants about the importance of planting corn.
Victorio T. De Joseph Jr., Agriculturist II and FSTP Focal Person of ATI Region 6, sealed the event by instilling the importance of planting corn. He added “Corn is a very helpful crop. It is grown extensively as food for humans and livestock. Buligan naton aton kapwa mangunguma nga maging successful dahil dayang programa hay indi man maisakatuparan kung uwa kamo.”
The Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) is a specialized course under the Corn Program. It is a technical science-based community development program focused on corn as a staple next to rice. It aims to produce farmer scientists who will contribute to developing the country's corn industry.
Additionally, it promotes a sustainable farming system and crops and livestock production to increase farmers' incomes, especially during adversities like El Niño. The program has three phases: Phase I, which involves values formation, research exposure, and technical empowerment; Phase II, which involves on-farm experimentation and technology adoption; and Phase III, which involves farmer-to-farmer technology transfer and adoption.
The FSTP Phase I program will run from April to August 2024.
The core group of FSTP in a Corn-based Production System for Sustainable Agricultural Development Phase I met with Ms. Mary Ann A. Ramos (middle), Center Director of ATI Region 6, before the implementation.
