Cebu – On 8 – 10 September 2021, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Regional Training Center (RTC) in Central Visayas conducted the Capacity Enhancement on the Operations of Composting Facilities for Biodegradable Wastes (CFBW) training in partnership with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM). This training is the third batch, among the four batches of training to be conducted.

The three-day training was held at the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites, Cebu City, Cebu. Eighteen (18) agricultural extension workers, and composting facilities operators from the local government units of Alcantara, Balamban, Bantayan, Borbon, Cebu City, City Of Bogo, City Of Carcar, San Fernando, San Remigio, Sibonga, Tabuelan, and Tudela 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 am thankful because I learned a lot about composting. In our place in Sibonga, our shredder is already operational but specific for market wastes; none for the food waste. For rotary composter, I know now its full potential. In our area, especially in Poblacion, waste is really a problem. By this training, we now know how to process food waste for composting. I will share all these learnings with my colleagues. Salamat kaayo,” said Jerma Sarah Labiaga of MENRO LGU-Sibonga - 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, Ma. Erma F. Lucero, and Ulyses U. Alesna served as members of the training management team.

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