TESDA accredited farm school trainers completed the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund- Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) Training of Trainers on Pest and Nutrient Management (TOT PNM) on July 22, 2022 in Mailag, Bukidnon.

A total of 30 trainers have completed the Training of Trainers on integrated pest and nutrient management at the Maricz Integrated Farm School. The training focused on improving farmers’ knowledge and skills in accurate pest identification, disease diagnosis, and their management as well as fertilizer application.

Ricardo Ponio, owner of Maricz Integrated Farm School, expressed his gratitude to the RCEF team for choosing his learning site as the venue of the training. He added that he initially wanted to lend the place for free, in that way, he could offer something in return for all the assistance and support that the government has provided for him and his learning site.

During her message, Alona P. Tape, RCEF Training Coordinator, encouraged the participants to continue to have a heart that wants to help local rice farmers. Tape shared her hopes in providing an avenue for farmers not just to learn more but also to share these relevant information. “Let us help multiply the number of rice experts in the country,” she added.

The RCEF TOT on PNM is implemented by the RCEF Extension Program, a component of the RCEF created under the Rice Tariffication Law. (DA-PhilRice Agusan, FB)