A total of 138 Mushroom enthusiasts attended the AgriTalk on Mushroom Production held on October 29, 2019 at Robinson’s Mall in Iligan City. The said agritalk was advertised only in the Facebook Page of ATI Northern Mindanao for around two weeks. Still, participants from as far as Gingoog City trooped down to Iligan to listen to the three young speakers, all from malaybalay city, Bukidnon who are slowly making a name for themselves.
Ms. Gladys Barbosa of Glenalbee Mushroom Farm in Iponan, Cagayan de Oro discussed about spawn production. Mr. Ted Quemado talked about Mushroom production and Management. He also included the economics of mushroom production. Mr. Francis Jacutin, the third speaker demonstrated to the participants how to process mushroom into chicharon, atsara and other products.
The three young entrepreneurs are very inspiring since they choose to venture into business at a very young age. Infact, Mr. Quemado, a fresh graduate (Cum Laude) from Central Mindanao University did not aspire to gain employment after graduation but instead started growing mushrooms which he started even while still studying in College. He and his brother Bong produce the mushroom in their farm in Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The brothers then teamed up with Mr. Jacutin and Ms. Barbosa in processing their mushroom for added value. Their products now reach Cagayan de Oro City.
This is the fourth mushroom production training that was conducted by ATI Northern Mindanao. Mushroom production and processing training continue to be a popular request to ATI as evidenced in Direct Messages sent through Social Media.
After the Training-Seminar, the participants were given a fruiting bag each for them to get a feel of growing mushroom.