Nowadays, waste is considered as one of the leading environmental problems of the modern world. Due to its increasing amount generated from human activities, one of the specific objectives of environmental protection is proper waste management. Composting is a suitable way of recycling organic wastes in an environmentally friendly manner.
One of the activities under the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), which complements and supports Department of Agriculture programs to increase crop productivity through sustainable agriculture is the provision of composting facilities to farmers association, LGU’s, Academe and Civil Society Organization. With this, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I in partnership with Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative, an accredited Private Extension Service Provider, Calaranan Integrated Farm on Sta. Maria, Pangasinan, a certified Learning Site for Agriculture and Bureau of Soils and Water Management conducted 4 batches of Capacity Enhancement on the Operations of Composting Facilities for Biodegradable Wastes. This aimed to extend the provision of composting facilities in covering market residential sources.
The training enhanced the knowledge and skills of 81 participants in the region through lectures and discussions about utilizing and operating the compost facilities for biodegradable wastes. Furthermore, they were also awarded with composting facility such as rotary composter and shredding machine through Bureau of Soil and Water Management.
“This training could really help us to know proper operation and maintenance of the machineries awarded to us in order to have a longer life span. This also led the recipient municipality to lessen the burning of solid waste activity and to increase by a certain percentage the conversion of bio-waste to organic fertilizer or soil enhancer. This could also be an income generation of the municipality,” said Ms. Jay Ann Agcaoili of LGU – Bangui, Ilocos Norte on her impression.
Mr. Ronald Allan Dimaano and Mr. Ariel Arenas of BSWM served as the resource persons of the activity through the management of Ms. Almera M. Montano, Project Officer and Ms. Carla N. Telebrico, Asst. Project Officer. Key Partners on the agricultural sector, BSWM Director and Engr. Pablo M. Montalla, BSWM-OAP-PAEF Component Focal Person Ms. Yolanda L. Abrina, and Sen. Cynthia Villar, the Chairperson Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food also extended their support on the said training.
The ATI-RTC I Center Director, Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista challenged the participants by leaving the quote, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good will be better and your better will be best.”