MANGATAREM, Pangasinan---The agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1), in partnership with one of its regional extension service providers (ESPs), Teraoka Farms Inc., conducted a five-day training course on Internal Control System (ICS) Phase 1 and 2 at Teraoka Farms in Barangay Cabaluyan last March 18-22.
Participants to the training course were thirty-one (31) organic farmer-practitioners, agricultural extension workers and DepED personnel from San Fernando, La Union. The five-day training aimed to equip attendees with necessary knowledge, skills and information on basic organic agriculture concept and how to come up with smallholder group. Training modules included Organic Agriculture Principles, Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture, Updates on Organic Agriculture, Third Party Certification, How to Organize a Smallholder Group, and Implementation of Internal Control System. The participants, divided into groups, likewise went through workshops on identification of organic control points, risk assessment and preventive measures.
A farm tour of Teraoka Farm Inc. showcasing facilities, farm operations and technologies served as one highlight during the training course.
ATI-RTC 1 Center Director Rogelio C. Evangelista graced the opening and closing activity. In his closing message, he congratulated the participants who finished the Phase 1 and 2 of the ICS Training Course. He reminded and emphasized as well that the attendees should attend ICS Phase 3 and 4. “Inaasahan ko na kayo pa rin ang participants sa Phase 3 and 4 para magtuloy-tuloy ang programa dito sa ICS as we hope to see you become successful organic practitioner in San Fernando City, La Union,” he said.
Teraoka Farm Inc., managed by Mr. Rey Dacones and wife Annabelle, is more than 200-hectare farm, practicing organic agriculture technologies. It is the only third party certified organic farm in the entire Region 1. It has passed stringent requirements of our country’s organic agriculture standards.
Phase 3 and 4 of the ICS training course is slated this April.