The batch three of the Training on Integrated Rice-based Farming System (RCEF) for farmers took place at the Mayoyao, Ifugao, last August 15-17, 2023. It was participated by 30 rice farmers from Barangay Nalbu and Palaad.
During the opening, Mr. Roberto Tabiano, the Barangay Captain of Palaad, urged the attendees to actively engage in the training. The training serves as a platform for participants to acquire knowledge about innovative technologies applicable to their specific fields thereby enhancing their agricultural output. Mr. Tabiano also conveyed his appreciation to the training Management Team for bringing this inaugural activity to their community.
The first day consist of the discussion on Transformational Leadership discussed by Mr. Esjay M. Zausa, RCEF Information Officer. Being a good leader you must lead others to change for the better, have the ability to lead a sustained change for the better, and God-centered leadership working for a transformed and sustained community development.
The rice morphology and key checks 1 to 4 was discussed and explained by Mr. Jaypee Na-oy, RCEF Technical Support Staff. He explained the different technical terms of rice to the participants in order them to be familiarized on the rest of the discussion.
On the second day, the discussion on key checks 5 to 9 and the integrated farming system was explained by Mrs. Marcelina Saquin from Tabuk, Kalinga, and the guest speaker of the training. The third day was focused on the discussion of the proper cultural management of free-range chicken and vegetable production.
On the same day, the 30 participants received their certificate of completion for attending the three-day training. The participants are expected to receive their starter kit composed of 10 female and 2 male chicks upon delivery of the supplier by October.
The three-day training aims to equip participants with a diversified income stream. They can sell their rice , vegetables, livestock, and fish in local market or directly to consumers, reducing the independence on a single crop and can increase resilience to market fluctuations.
Further, integrated rice–based farming is an inherently climate-resilient farming system. The crop diversity and integration of livestock and fish production provide a buffer against climate extremes, reducing the risks of crop failure and income loss.//Marinel U. Velasco, ASIST Intern, BSA Major in Agricultural Extension
