Alfonso Lista, Ifugao — A total of thirty-two Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Apayao completed a three-day training on Sustainable Corn Production in Sloping Areas with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) held from May 27 to 29, 2025 at J&E Farming School, Inc. in San Quintin, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao.
The training aimed to improve the skills of AEWs in helping farmers manage corn farming in sloping areas, where soil erosion, poor water retention, and land degradation are common problems. These challenges affect crop productivity and long-term sustainability in the Cordillera region.
Experts from the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM), Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office CAR, and the Agricultural Training Institute – CAR led lectures and discussions. Topics included soil conservation techniques, erosion control, integrated farming systems, and proper crop and pest management using Good Agricultural Practices.
On the second day, participants visited the Bataan Rock Integrated Farm in Barangay Pinto, Alfonso Lista, which uses the Sloping Land Resource Management Approach (SLRMA). The field visit showed how farmers can apply contour farming, agroforestry, and crop-livestock integration to improve soil health and increase yields.
AEWs also shared how the training helped them reconnect with old lessons and gain new knowledge relevant to today’s farming challenges.
“This training served as a review and an update for me,” said Cathyrine Lagua from LGU-Conner. “As a rice report officer, learning about sustainable corn farming prepares me for new assignments.”
Marvin Bacani from LGU-Paracelis added, “This is a challenge for us AEWs to help reset old farming practices, but we will take it step by step.”
“Learning doesn’t stop,” said Roland Antonio from LGU-Pudtol, who is nearing retirement. “Even with experience, there’s still so much more to know. I encourage younger AEWs to keep attending training programs like this.”
The training emphasized the important role of AEWs in guiding farmers through sustainable methods and climate-smart agriculture. The participants are expected to share what they learned through local training sessions, farm demonstrations, and one-on-one mentoring in their communities.
The training was part of efforts to support long-term agricultural development in the Cordillera Administrative Region, especially in upland areas where corn is widely grown.
