Agriculturist Erlyn Billones, together with some participants, demonstrates the process of making mango preserves.
DILIMAN, Quezon City—More than 200 agriculture enthusiasts convened for an entire day of learning during the Agricultural Training Institute’s (ATI) free seminar on mango production and processing.
With resource persons from the Bureau of Plant Industry-Guimaras National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center (BPI-GNCRDPSC), the seminar highlighted the value-adding component of the commodity.
A lecture on mango production, facilitated by BPI-GNCRDPSC Chief Yondre Yonder, was held in the morning. This was followed by a demonstration of mango processing techniques. Agricultural engineer Erlyn Billones showed the steps in making mango preserves, mango atsara (pickle), and mango purée stressing how easy it is to earn using agricultural produce.
One of the attendees was Vincent Cayman, a former programmer and now a freelance consultant and entrepreneur. He appreciated how relevant the topic was and would like to take the opportunity to attend free seminars like this since they are expanding their business.
“From coffee farming and organic vegetable farming, we are currently eyeing mango production as one of the avenues we can venture into,” he said, adding that it is high time to explore and maximize available resources for economic and financial independence.
Moreover, ATI Partnerships and Accreditation Division Chief Renato dela Cruz brought good news to the crowd when he announced that the Institute will be deploying ‘mobile training vans’ equipped with facilities and information, education, and communication materials next year. These vans will rove around different communities to bring the free seminars directly to them.
“There is no need to come here, kami na po ang pupunta sainyo. Umaasa po kami na nandoon parin po kayo para sumuporta sa aming mga programa,” dela Cruz said.
[“There is no need to come here, we will go to you instead. We hope that you will continue to support our programs.”]
Dela Cruz likewise stressed that the ATI will welcome proposals from the attendees if they want to conduct this kind of activity in their respective communities.
The free seminar was held at the ATI Mess Hall in the Institute’s central office last May 11, 2018.