Butuan City – The “Big Brother-Small Brother” approach in extension was put into practice during the Technology Forum on Farming System for Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) Cooperators that was held at the New Rosarios Food Corporation on May 31, 2021.

During the said activity, the well-established LSAs or the “Big Brothers” shared their best practices and technologies to neophyte LSAs or “Small Brothers” for the latter to gain more knowledge and to further improve their farm.

Two LSA cooperators were invited to share their expertise and best practices. First was Olegario B. Ayensa, Jr., owner of Country Fields Agri, who shared his best practices particularly on corn-livestock-poultry integration. He emphasized that corn is highly important in livestock and poultry feeds as a primary source of energy.

The second was Engr. Ramon Barbosa of Amparitas Integrated Nature Farm. He discussed crop diversification and integration along the value chain and its opportunities in local and international markets. With his expertise on value-adding, he was able to inspire participants to become business-minded.

Engr. Matt Andrew Baquiano, OIC of the Partnership and Accreditation Services Section (PASS) of ATI-RTC 13, also became one of the resource persons. He discussed opportunities for agriculture extension. He said that through the “Big Brother-Small Brother” approach it will inspire other LSA cooperators to think something bigger.

Samuel L. Calonzo, ATI-RTC 13 Center Director, also discussed mainstreaming farming in the tourism industry. He reminded the LSA cooperators to be more innovative and creative in their farms. (with reports from Mary Jane Gonzaga)