“Makinig, matuto at makitalakayan… (Listen, learn and inquire).”

With this pitch or tag, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) started a webinar series that will run from October 14 until December 2020 to encourage continuous learning among farmers even in times of pandemic.

Titled as “e-Talakayan: Angat-ani sa Tamang Makinarya”, the webinar goes live every Wednesday, 9 to 11 am. It covers topics surrounding the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, the benefits of the mechanization technologies it offers and how to become recipients of the said program.

For the first batch, PHilMech Director IV Dr. Baldwin G. Jallorina gave a very optimistic message to encourage members of FCAs to continue gaining knowledge through online platforms like webinars.

“This is one way to convey knowledge to farmers even in a pandemic. With the use of internet and social media, accessing information and learning new technologies are made possible through e-Talakayan,” he said.

The 83 rice farmers from Nueva Ecija farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCA) participated in the e-Talakayan aired in Facebook Live.

“Thank you so much for helping our fellow farmers through modern technologies and machinery,” said Marcial Espino of Parista Tree Planters Association, Nueva Ecija.

“Thank you for the knowledge brought by Dr. Aldrin E. Badua. May our coop be included in those who will be receiving machinery,” said Marianita Flores of Pakul Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Nueva Ecija.

Dr. Aldrin E. Badua, chief of the Applied Communication Division (ACD) served as the lecturer and point person in answering the queries. ACD is the lead implementer of the e-Talakayan that exclusively caters to FCA recipients of the program.

For the upcoming webinars, registration is at:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbvxEcTaScieTJFiXYcJbkMIVTNubpwNNR9cy_Z_SJFBK5wQ/viewform

Article by Jessica Marie B. Laturnas