Cebu – There were 20 fruits and vegetables farmers who are members of the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative in Panimungajan, Cebu were trained on Good Agricultural Practices for Fruits and Vegetables. The training was held in Nadelmar Beach Resort, Dalaguete, Cebu on 6 – 8 July 2021.

These farmers from the municipality of Alcoy and Dalaguete have requested the GAP training to support for the renewal of their Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PHILGAP) certification. To help support farmer-members, all their produce will be consolidated by the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative. The cooperative will then be responsible in marketing all these produce.

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.

Bienvenido D. Acabal Jr, Christine A. Torlao, Meriam Bayawa Sacamay, Merlita M. Dela Cruz 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. Ulysses Alesna of ATI RTC 7 served as a member of the training management team.

This is the second batch of GAP training for fruits and vegetables for the province of Cebu. The first batch was held in Asturias on 23 – 25 June, and was participated by 22 farmers.

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.