BAYBAY CITY, Leyte – In a continued commitment to strengthening agricultural extension services and promoting sustainable rice production, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) successfully conducted the Training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Rice Production in two batches. The first batch was held on June 15-19, 2026, and the second batch was held on June 22-26, 2026, both conducted at the ATI-RTC 8 Training Center, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte. The activity gathered a total of 54 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from across Eastern Visayas, with 27 participants in each batch, to strengthen their technical knowledge and practical skills in sustainable pest management for rice production.
As frontliners in providing extension services, AEWs play an important role in guiding farmers toward adopting science-based and environmentally sound pest management practices that contribute to increased productivity while reducing unnecessary dependence on chemical pesticides.
Throughout the training, participants underwent a series of lectures, discussions, and interactive learning sessions covering the concepts and principles of Integrated Pest Management, identification and management of major insect pests and diseases of rice, emerging pests, integrated weed management, integrated rat management, and the management of golden apple snail. Additionally, the sessions also introduced participants to biological control methods, ecological engineering, proper and responsible pesticide use, and ICT-based decision-support tools that can aid in pest identification and management.
A highlight of the training was the field practicum on Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) conducted in Pangasugan, Leyte. Working in groups, the participants observed rice fields firsthand, identified insect pests, diseases, weeds, and beneficial organisms, and assessed crop health based on field conditions. Moreover, they also gathered and analyzed field data to better understand the interactions among crops, pests, natural enemies, and the surrounding environment.
Participants also shared their appreciation for the training and the learnings gained throughout the activity. Mr. Raffy Van Dwyer S. del Pilar, a researcher from the City Agriculture Office of Tacloban, highlighted the shared role of researchers and extension workers in helping farmers through science-based and sustainable agricultural practices.
For Ms. Jovelyn B. Sarile, an AEW from LGU-La Paz, Leyte, shared that the training broadened her perspective on pest management by introducing sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. “I thought pest control simply meant applying pesticides, but this training proved that there were other ways to address the problem”, she quoted.
Mr. Niño M. Azores, an AEW from LGU-Leyte, Leyte, said the training strengthened his knowledge of sustainable rice production and inspired him to apply the learnings in providing better technical assistance to farmers in his municipality.
Hence, by equipping Agricultural Extension Workers with updated knowledge and practical competencies on IPM, ATI-RTC 8 continues to support the delivery of responsive and science-based extension services throughout Eastern Visayas. Through initiatives such as this, the Center remains committed to developing capable extension workers who can effectively assist rice farmers in protecting the environment and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices across the region. (with reports from Mr. Keith Leviticus Quilos)
