To continuously move towards sustainable production of quality bananas in the province of Misamis Occidental, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X trains future trainers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Banana Production.

There were twenty-seven (27) Agriculture Extension Workers(AEWs) and Farmer Leaders from the different municipalities in the province who participated in the training.

The training aims to provide recommended site-specific production management practices on banana to help minimize contamination associated with pesticides and fertilizers without affecting the economic viability of agricultural production. It would be a good solution to one of the common production problems in the province.

After the series of lectures, an actual hands-on demonstration on de-budding, de-suckering and harvesting of banana were demonstrated by the Resource Speaker, Mr. Rodulfo G. Caballero. Mr. Caballero is a Magsasaka Siyentista for Organic Banana, recognized by PCAARRD and ATI. He is also the owner of LRC Diversified Farm and one of the ATI -accredited learning site operators.

Ms. Gleen A. Janubas from the DA-RFO 10 discussed the Philippine National Standard (PNS) to the participants highlighting on food safety and product quality for the production and post-handling of banana. Also, the participants did a mock inspection of a banana farm in order to practice the GAP guidelines in assessing a banana farm.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) helps prevent and reduce hazards caused by microbial, chemical and physical contaminants associated in all stages of the production, from production post-harvest handling operations.
The training was held on May 15-17, 2018 at La Bella Vida, Gata Daku, Clarin, Misamis Occidental. Gata Daku-MPC is one of the Regional Extension Service Provider (ESP) of ATI in Northern Mindanao (From the reports of Moisa Nina Catiil).