Aimed at enhancing the technical competencies of the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) on sustainable vegetable production, improving their facilitation and leadership skills, and strengthening their ability to support and mentor farmers effectively, a 10-day Comprehensive Training on Sustainable Vegetable Production in the Cordillera was conducted on April 26-May 2, 2025 at the Dam-mu-han hall, ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
The training activity equipped the AEW participants with knowledge on soil fertility management, organic farming, and integrated pest management to restore soil health and promote environmentally friendly farming methods. Lecture, hands-on and group exercises were also provided to the participants, particularly on Compliance to GAP principles and practices, food safety hazards, 5S in the farm and Philippine National standards on fruits and vegetables. Morphology and growth stages of vegetable crops and nursery operations and management were also emphasized. The activity also introduced post-harvest handling and value-adding techniques to improve farmers' income and market access.
AEWs were also immersed in transformation leadership, team building, and values reorientation as these are crucial in their role as key facilitators in promoting sustainable agriculture for farming communities in the region.
During the closing program, Ms. Eden Laoyan, Science Research Specialist II of Benguet State University, stressed that she was grateful for the opportunity to attend this 10-day training, which deepened her understanding of values re-orientation, food safety, and sustainable vegetable production. She said that food safety starts within ourselves, our homes, and our communities. As AEW, mastering pest and disease identification, proper harvesting, and postharvest handling ensures quality crops for our families and consumers. Through this training, she learned that not all insects are pests, some are beneficial allies. The training strengthened her confidence and commitment as a public servant, inspiring her to serve with integrity, preparedness, and care, always mindful of agricultural practice’s dos and don’ts.
Moreover, Mr. Alexander Guaki, Agrarian Reform Program Officer of DA-Benguet, acknowledged that the training was truly an eye-opener for him. Over the course of 10 days, he discovered just how many different factors influence successful vegetable production, not just growing crops, but producing high yields that are profitable while ensuring food safety for the consumers. He said that he has a deeper appreciation and understanding on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), food safety, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), soil nutrient management, postharvest handling, and marketing, to name a few. “These learnings are not just knowledge, they're tools I’m excited to apply in guiding and supporting my clients from this point forward,” he stressed.
A total of thirty-one (31) AEWs from various LGUs, SUCs and National Agencies in CAR attended the said training activity.
