HINUNANGAN, Southern Leyte- The Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO 8) continues to bring innovation and learning to rice farmers through its series of rice derbies in partnership with the provincial, municipal, and city local government units. Now in its 4th season, the Provincial Rice Derby in Southern Leyte covers a total of 154.56 hectares with 496 farmer-cooperators in the Municipality of Hinunangan.
During the varietal trial derby, 86 farmer-cooperators expressed their need for specialized training on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) to complement their ongoing Farmer Field School (FFS) training anchored on the PalayCheck System.
Responding to this call, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8), in partnership with Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Hinunangan Campus, conducted the Training on Balanced Fertilization Strategy in Rice Farming on September 3–5, 2025 in SLSU, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.
The three-day training equipped 31 selected farmer leaders with essential knowledge and practical skills on nutrient management, organic fertilizer production, and the importance of the right timing, amount, and type of fertilizer application for increased yield and sustainable farming practices.
“I humbly express my sincere gratitude to ATI personnel and our resource persons for teaching us how to become expert farmers,” said Mr. Michael D. Tomol, one of the participants. “Through this training, I learned the importance of the Right Element, Right Amount, and Right Timing in fertilizer application, as well as how to produce Jadam and Rhodopseudomonas organic fertilizers. I will share this knowledge with my family and friends so we can all improve our rice farming practices.”
Participants also gained hands-on experience in soil sampling and learned to use digital tools such as the MOET App, LCC App, and RCMAS to support data-driven decisions in fertilizer application. They understood the role of soil analysis and nutrient management in restoring soil health while achieving higher productivity.
By equipping farmer leaders with science-based, sustainable fertilization practices, the training ensures that the lessons learned will ripple across farming communities—paving the way for healthier soils, better yields, and a brighter future for rice farmers in Southern Leyte.
With knowledge in their hands and determination in their hearts, these farmers are now ready to transform rice farming in their province—proving that when science meets the soil, progress grows.
