MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Training of Trainers on Inbred Rice Seeds Production and Farm Mechanization was conducted as an offshoot of the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL). the Bill replaced the Quantitative Restriction (QR) on rice imports with tariffs. Upon its approval, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) with an annual appropriation of Php 10 billion for six years for Mechanization (P 5B), Seeds (P3B), Financing (P1B) and Extension Services (P1B) was established.
The extension fund will provide capability trainings to rice farmers by TESDA with P 700M budget, PhilRice with P 100M, PhilMech with P 100M, and the Agricultural Training Institute with P 100M.
On November 18, two batches of the trainings were conducted with a total of 60 participants at NMACLRC, Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Among the participants were ATI certified Learning Sites (LS) owners, potential LS owners, Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), rice farmers and TESDA trainers. The training runs for 12 days.
Aside from the lectures given, the participants went on a benchmarking activity where they were able to visit and learn best farming practices in a rice farm in Maramag, Bukidnon and they later proceeded to Engallado's Nature Farm, a certified LS of ATI. Among the observations which they appreciate most is their advocacy for organic and environment-friendly farm and garden.
Also, they were able to have a hands-on experience at the Philippine Rice Research Institute-CMU. Engr. Noel O. Mabayag, the Manager of PhilRice CMU, facilitated the activity. Among the activities they did include seedbed preparation, land preparation with the use of a rotavator and four wheel tractor, planting with the use of a mechanical transplanter, harvesting using the combine harvester, and drying through a mechanical dryer.
Moreover, Mr. Mabayag took them on a tour at their warehouse and explained the requirements in order for their produce to last long even if they store it for a long time.
Graduates from the training will become trainers for the Modified Farmers Field School to be conducted by TESDA and TESDA-accredited institutions.