An expert points out sample pests that may damage farmers' rice crops.
BANGA, Aklan – Some Akeanon Rice, Corn, and Coconut Farmers experience the first-ever pest clinic combined with farmers' forum, technology demonstrations, and exhibits on June 24, 2024, at ATI Training Hall, Aklan State University Compound through the collaboration of the following agencies namely ATI Region 6, Pest Management Council of the Philippines (PMCP), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-Aklan), and Aklan State University (ASU).
ATI National Director Remelyn R. Recoter, an Akeanon, happily graces her fellow Akeanon farmers.
ATI National Director Remelyn R. Recoter graced the activity in the Akeanon dialect, emphasizing the significance of pest identification and management in farming. She added, "According to reports, rodents outnumbered the pests in Aklan's rice, corn, and coconut fields. Hence, this activity will assist you in recognizing such pests and learning the proper management of them."
On the other hand, the newly-installed University President of ASU, Dr. Jeffrey A. Clarin, said, "Let us work together to protect our crop for sustainable agriculture!" during his welcome remarks. He fully supported this endeavor towards the betterment of the agriculture industry in the province as one of its dynamic partners.
Other guests also uttered their opening messages to the participants. They are as follows:
- Mr. Alfredo A. Gonzales, Executive Director of the Crop Protection Association of the Philippines (CPAP) represented by Ms. Gemma Filipino
- Mr. John A. Fajardo, President of the Pest Management Council of the Philippines, Inc. (PMCP), and
- Dr. Celia dR. Medina, President of the Philippine Association Entomologist, Inc. (PAE) / Institute of Weed Science (IWEP)-University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
A participant displays his live specimen to the panel of experts while inquiring about his coconut plant.
After the opening program, there was a panel discussion about rice, corn, and coconut diseases. Participants inquired about their observations, situations, and prevailing conditions to the eminent experts, namely Feelmer John R. Sasis, PCA-Aklan; Michelle S. Guerrero, Melissa P. Montecalvo, and Marie Joy Beltran from NCPC; and Mary Joy Abit from IWEP-UPLB. While Dr. Michael T. Ibisate, Campus Director of ASU, served as the moderator.
After the demonstration, the organizers and the farmers excitedly pose under the flying RPAS.
Moreover, they witnessed the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) demonstration, dubbed the "agricultural drone." One of the participants exclaimed, "The RPAS demo awakened our curiosity in the digitalization in agriculture. I hope we can one day avail ourselves of this service or purchase it."
One participant presents his condition of the coconut area to the expert.
After the demonstration, the first-ever pest clinic transpired in the province. The farmers took the opportunity to showcase their photos, videos, and even live specimens to consult the entomologists, weed scientists, and plant pathologists about the possible pests and diseases of their corresponding crops.
Before the conclusion of this undertaking, the farmers witnessed various products related to agricultural inputs, biological control agents, pest baiting, and agricultural mobile applications. Most of them also received free planting and reading materials from various agencies.
In the end, the experts diagnosed the pest and disease problems in coconut, rice, and corn, informed the participants of the pest control technologies effectively, and monitored the health of the farmers' crops.
