Rubber has been considered the driver commodity of some provinces in the Philippines (e.g. Zamboanga Sibugay). Presently, with this ever-growing economy, rubber trainers need to upgrade their technical knowledge and skills regarding the latest rubber production technology and processing.

Under the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), a Training of Trainers (TOT) on Rubber Production Technology and Processing - Batch 1 was conducted last May 8-12, 2023 at MAO Compound, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur.

The Municipal Agriculturist of LGU-Molave, Mr. Elmer Ollanas, graced the opening program and he emphasized to the participants to continue attending training for this is a good opportunity for them to learn new ideas, for the benefit of the farmers and to improve their production, especially on rubber.

Mr. Rodrigo Macalisang, Sr., the resource person, started the training proper and discussed the following topics: Importance of Rubber Production; Planting distance of Rubber Plantation; Management of immature Rubber Plantation; Latex Harvesting; Disease, Pest Management, and their control; Good Agricultural Practices for Rubber Farming Technology; PHIL-GAP History & Evolution; and Site History and Management, Planting Materials.

The participants had their hands-on and field activity where they performed rubber budding and tapping. Some of them also shared some techniques of budding and were able to observe some malpractice of tappers when they were given time to explore the rubber area.

After the discussions, the participants prepared and presented their re-entry plan to be implemented in their respective localities.

A total of 25 AEWs coming from the different municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur participated in the training.