A screenshot photo of the participants during the training HVC Planting Material Propagation and Production. Due to limited inter-provincial movement, ATI RTC 7 continue to hold virtual trainings to ensure delivery of extension services to respective counterparts
Central Visayas - The COVID-19 situation has brought more awareness among people about eating healthy. Considering the high level of awareness, it is essential to push further the work around high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, production and consumption.
Between 19 to 26 April 2021, a Training of Trainers on High-Value Crops (HVC) Planting Material Propagation and Production with emphasis on Good Agricultural Practices was conducted. The training was conducted in two phases; participants of phase (19 – 21 April) one must proceed to phase two (22 – 26 April) to complete the course.
The virtual training was participated by 53 agricultural extension workers (AEWs)/ high-valued crop development program (HVCDP) technicians (with 25 female and 28 male participants). Participants were from the 22 different local government units of Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The training aims to equip and/or enhance the knowledge, attitude and skills of AEWs/ HVCDP technicians on different high value crops planting materials, from propagation stage up until the production level, following good agricultural practices.
Along with the promotion of growing high-value crops, participants were also encouraged to later emphasize to the farmers the importance of value adding to their produce; so they don’t have to throw away any surplus food products when there’s a bountiful harvest; and even, make money out of it.
“The training has opened up my mind to focus not only on crop production but also to protect our nature through good agricultural practices. Optimistically, five years from now, our City Agriculture Office in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, will be able to produce quality planting materials to our constituents and recipients, especially to our Agro-Forestry Farmers Association,” said Ariel Dave Cantila, one of the training participants.
The training was facilitated by Joemelyn Sumagang, Project Officer and assisted by Charlou Ampit and Maryjane Flor Patulilic as members of the training management team. Aurora de Guzman, Diana SJ Tabudlong, Mike Cuerto and Noli P. Garcia from Bureau of Plant Industry - National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) - Region 7, and Henry Binahon from Binahon Agroforestry Farm in Bukidnon served as resource persons during the six-day training.