Cebu – The local government unit of Asturias would want to become a major player in fruits and vegetables production. The LGU then expressed their intent towards the Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas to train their farmers on good agricultural practices for fruits and vegetables. In April 2021, Virginia Farms Inc. and the Asturias local government made a joint partnership where the company will buy fresh fruits and vegetables under the Asturias Harvest brand.
On 23 – 25 June 2021, 22 farmers from the different barangays of Poblacion, San Isidro, San Roque, and Tubigagmanok in Asturias, Cebu participated the Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Fruits and Vegetables (Batch 1). The training was held in Saint Anthony Beach Resort, Asturias, Cebu.
During the three-day training, participants learned about the: importance of the adoption of good agricultural practices in the production of quality fresh fruits and vegetables; importance of the adoption of sustainable production technologies and apply the integrated approach in fruits and vegetables production management, harvest and post-harvest handling practices to produce quality fresh vegetables; and basic concepts on integrated pests and diseases management for vegetables.
Magna Nola G. Sumagang, Gian Paolo Saripada, Merlita M. Dela Cruz, Christine A. Torlao, Bienvenido D. Acabal Jr, and Norma B. Repol from DA Regional Field Office 7, and Danie Mae D. Ybañez from Bureau of Plant Industry of Cebu Satellite Office shared their expertise on the topics discussed as resource persons. Arnel Navarro and Ulysses Alesna of ATI RTC 7 served as members of the training management team.
According to Melquiades Yray, one of the training participant, “I have learned the importance of good agricultural practices to grow properly my vegetables. Because of these learnings, i am now more knowledgeable on how to properly manage my farm. Nakabalo ako sa unsa ka importante ang good agricultural practices para pag-amuma ug tarong sa akong mga utanon. Tungod kay nakakat-on na ako, mas nakabalo nako unsaon nga mas nindot na ang pag atiman nako sa among umahan."
Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Joemelyn A. Sumagang, Project Officer, through her email at prettieblack8910@gmail.com.