As the covid-19 pandemic continues to be a threat and with varying degree of quarantine measures still in place disrupting travel, mass gathering and face-to-face interactions, conducting training activities has become a challenge. During this difficult time, virtual mode of learning has become the norm not only with students and professionals but even with the somewhat digitally challenged sectors like the farmers and fisherfolks.

In line with the continued efforts of the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office to capacitate its farmers with limited face-to-face trainings, PAGO has conducted a series of virtual trainings to keep them abreast with the latest agricultural technologies and provide new information and learning in agriculture.

Helping farmers minimize postharvest losses

On May 25-27, 2021, PAGO successfully conducted its first virtual training activity. The training entitled Postharvest Handling of High Value Commercial Crops was participated by 70 vegetable and high value crops farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers. Ms. Leonisa A. Artes, University Extension Specialist from the ASEAN Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center served as the resource person. She imparted with the participants, the knowledge and information on postharvest techniques and strategies for banana, calamansi, and pakbet vegetables. The virtual training was conducted via zoom application and was also watched live in Facebook.

Encouraging farmers to become agripreneurs

“Kailangan na mabago ang karaniwang kaisipan ng ating magsasaka na kadalasan ay nakatuon lamang sa pagpapadami ng ani, ang mas mahalaga ay maisiguro po dapat ang mataas na kita mula sa masaganang ani, sa madaling sabi tayo ay maging negosyanteng magsasaka.” This was the message of Provincial Agriculturist Christine M. Pine to the participants of the virtual training on Agripreneurial Skills Development held on June 21-22, 2021.

The two-day training was participated by 116 farmers, rural-based organizations (RBOs) and AEWs. Two experts were tapped by PAGO in helping inculcate with them the entrepreneurial skills and knowledge on financial, marketing and management. Dr. Virgilio T. Villancio, the Director of the Agricultural Systems Institute of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) provided the participants with lectures on innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture. While Mr. Joni Sanchez, a successful agripreneur himself who is the owner of the Joni and Susan Agri-shop and Integrated Farm in San Pablo, Laguna added inspiration by narrating his own experience. Mr. Sanchez also showed a virtual tour of his farm which was established in 2011 and started with an area of only 900 square meters. Today it is an integrated farm with production areas for corn, vegetable, mushroom, native chickens, and its main attraction of sunflower garden.

Promoting climate-resilience in rice farming

Climate change adaptation agricultural technologies were the focused of the three-day training conducted by PAGO on June 23-25, 2021. The virtual training entitled Promotion of Climate Resilience in Rainfed Rice Ecosystem through the Palayamanan, Sorjan Cropping and Alternate Wetting and Drying was attended by 87 rice farmers, Municipal Rice Coordinators as well as AEWs from other NGAs and students.

Experts from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) were tapped as resource speakers. Dr. Andres L. dela Cruz, Jr. discussed the Palayamanan, a diversified and integrated rice-based farming system that minimizes the reliance of farmers from rice production alone. While Mr. Rhey Mark Credo gave the farmers know how on Sorjan cropping, another type of diversified farming suitable in easily flooded areas and alternate wetting and drying, a water saving technology in rice production.

Strengthening RBOs

RBOs are strong partners in the advancement of agriculture sector hence PAGO ensures that RBOs are regularly trained and capacitated especially in leadership and organizational management aspects.

On June 28-29, 2021, various rural based organizations from the different municipalities of the province took part on the two-day training on Levelling Up Farmers Competency Towards Food Security. A total of 65 participants attended the virtual activity composed of RBO officers, farmer leaders and Municipal RBO Coordinators. Mr. John Mengry Valenzuela, a Social Development Practitioner and Mr. Jefhtee Panganiban, a Cooperative Development Specialist from the Cooperative Development Authority served as the resource speakers.

On June 30, 2021 the participants had the chance to visit the Malibago Farmer Association in Malibago, Pola and on July 1, 2021 the Rural Improvement Club of Panikian, Naujan. These two organizations shared with them their experiences and management operations of their livelihood projects.