Tagbilaran City – a Training of Trainer (TOT) on Corn Production Technologies for AEWs was conducted on 2 – 4 March 2022 at B&J Tagbilaran City, Bohol. There were 26 AEWs coming from the municipalities of Alburquerque, Alicia, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Batuan, Bien Unido, Bilar, Buenavista, Calape, Candijay, Carmen, Catigbian, Danao, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Inabanga, Loon, Mabini, Maribojoc, Pilar, Sagbayan and Talibon in Bohol who were able to participate in the three-day training. This is the first batch among the five batches of TOT on Corn Production Technologies. These series of training courses are part of the thrust of the Agricultural Training Institute to deliver science-based information in terms of seed genetics, farming practices and technology from the level of AEWs down to the farmers.

Overall, the training aims to enable the participants to gain knowledge and skills on extension and the technical activities in corn production technologies for sustainable agricultural development. In the three-day course, participants learned about extension its approaches, strategies, and methodologies; cultural management practices of corn production; insect pests and diseases of corn; the prevention and control of fall armyworm; mycotoxin control measures; and recognize the site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) for maize.

Merrian Piquero-Soliva and Jeffrey O. Awas from the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 7; Jayrell Gamayon Adanza of Municipal Agriculture Office in Dimiao, Bohol; Anna Luz V. Duhaylungsod of Municipal Agriculture Office of Dauis, Bohol; Christine A. Torlao and Mr. Bienvenido Acabal Jr. from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 7-Regional Crop Pest Management Center of Maguikay, Mandaue City, Cebu shared their expertise, while Charlou A. Ampit served as a member of the training management team.

“I don’t have rich knowledge specific to corn even though I am a graduate of Agriculture. That is why, I am very thankful to the Agricultural Training Institute for the invitation to join this training. I have learned technologies specifically on how to control insect pests and diseases – which I can share to my fellow AEWs and farmer clientele once I return to my town,” said Marie S. Elicano of LGU-Bien Unido, Bohol – one of the training participants.

Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Jeffrey O. Awas, Project Officer, via jeffreyawas@gmail.com.