Tagbilaran City – Enriches soil, helps retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests are amongst the benefits of composting. Thus, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Use of compost for crop productivity is another important element in organic agriculture.

One of the activities under the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), which complements and supports DA plans and programs to increase crop productivity through sustainable agriculture, is the provision of composting facilities to farmers’ associations and cooperatives, LGUs, academe and civil society organizations.

On 9 – 11 June 2021, in partnership with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), the Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas conducted the Capacity Enhancement on the Operations of Composting Facilities for Biodegradable Wastes (CFBW) training. The three-day training was held in Sunset Villa, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Twenty (20) agricultural extension workers, and waste operators from the local government units of Calape, Carmen, Dauis, Guindulman, Corella, Inabanga, Loon, Maribojoc and Tubigon successfully completed the training.

This training aims to enhance the capacity of beneficiaries on the full utilization and effective operation of the composting facilities for biodegradable wastes. During the three-day training, participants learned about the principles and processes of composting and its importance for solid waste management in their respective communities, the protocol of CFBW, and the application operation of in-vessel composting facilities, including the appropriate maintenance.

“I have fully internalized how we can best use our waste – from households and communities – by converting these into a more useful input, like fertilizer. This is very sustainable since we can do this at a very minimal cost,” said Julie Ann Albaran – one of the training participants.

Leolito D. Siase, Engr. Troy Paolo R. Espiel and Jose Ariel G. Almeda from DA – BSWM, Central Office shared their expertise on the topics discussed as resource persons while Jeffrey O. Awas served as member of the training management team.

Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Ma. Gracia Soliva-Pungay, Project Officer, thru her email at mgspungay@ati.da.gov.ph.