Recognizing cassava as a climate-resilient crop with strong potential to improve farmers' livelihoods, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) conducted the Training Course on Cassava Production, Harvesting, and Postharvest Technologies (Farmer Level) in 2 batches. The first batch was held on July 8–10, 2026 in Capoocan, Leyte, while the second batch took place on July 15–17, 2026 in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte.
The training gathered 25 cassava farmers from Capoocan and 25 farmers from St. Bernard, providing them with updated knowledge and hands-on learning on recommended cassava production, harvesting, and postharvest technologies. Participants explored improved farming practices aimed at increasing productivity, minimizing postharvest losses, and producing higher-quality cassava that can meet market demands.
For Batch 1 participant Ms. Relinda M. Macalalag, the training offered a fresh perspective on how traditional farming methods can be strengthened through modern technologies.
"I learned so much from this training—not only the traditional methods of planting but also the latest technologies and practices. It's important that we continue learning these innovations so we can keep up with changing times and avoid being left behind. I also realized that some of the methods we've used over the years may no longer be the most suitable. By combining the knowledge passed down to us with modern techniques, we can improve the way we farm and produce better-quality crops."
Batch 2 participant Ms. Gracela S. Misoles also shared how the activity introduced new ideas that could help farmers improve their livelihoods.
"This training has been very valuable because we learned many things that we had never been exposed to before, especially on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), cassava varieties, harvesting, and postharvest management. Like many farmers, we've relied on traditional practices handed down by our parents. While those methods have helped us through the years, this training introduced better techniques that we can now apply on our farms.
I believe what we learned here will greatly improve the quality of our harvests and increase our productivity. I'm also grateful that resources were invested in this training because nothing went to waste—we gained practical knowledge that we can use every day. Thank you to ATI for continuing to provide opportunities like this. I hope more farmers will benefit from similar training in the future."
Serving as resource persons were Ms. Imelda Arboso Dabalos and Ms. Melissa Montebon of Capoocan, Leyte, and Ms. Lily Vivarez of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. All three are graduates of the Training Course on Cassava Production, Harvesting, and Postharvest Technologies conducted on May 18–22, 2026. During the sessions, they shared practical experiences, local farming strategies, and lessons learned from their own cassava production practices.
More than introducing new technologies, the training also created an opportunity for farmers to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and discover practical solutions that they can bring back to their own communities. Through activities like this, ATI-RTC 8 continues to support farmers in adopting improved technologies that contribute to sustainable cassava production, better incomes, and more resilient farming communities.
