SAN JUAN, SIQUIJOR. The Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas (ATI-CV) implemented the Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP) Phase II held at Brgy. Timbaon, this town on April 19 – October 13, 2022.

The season-long activity aimed to conduct hands-on experience and research in the corn-based production system as the basis for scientific farming. Moreover, they also perform experimental plots of corn in a farming system to compare different technological trials and determine the best farming practices in mixing yield and income potential in their farm; demonstrate integrated pest management (IPM) using biological control agents and natural enemies of pests and disease-causing organisms and proper use of pesticides; promote farming as a business enterprise through the formation of farmers' organizations, cooperatives and marketing networks; and develop self-reliant and sustaining farmers and communities through maximum production of corn and other economic crops to supply the market demand.

"Ang akong hikat onan sa eskwela sa FSTP ang pag pogas ug mais usa o duha ra ang itanom kay kini ang maayong abot o daghang ani sa mais. Ang akong pag husu ug banay pag cross breed sa mais. Ang akong kahibalo sa FSTP akong ishare sa uban ug silingan," shared Rose Nerry E. Quilicon, a participant from LGU-Liloan. 

Furthermore, FSTP aimed to develop the technical and scientific capabilities of farmers in growing corn, vegetable fruits, root crops and other crops to enhance their knowledge of appropriate farming technologies and make them succeed in the business of farming and live in prosperity. Farmers were given some decision tools on what technologies to adopt based on the best results of their experiments.

A total of 17 farmer participants completed the FSTP Phase II.