Forty-four (44) participants of the 6th Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP)Training of Trainers (TOT) on Pest and Nutrient Management, composed of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and farm school staff, and 26 rice farmers of the 4th Short Course on Pest and Nutrient Management graduated on August 5, 2022, at A&A Plaza Hotel, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Both five-day trainings held from August 1 to 5, 2022, aimed to increase the knowledge and skills of participants in effective pest and nutrient management based on the PalayCheck System, to increase their knowledge of proper fertilizer application, and to provide concepts and hands-on experience for the proper conduct of Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA).

The TESDA Palawan Central Director, Vivian E. Abueva, during the graduation ceremony, challenged the training graduates to keep a good attitude towards work, on top of their acquired knowledge and skills. “Hindi lang po knowledge, hindi lang po skills…ang pinakaimportante po ay ang attitude towards work… para magkaroon ng bunga itong ginagawa natin… Kailangan din po ng heart to help others,” she said.

Engr. Teresita S. Guian, the President of all farm schools in Palawan and a TOT participant, reminded others to appreciate the farmers by saying, “If you eat rice, pray for the rice farmers who planted them.”

The Provincial Agriculturist of Palawan, Dr. Romeo M. Cabungcal, and the Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer of Palawan Province, Engr. Vicente A. Binasahan, Jr., were also present during the graduation ceremony and gave their messages to the participants, emphasizing the importance of gaining knowledge, skills, and exposure to modern rice farming technologies to help achieve food security.

Upon completion of the training, the participants are expected to share their learnings with other potential trainers and other rice farmers in their respective municipalities.
(DA-PhilRice Los Baños. FB)