Bohol – The organic agriculture which is anchored on the principles of care, ecology, health and fairness, also provides economic opportunities for beginning, and small and mid-scale family farmers as they help build strong rural communities and that includes the indigenous communities. Most of these groups depend on agriculture for subsistence. Despite the fact that they have their own cropping methods, they have shown interest in adopting the new farming systems, the organic vegetable production.

Hence, on March 15 – 17, 2022, a Training on Organic Vegetable Production for Indigenous People (IP) was conducted in Cantaub, Sierra Bullones, Bohol. A total of 20 participants who are members of the Eskaya Tribe IP community were able to complete the three-day training.

Overall, the training aims to enhance the knowledge, attitude and skills of our indigenous peoples' group on the new technologies developed for organic vegetable farming, and help boost their interest to revive the organic vegetable, and swine and poultry industry in the locality

During the course of the three-day training participants were able to learn about climate change and its effect on agriculture, health, food security and ecosystem; concept and principles of natural farming system; cultural management practices in organic vegetable production; appropriate production technology on native chicken and swine production; and financial literacy.

Jorge Fat Trinidad from the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 7; and Reyland P. Jabonillo, a private practitioner, shared their expertise while Jovanie Picot served as a member of the training management team.

“Atong gamiton ang gitudlo nila sir Jun kay aron sa umaabot nga mga adlaw, og sa mga katuigan, aduna natay panlantaw, nga aduna natay mabilin sa atong mga anak, nga naa natay mapasunod,” said Edwin Cagas – one of the training participants.

Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Jorge F. Trinidad, Project Officer, via jftrinidad64@yahoo.com.