HINUNANGAN, Southern Leyte — Thirty-two farmers from the Palongpong Integrated Farmers Association participated in the Training on Integrated Crop Management (Batch 1) held on August 17–19, 2026, at Barangay Palongpong, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.
The three-day training aimed to equip farmers with sustainable farming knowledge and technologies to improve productivity, livelihoods, and food security through hands-on and context-specific learning approaches, including the Farmers Field School (FFS).
The training covered the current situation of the vegetable industry in the Philippines and Eastern Visayas, principles and practices of integrated crop management, soil and climatic requirements of vegetable crops, crop growth stages, and cultural management practices. Participants also learned about common insect pests, diseases, and weeds affecting vegetables, as well as their natural enemies and corresponding management practices.
The sessions introduced the Farmers Field School and Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) as tools for making field-based decisions. The participants also discussed the four modules of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for fresh vegetable production, including their elements and recommended practices.
Lectures and discussions were conducted before the field activities, allowing participants to relate the concepts to their farming experiences. Farmers shared their practices and observations in vegetable production, which contributed to the exchange of knowledge during the sessions.
Hands-on activities reinforced the lessons through the identification of insect pests and diseases, AESA, vegetable cultural management, application of plastic mulch, planting of seedlings, and application of organic fertilizers. Personal protective equipment was provided during practical activities to promote safe farm practices.
As part of the training, the participants established a communal garden that will serve as a source of nutritious food and support their livelihood activities. The garden also provides the farmers with an area where they can apply and sustain the integrated crop management practices introduced during the training.
“These activities are important because we see everyone helping each other and strengthening our organization,” said Mr. Domingo Iligan, one of the participants. He expressed hope that the members of their association would continue working together to maintain the communal garden, improve its productivity, and support one another in their farming activities.
Renato Ramento, another participant, shared his previous experiences in farming. He recalled that they used to plant without considering soil and climatic requirements, often digging the soil and leaving the plants to grow with little attention to these factors. He expressed appreciation to ATI for conducting the training, noting that the lessons on integrated pest management (IPM) provided him with practical knowledge to keep their crops healthy and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. “Now, I am thankful to ATI for conducting this training because proper crop management is one way of keeping our plants healthy and free from pests and diseases,” Ramento said.
Through the combination of classroom discussions, field exercises, and collaborative learning, the farmers gained knowledge and practical skills that they can apply in their respective farms and communal gardens.
