CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – The Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office VIII (DA-RFO 8), successfully conducted the Training Course on Soybean Production, Harvesting, and Postharvest Technologies from June 15 to 19, 2026, in Catbalogan City, Samar.
The five-day training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and technical competencies of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) on soybean production and utilization, equipping them to support the establishment and promotion of soybean production technologies in their respective local government units (LGUs).
A total of twenty-seven (27) AEWs from selected LGUs identified by DA-RFO 8 successfully completed the course. The participating LGUs were selected based on their potential for soybean production and their commitment to establish soybean technology demonstration (techno-demo) areas.
The training covered key topics on soybean production, including the soybean industry and its economic importance, soybean varieties and site selection, cultural management practices, integrated pest management, harvesting and postharvest technologies, and the economics of soybean production.
To reinforce classroom learning, participants engaged in hands-on activities on soybean planting and fertilizer application. They also visited the Department of Agriculture–Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center (RIARC) San Jorge Research Station in San Jorge, Samar, where they were introduced to soybean varieties currently being produced and maintained by the research center.
To support the establishment of soybean technology demonstration farms, each participant received three soybean varieties, at 0.5 kilogram of seeds per variety, courtesy of DA-RIARC.
As a follow-through activity, the local government units of Hinabangan and Pinabacdao, Samar, are set to conduct two batches of farmer-level training on Soybean Production, Harvesting, and Postharvest Technologies in August 2026. These activities aim to further promote soybean production and encourage wider adoption of improved production technologies among local farmers.
The training course was accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) with 11 continuing professional development (CPD) points.
