Negros Oriental - Farmer leaders’ knowledge and skills need to be updated on the important cultural management practices to address problems around pest and diseases damage, nutrient deficiency, and water scarcity. There is a need to capacitate farmer leaders in Negros Oriental, as second rice-producing province in the region, around rice cultural management practices.

On August 3-5, 2021, 20 farmer leaders from Bais City and Bayawan City in Negros Oriental were trained on Capability Enhancement Course on Nutrient, Water, Pest and Diseases Management on Rice. The training was held in Villareal, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and was simulcasted via Google Meet.

The training aims to enhance the participant’s capabilities in the science-based management of nutrient, water, and pest and diseases of rice. During the three-day course of the training, participants learned about integrated nutrient management; efficient water management; and major rice pests and diseases and the different prevention and control methods.

People who have shared their expertise are all from team PhilRice Negros Occidental headed by Dr. Gerardo F. Estoy , Jr. Director I, together with him are Mr. Albert Christian S. Suñer, Ellie Zandrew S. Ganela, and Gerald E. Bello. The training was facilitated by Mr. Jonathan O. Sumagang, Ryan Joshua Villena, and Angelie B. Mencede from ATI-RTC 7. The training was made possible through the collaboration with LGU Bayawan City, Negros Oriental headed by Engr. Kenneth S. Artes, the city agriculturist.

“Overall, the training was very useful, realistic and educational. I am thankful for this training. This is of great help to farmers; to lessen the reliance on chemical control, and to opt for biological and mechanical control based on their farm situation,” said Ana Teresa C. Batomalaque of Bais City – one of the training participants.

Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Jonathan O. Sumagang, Project Officer, through his email at jsumagang16@gmail.com.