BAYBAY CITY, Leyte. The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) held a three-day training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-Anchored Banana Production from June 4 to 6, 2025, at its training center in VSU, Baybay City. The goal was to equip Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from various municipalities in Eastern Visayas with the latest knowledge and techniques in sustainable banana farming. With challenges like pest infestations, severe weather, and decreasing yields in some areas, the training offered timely support to boost the productivity and resilience of local banana farms.
Participants attended lectures and hands-on sessions covering a wide range of topics. These included the Philippine banana industry profile, the principles and certification process of PhilGAP, crop maintenance, nursery management, pest and disease control, as well as proper harvesting and post-harvest handling. The training highlighted the role of AEWs in teaching these techniques to farmers, ensuring they follow GAP standards not only for better yields but also for food safety and environmental care. Using a stepped-GAP training approach, participants also learned to create re-entry plans to extend the training’s benefits to local farmers.
Banana is an important crop in Eastern Visayas, with Leyte being one of the main producing provinces. Although the industry has grown over the years, changes in production caused by climate and market factors have led to declines in some areas. The training recognized these regional trends and provided AEWs with practical tools to help banana farmers adjust and recover, especially those dealing with issues like the “Batol” disease. By incorporating scientific practices into local farming, the training supports the region’s effort to maintain a stable and profitable banana industry.
“This training opened our eyes to the current state of banana production and will help us assist farmers in preventing the 'Batol' disease,” said Estephany Inopiquez, an AEW from the LGU-Palompon. “I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I enjoyed every part of the training, especially the resource speakers who freely shared their knowledge.”
The thirty (30) participants expressed their commitment to share what they learned with banana growers in their municipalities, strengthening ATI-RTC 8’s mission to enhance extension delivery and agricultural development in the region.
