In partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Mountain Province, the Regional Training Center of the Agricultural Training Institute in the Cordillera conducted a one-day AgriTalk with Farmers aimed at updating the farmers with the latest agricultural practices and trends in agriculture. The activity was held at the Mountain Province Multi-Purpose hall.
Representatives from the Univet Nutrition and Animal Health Care Company (UNAHCO) shared their best practices on the care and management of poultry and livestock.
Best practices on good agricultural practices was shared by Mr. Jovito B. Palayen, owner of the Palayen Farm in Bauko, Mt. Province pointed out that conventional farmers do not eat what they produce because they know that their produce are chemically contaminated. He reiterated the importance of safe farming through GAP method. “Datayo ti umuna nga mang-gun-od ti pagiging GAP farmers tayo. Haan nan ga sawen nga haan tap ag-usar ti insecticide ngem suruten tayu ti umno nga proceso, Ipractice tayu ta ti salun-at tayo met lang ti umuna a maprotektaran,” he stressed.
Mr. Harold Kim Samdao shared about the importance of bees to biodiversity and crop productivity. He advocated for the protection of bees as they are important in the production of food and are one of the major pollinators of plants. As shared, the three importance functions of bees are: sustain biodiversity, increase production and yield, and sustain livelihood. He advised first-timers to invest first in knowledge before investing in the colony thus, he offers free seminars to those who want to venture into the beekeeping business.
The role of mechanization in increasing productivity was shared by Engr. Rod Dumanog. Handheld tractors, either gasoline or electric, can now be locally manufactured so that even female farmer can effectively use in their farming activities.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist shared the results of their two applied research. The first was on corn silage production, where livestock raisers could feed their small ruminants at their convenient time and place, since there is no need to pasture their livestock. The other research was on seedling production, wherein seeds can be propagated in a nursery, which can be readily available for sale to the farmers.
During the closing program, Center Director Charlie Sagudan thanked the group for their attendance, which means that the farmers are supportive of the programs of the government. Lastly, he informed the participant that the slot on the scholarship program of the DA-ATI-RTC-CAR for SY 2026 is open.
IEC materials on agricultural technologies were also distributed to 100 farmer-participants.// with reports from Ms. Jaila S. Sagpa-ey, ISS Chief
