Alubijid, MISAMIS ORIENTAL— The plight on declining areas and the unsatisfied rising demand for corn is continuously affecting the agriculture industry in the Northern Mindanao. The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)being the lead agency for training and extension promotes community participation in addressing the said issue thru Farmers Scientist Training Program ( FSTP).

There were 23 farmers who graduated the Season-Long Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP) Phase I. The training started on May 22, 2018, and was attended twice a week by the participants until November 2018.

The season-long activity aims to help upland farmers to link with networks of experts to assist them in technical and scientific skills in corn production. It also aims to hone the leadership, values and character of participants that are important to community development and participation.

The Farmers Scientist are expected to generate and share technologies to their fellow farmers adopting the “Adopt a Barangay” model.

The program was very well supported by LGU- Alubijid. During the graduation, Hon. Alvin Giovanni Labis, Mayor of Alubijid encouraged the farmers to continue learning technologies, and apply everything that they learned from the training when they go back to their respective farm.

Also attended the activity were FSTP- University of the Philippines represented by Mr. Guillerma Valencia, OIC-Center Director of ATI-RTC X Ms. Maria Lydia A. Echavez, a representative from the Central Ms. Rose Susan Quiblat of ATI, and the Provincial Agriculture Office- Misamis Oriental.

The activity was held on November 7, 2018.