REGIONWIDE. Strengthening the cassava industry in the Philippines requires strengthening the linkage between production and markets accompanied by improved access to credit, supportive government policies and appropriate technical support, with this the DA-Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas (ATI-7) conducted the Kasama mo si Cassava: A Refresher Course on Cassava Production (Batch 1) held at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center VII, Training Complex, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol on March 7-9, 2023.

The three-day activity aimed to upskill participants on the production and management of Cassava. In addition, (1) Related the status of Cassava Industry in the Philippines; (2) Discussed the Cassava Production Technologies; and (3) Identified the Pests and Diseases of Cassava plant.

“Sa tulo ka adlaw nga training ako thankful kaayo sa ATI nga naka experience og naka attend ani nga training. Daghan mig nakat-onan sa mga resource speakers, naka-kaon og lamian nga pagkaon og naka uban ang mga technicians sa lungsod. Daghang salamat sa taga training management og God bless kanatong tanan!,” shared Dailyn D. Palapar, Agricultural Extension Worker (AEW) from Sevilla, Bohol.

Mr. Jayrell Gamayon Adanza, Municipal Agriculturist from LGU Dimiao-Bohol, discussed the Post Harvest Handling and Pesticide Safety.

While, Mr. Leon M. Parac, Jr. from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Bohol, talked about Cassava Production and its Management.

On another hand, Ms. Christine A. Torlao, Science Research Specialist II from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Crop Protection Center VII (DA-RCPC 7) expounded on Crop Protection: Diseases of Cassava.

Moreover, Mr. Bienvenido D. Acabal, Jr., Agricultural Center Chief III from DA-Regional Crop Protection Center 7 spoke about Crop Protection: Pests of Cassava.

A total of 19 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from Bohol and 1 from Cebu attended the activity.