To meet the ever-growing needs of the ballooning Philippine population, there is a need to continually increase productivity, with full considerations on the sustainability aspect, both ecologically and economically. There is a strong call to build further the capacity of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) to bridge technical know-how to the farmers on sustainable agriculture including natural farming systems.

On 5 – 7 October 2021, a Gender-Based Training on Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS) was conducted in Stella Maris Retreat House, Bacong, Negros Oriental. The training was participated by by 22 (6 females and 16 males) AEWs and farmers coming from Bais City, Bindoy (Payabon), Canlaon City, City of Bayawan (Tulong), City of Tanjay, Dumaguete City, Manjuyod, Pamplona, San Jose, Siaton, Sibulan, Tayasan, Valencia (Luzurriaga), and Vallehermoso.

The overall training aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants on natural farming technology system. During the three-day course, participants learned the importance of natural farming technology system as a sustainable farming system; the principles of sustainable agriculture and basic ecology; various practices of nature farming, its advantages and comparative benefits over other farming systems; and appropriate production technology for specific farm activities and management.

The training also looked into the gender and development aspect where both men and women were given fair opportunity to participate in the training. Their knowledge about gender and development was refreshed or enhanced about the equally important role of both men and women in economic development of the society.

“This training is a big opportunity to enhance and capacitate my knowledge and skills to strengthen the promotion of organic agriculture in our City. We have high caliber resource people from this training. All my learning from them helped enhance and boost my personality. I can now fully advocate to farmers to shift gradually into organic agriculture practices since it is the only way to deal with the degradation of the environment and at the same time ensures food security,” said Melo Jean Villamonte.

The training was a success through the support and coordination of the Provincial Agriculture Office in Negros Oriental. Alvin A. Blaza, Angeline Bondad, and Reyland Jabonillo who are private practitioners; Jacqueline S. Eran from the PAO in Negros Oriental; June Rey Cabildo from the Provincial Veterinary Office of Negros Oriental; and Kim Rivera from Negros Oriental PAG-ASA shared their expertise in the training. Ryan Joshua Villena and Angelie Mencede served as members of the training management team.

Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Maryjane Flor Patulilic-Bonilla, Project Officer, through her email at mfpatulilic@gmail.com.