ATI-IVB conducts 1st Provincial Organic Agriculture Congress 2
Transcript of ATI-IVB conducts 1st Provincial Organic Agriculture Congress 2
Keynote Speaker. Another highlight of
this event was the ribbon cutting of the
organic products exhibit. This was led
by ATI Dir. Asterio P. Saliot, ASEC Dante Delima, OIC-CD Pat Andrew B.
Barrientos,Dr. Linda Umali of FORUM
and Mr. Jonjon Sarmiento.
Some of the participants shared their
experiences on how they started and
grow as individual or groups in organic
farming. The primary objective of the
activity is to identify and consolidate
groups who are practicing organic
a gr i cu l t ur e for th e even t ua l
Organization of ORMISAD or Oriental Mindoro Initiatives for
S u s t a i n a b l e A gr i c u l t u r e a n d
Development, Inc. This province-wide
organic group was a concept initiated
by the ORMIN TOTs headed by former
Municipal Agriculturist of Naujan Mr.
Ely H. Vargas. Likewise, the activity
realized immense number of farmers
practicing organic farming in Oriental
Mindoro. Recognizing the need for an
environment -fr iendly but sel f-sustaining way of farming, this group
will work together to promote or-
ganic agriculture and eventually con-
vince other farmers to turn their backs
on conventional farming. (JAEguilos)
I n support to the Organic Act of 2010
which aims to promote, propagate,
further develop and implement
or gan i c a gr i cu l t ur e in th e
Philippines, sustainable agriculture advocates from MIMAROPA provinces
gathered together for the 1st Provincial
Organic Agriculture Congress held on
February 8-9, 2012 at ATI-RTC IV-B
compound, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental
Mindoro. Organic practitioners, farmers
and farmer leaders, extension workers,
members of LGUs, representatives of
SUCs and different NGOs attended the
said event.
Going back to basics, “Balik Organik: A Key to Sustainable Agriculture and
Development” was the theme of the
congress with ASEC Dante Delima as
MIMAROPA Green Corn project, initiated 2 Training on Onion and Garlic facilitated……. 2 ATI-IVB Holds Orientation on e-extension in WPU 2 Wild Honey on its way to be labeled …….. 3 Regional Consultation for MS IVA&B, merged 3 8 batches of Training on CSB Conducted…….. 4 Growing Onion and Garlic in Organic Way 4 DA Sec Procy Visits Occidental Mindoro 5 Newsbits 6 FSTP Phase II culminated, Phase III commenced 6 The Untold Story 7 Business Planning Workshop……... 8 Municipal Agriculturists & AEWs….. 8 Farmer Leaders and AEWs goes Organic…... 8 Training Calendar for 2nd Semerster 2012 9 Learning Sites Update 9 Assessment on YAFP Scholars conducted 10Impressions 10 Participant’s Expression 10 Field Exposure 11MAGRO-MPC Completes 2nd Phase 11 TOT on Upland Rice Production held in Palawan 11
Page 12 ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012)
ith much enthusiasm and eagerness to apply what he has learned from the
various trainings he attended, Senior
Agriculturist Ruben P. Jugno is proud to say that he
practices organic farming in his own backyard.
He has been serving the Agricultural Training
Institute for 17 years now. First designated as
Agriculturist I then Information Officer at ATI-
RTC- III; he was laterally transferred to ATI-RTC-
IVB as Agriculturist II before he became the Senior
Agriculturist until today.
Being the Focal person of the Center for Organic, he
was exposed and inspired
by the promising offers if
one ventures into organic
farming.
With the influence of the trainings he attended,
conducted and facilitated, together with the
en c our a gem en t of
organic advocates, his
dream of integrated
organic farming system i s n ow i n i t ia t ed
including hogs and
vegetable garden.
Having the mini-integrated farming system in his
own backyard, it is easier for him to share and
explain the concepts and benefits of organic
farming system on the implementation of the
Center’s activities.
Just like what he used to say during trainings that
the best way to promote something is to try it first.
“You walk the talk.” (JGDarm)
“WALK THE TALK”
Farm Practices
www.ati.da.gov.ph/mimaropa
Pictures in Action
OIC Center Director
Pat Andrew B.
Barrientos during his
opening remarks
Cutting of the ribbon for
the exhibit of organic
products
Executive Director
Asterio P. Saliot
challenged the
participants on his
inspirational message
Understanding the
nutrients of plants, Mr.
Sarmiento used his
improvised gadget to
show it to the
participants
Dignitaries attended the
Congress headed by
ASEC Dante Delima
ATI-IVB conducts 1st Provincial
Organic Agriculture Congress
ASEC Dante Delima served as keynote speaker during the 1st Organic
Agriculture Congress in Oriental Mindoro
Inside this issue:
for bagging 2 awards
(2nd Place in Resource Generation &
Photography Categories) during the
25th Year Anniversary Celebration
of Agricultural Training Institute.
Keep it up! Way to go ATI-MIMAROPA!
G eared to reorient a group of
vegetable farmers toward
large-scale organic farming,
the Agricultural Training
Institute-Regional Training Center IV-B( M I M A R O P A ) i n i t i a t e d t h e
“Participatory Large-Scale Technology
Demonstration Trial on Organic Green
Corn Propagation” by detailing the fun-
damental steps of taking up sustainable
and profitable large scale organic farm-
ing through a training conducted last
April 12-14, 2012 at ATI-RTC-IVB,
Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The training will be carried out through
an 11-week long training from planting to harvest. Forty seven organic farmers
from the different municipalities of
Oriental Mindoro mostly from Bansud
participated in the said training.
Mr. Noel S. Nilo, Agricultural Technologist from LGU-Victoria, being
the resource person of the activity
discussed about the seed selection
varieties, land preparation, crop
establishment and maintenance, pest and
diseases management/crop production
and marketing.
Also, Provincial Agriculturist Petronilo
Dimailig graced the event by discussing
the Crop Production Support for the
Green Corn Propagation Project of the Center. (JGDarm)
Page 2 ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012)
MIMAROPA Green Corn Project, initiated
ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012) Page 11
Editor Graciel V. Gacutan
Writer Josephine G. Darm
Correspondents
Jean Alexa Eguilos
Mabhel Catle
Mary Ann Magnad
Norberto Maur
Mina D. Lanto
Lay-out Artists
Graciel V. Gacutan
Allan Peradilla
Roseanne Nilo
Editorial Consultants
Ruben P. Jugno
Norberto C. Maur
Adviser
Pat Andrew B. Barrientos
The ATI-MIMAROPA
SANDIGAN
January - June 2012
(Volume 1)
P ALAWAN - With the aim
to make State Universities
& Colleges (SUCs) ap-
preciate the e-Extension
program of the Department of
Agriculture, an
orientation led
by the Agricul-
tural Training
Institute IV-B
(MIMAROPA)
was conducted
at Western
P h i l i p p i n e s
U n i v e r s i t y
among the Puerto Princesa and Aborlan campuses from March 8
and 9, 2012, respectively.
DA ATI-MIMAROPA Holds Orientation on e-Extension Program in WPU
Participants include faculty
members from the College of
Agriculture, Fisheries,
Business Management and
Information Technology
a n d s o m e
senior students from the
College of Agriculture.
Ms. Graciel Gacutan, DA
A T I - M I M A R O P A
e-Extension coordinator
served as the resource
speaker during the
orientation. She empha-
sized the relevance of the e-extension program among the SUCs.
To further make the partici-
pants internalize what
e-extension is, actual
demonstration was held for
both campuses. Before the activity ended, an agreement
to formalize the partnership
between WPU Puerto Princesa and
Aborlan campuses and DA-ATI-
MIMAROPA was made. (JGDarm)
presentation of e-extension to faculty member
participant demystified
actual hands-on
I n order to strengthen MIMAROPA
which ranks 2nd among the garlic
producing regions likewise 3rd
among the onion produc-
ing regions in the Philip-pines, another batch of
training on Bulb Onion
and Garlic Production
was successfully held in
Odiongan, Romblon and
was attended by 40
Agricultural Extension
Workers.
The said training focused on essential
information about Organic Onion &
Garlic Production needed by the AEW
Training on Bulb Onion and Garlic facilitated in Odiongan, Romblon
page 3
particularly those involved in HVCDP
Project. Topics include overview of
onion and garlic production in the
Ph i l i ppin es , Ph i l i ppin e
Organic Act 2010 and its implementing rules and
regulations, how to
p r e p a r e o r g a n i c
fertilizer like Visicular
Arboscular Mycorrhizae
(VAM), Trichoderma
and Vermi composting.
Wood vinegar that will serve
as pesticide and insecticide not only in
organic onion and garlic but also
among other plants was also discussed.
Further, the thirteen (13) botanical
participants observing
onion inside green house
pesticides of 2008, useful of micro-
organisms that might help the plants
were also tackled.
Celso Olido of Regional Field Unit 4B, served as resource speaker who further-
more shared some of his experimenta-
tions and discussed the difference be-
tween organic versus inorganic
production guide of garlic, carbonated
rice hull production, the high value
crops development program and the
garlic road map (as of
March 2012).
FIELD EXPOSURE :
ATI-MIMAROPA goes to organic farms
in Ilo-Ilo City, Bacolod City and ATI-RTC-VI
D esigned to enrich the
experience and capabilities
of the Oriental Mindoro
fa r m er l ea der s a n d
municipal agriculturists through actual observation on the facility and
operations of various farms involved in
organic farming, an Experience-Based
Enhancement Study Tour among the
organic farms in Bacolod City, Ilo-Ilo
City, and ATI-RTC VI was conducted
from March 20-25, 2012.
Fifty-three participants comprised of
farmer leaders from FORUM (Farmers
Organization for the Upliftment of
Mindoro), ORMISAD (Oriental Mindoro Initiative for the Sustainable
Agr icul ture and Development),
municipal agriculturists from the
province, and the Agricultural Training
Institute-IVB (MIMAROPA) training
management staff together with the OIC
-Center Director Pat Andrew B.
B a r r i e n t o s
joined the
tour.
Th e sa i d
e x p o s i t o r y
t our wa s
initiated by
Congressman
Reynaldo V. Umali in his advocacy on
organic agriculture and his capacity as
member of the Congressional Oversight
Committee in Agriculture and Food
Management (COCAFAM) under the
sponsorship of Agricultural Training
Institute-IVB (MIMAROPA). “It provides further information about
organic farming systems that are
applicable to the operations of the
organizat ion,
w e a l s o
acquired some
tips especially
o n t h e
m a n a g e m e n t
practices, and
as the manager, I can use it to achieve success like some organic farms in Ba-
colod, which started from a simple
vision and eventually became the
prominent institutions pursuing the
advocacy. I was amazed by the different
technologies and their eagerness to
develop it, despite of some problems
encountered
by their
f a r m s . ” ,
said Paulo
U m a l i , M a n a g e r ,
F O R U M
when asked
on the relevance of the tour to their
organization.
Aside from the tour, the activity also
covers a training program component on
High Value Crops Development
Program (HVCDP) that capacitates the
participants in gaining knowledge and
ski l ls on h igh value crops entrepreneurship development trainings.
The activity ended with a fellowship
night on the last day of the tour
sponsored by the Agricultural Training
Institute-Regional Training Center-VI.
Director Allan P. Alimodian and the rest
of the staff of ATI-RTC-VI were indeed
very accommodating. KUDOS!
(JGDarm)
M agsaysay, Occidental
Mindoro – Phase 2 of
ICS Installation for
Smallholder Groups
was held on May 14-18, 2012 for the onion growers and rice farmers of the
municipality. Twenty-seven members
of Magsaysay Allium Growers
Multi-Purpose Cooperative or
MAGRO-MPC attended this training.
Fi ve da ys wer e fi l l ed with
participatory discussions, workshops
and group activities. Internal
inspection to two farmer/member’s
organic onion and rice farm in So.
Kabag, Poblacion, Magsaysay was
done on the second day of the
training.
The organization’s ICS Manual of
Operations was reviewed and
evaluated as a huge requirement for
the certification process. Contents of
the Manual and other forms will be
modified in their upcoming meetings. (JAEguilos)
MAGRO-MPC
Completes 2nd Phase
of ICS Installation
TOT on Upland Rice Production held in Palawan
T here are new areas in rice
production which can be
developed such as upland rice.
By promoting upland rice
farming, we will hit two birds in one stone. Aside from increasing production,
we can also help indigenous groups”,
Sec. Alcala told.
In support to our dear Secretary’s, dream, the ATI-RTC IVB has
conducted the 2nd batch of a 5-Day
Training of Trainers (TOT) on Upland
Rice with Climate Change Technology
last March 26-30, 2012 held Bureau of
Fishery and Aquatic Resources-Regional
Farmer Training Center (BFAR-RFTC),
Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City. This
training was attended by forty two (42)
A g r i c u l t u r a l E x t e n s i o n
Workers (AEW’s) from different municipalities of Palawan, one (1) AEW
from Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro and
one (1) Municipal Agriculturist from
Sta. Fe, Romblon. There was about 40%
increase in actual target (30) of
participants. LGUs realized the
potentials of the upland in producing
more rice to become self-sufficient in
terms of staple foods.
One of the interesting topics which
captured the senses of participants was
during “Sharing time” for the Upland
Farming practices among the participants. It is important to note that
indigenous People’s have different
practices and rituals that have
sustained for generations.
Training was successfully conducted
through the untiring support from the
Office of Provincial Agriculture of
Palawan. They have shared their
resources by inviting and ensuring the
attendance of the participants as well
as lending their able-bodied
Mr. Gerenimo Gevela as resource
speaker.
(MCMagnad)
ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012) Page 3 Page 10 ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012)
Let’s Hear From Them…..
“The most productive training I’ve ever attended.”
- YOLANDA MENDOZA, MAO San Teodoro.
“Bacolod tour is exciting! Though it was a tiring tour, surprises are the
rewards in every farms, and institutions we reached. In the end, we are
very grateful that we, FORUM experienced it; and of course, experi-
ence is nothing without the application in our operation. I would like
to congratulate ATI staff, headed by Director Pat Andrew Barrientos.”
- PAULO UMALI, FORUM (Farmers Organization for the Rural
Upliftment of Oriental Mindoro
“Business Planning for the Set-Up of Organic Farm Production Module
is one of the excellent training module I have attended for all small
farmers….Thanks to ATI Barcenaga!” - JOSEPH SAPUNGAN, President, ACFA, Bagoong Pook, Alcate, Vic-
toria
“Enhances and strengthens the knowledge and technologies and the
proper approach in onion and garlic production and on organic farm-
ing in general. Thanks to the management staff of ATI-Barcenaga.”
SHERRYL CABAGAY, AEW from Bulalacao
“Life is a process of building something and we all have the opportunity
to build something! I am a retired principal but now a simple farmer
and all this experience is an innovation for me. As participant of
Organic Training, I was able to acquire knowledge and skills that is use-
ful to my farm. I am excited to go home and practice the knowledge I
gained here. I promise to share the benefit of Organic Farming to oth-
ers.” - MYRNA ATIENZA (67) - Farmer from Tabinay, Puerto Galera
PARTICIPANT’S
EXPRESSION
O tao, ano ang ginawa mo?
Kalikasa’y sinira, winasak at
inabuso
Saan tayo ngayon titira kung
kalikasa’y sira na?
Pati mga ibon at mga hayop ay
natutuliro na?
Naturingang pinakamatalinong
hayop sa mundo
Subalit sariling tahanan ay sinira
nyo
Mabuti pa ang mga hayop, kapos
man sa talino
Ay patuloy na nangangalaga sa
atin mundo
O tao, paano na kaya tayo?
O tao, bakit mo nagawa ito?
Engr. Noel Faminialagao,
Municipal Agriculturist,
Roxas, Or. Mindoro
T he Youth for Agriculture and
Fishery Program (YAFP)
scholarship assessment for the
YAFP scholarship of Mindoro
Oriental conducted last June 12–14, 2012 was attended
by all of the 19 ATI
YAFP scholars of
MinSCAT-Main and
M i n S C A T
Bongabong campuses.
The two (2) Focal
Per son of both
academes attended the
activity who helped in
the facilitation and guided the scholars
in the action planning.
Topics discussed concerning the ATI-
YAFP scholarship made the participants
appreciative for all the blessing they
have been enjoying. With the story
shared by the Project Officer/ATI
Scholarship Focal Person they were able
to relate and learn the value of love
and sharing, being
careful to what one
says and do, value
f o r
money and most
of all being grateful and
giving back the blessings to less
fortunate people.
Also, part of the activity was the
distribution of their allowances in a
form of check.
As output of the training, the scholars
made an action plan for July 2012 to
June 2013 and a detailed action plan
on extension which can be
credited as an extension
accomplishment for both ATI
and the academe. No problems/
issues were identified and
precisely, the kind of activity
conducted is an activity worth
waiting for again for the scholars.
(MDLanto)
Assessment on YAFP Scholars
of Mindoro Oriental, conducted
To continuously engage in the said
activity, action planning was taken and
presented by municipality. Thus,
actual observation on onion planted
outside and inside greenhouse of Barangay Limon Sur and Limon
Norte, Looc, Romblon was part of the
activities to perceive the difference
between the two practices. Also,
participants witnessed the actual
installation and production of wood
vinegar.
Pa r t i c i pa n t s c om m en d ed t h e
management staff as they acquired
additional knowledge and relevant
ideas regarding topics cited.
Another valuable training was
successfully conducted.
The training was held at Haliwood Inn,
Odiongan, Romblon last May 15-17,
2012.
(MCatle)
Center Director Cesar N. Vida and
OIC Center Director Pat Andrew B.
Barrientos graced the activity and
inspired the participants to be more
proactive with regards to being a
Magsasakang Siyentista, in their
opening and closing message, re-
spectively.
(JGDarm)
Training on Bulb Onion...
wood smoke that produce
vinegar
From page 2
honey did not materialize. The Resource
Persons from Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP)
recommended NATRIPAL members to
undergo a 2-day review, evaluation and
assessment of the organization’s Internal
Control System before they conduct the
last phase of certification
With much hope, the Center is looking
forward to the time NATRIPAL’s wild
honey will be labeled as “duly certified
organic product”, the first ever in
MIMAROPA. JAEguilos)
Wild Honey On Its Way To Be Labelled as
‘CERTIFIED ORGANIC’
A spiring to be certified organic farmers, 39 members
of NATRIPAL (Nagkakaisang
Tribo ng Palawan) attended
the Phase 4 of ICS Installation for Small-
holder Groups held at Bancao-Bancao,
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on April
17-20, 2012.
This was supposedly the last step to the
certification of their product. The first
three phases were conducted in 2009 as
initiated by DA-RFU IV-B. Due to incomplete ICS manual and other
matters needed for certification, the wild
A imed to update the
Magsasakang Siyentista on
the status of Techno Gabay
Program in Region 4, a Regional Consultation was spearheaded
by the ATI RTC IV-A,IV-B and ITCPH
among the 21 farmer scientists from the
different municipalities of the region.
The endeavour specifically aimed to
discuss the institutionalization of the
TGP under the Agricultural Training
Institute, explain the mechanics on
mainstreaming the MS on the existing
programs of ATI, and to identify various
extension innovations and modalities to
further improve the implementation of
the TGP. Also, it was designed for the
interaction of the MS’ to be able to learn how they successfully implement their
programs. Moreover, the activity aimed
to organize and elect officers for both
regions which will represent the MS in
the national
level.
The 2-day
a c t i v i t y
held on
June 5-6,
2012 at A r i s a b e l
Clubhouse,
Los Baños,
L a g u n a
w a s
composed
of the
T e c h n o
Gabay
Institutionalization, STARRDEC program updates on issues and
concerns, presentation of various
extension modalities/projects, election
of regional officer of MS, business
meeting, and the field tour at
PCARRDD, ITCPH and Kahariam
Farm.
Regional Consultation for Magsasakang Siyentista of IV-A and IV-B, merged
MS participants after
Kahariam Farm visit MS’ on consultation and
business meeting
Hoping that NATRIPAL’s wild honey will be labelled as “duly certified organic
product”, the first ever in MIMAROPA.
ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012)Page 9 Page 4 ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012)
T he government, through DA’s
“Agri-Pinoy Frame-work”
strongly supports initiatives
and actions for the
establishment of various system wherein farmer themselves can take
active role and wherein farmer’s group
can have access to wider seed sources.
One of these framework is the
Community Seed Banking (CSB) that
offers appropriate seed technologies
and best management practices to
ensure seed and food security.
With this, the ATI-RTC IVB conducted
series of 3-Day trainings on Community
Seed Banking around MIMAROPA provinces. This training focuses on the
topics regarding the right way of
producing high quality seeds from the
registered seed given by DA-Regional
Field Unit IVB (DA-RFU IVB) and
about policies and guidelines of CSB in
distributing seeds to their co-farmers.
Eight (8) batches of trainings were
conducted among the beneficiaries of
registered seeds previously distributed
by DA-RFU IVB. One (1) batch was
conducted in Marinduque dated Feb-
ruary 21-23, 2012 attended by thirty
seven (37) participants at A & A Beach
Resort, Laylay, Boac, Marinduque.
Another batch was held at Occidental
Mindoro on May 15-17, 2012 at
Farmer’s Training Center, Municipal
Agriculture Office, San Jose, Occidental
Mindoro. This training was attended by
fifty one (51) participants. Then three (3)
batches were slotted in the Province of
Palawan. One in Southern Part at Mount
Maruyog Farm and Garden Resort,
8 Batches of Training on Community Seed Banking Conducted Regionwide
page 7
here now, trying to disseminate the
message. And please do not ignore it. You
are here for others and we are counting
on you. We believe that after this
training, you are our voice!", Maningding said.
Participants experienced hands-on in
making organic fertilizers.
Speakers of this training were Mr. Jonjon
Sarmiento, Mr. Dewey Albufera and Mr.
Ruben Jugno.
The training was held on April 2012 at
Municipal Hall of Magsaysay, Occidental
Mindoro. (GVGacutan)
F arm ers of Magsa ysa y,
Occidental Mindoro were
given opportunity to have
knowledge and skills in
Organic Farming by having a three day training on Organic Production
Technology for Onion and Garlic
Growers. This was headed by the OIC
Center Director Pat Andrew Barrientos
with the Project Officer Mr. Ruben
Jugno. They also had the opportunity to
meet and heard the message of ATI
Central Office Deputy Director
Alberto Maningding. "We are now fac-
ing the challenge of Climate Change!
And this happened because we abused
our environment. That's why we are
Growing Onion & Garlic in Organic Way
TRAINING CALENDAR FOR 2ND SEMESTER 2012
Title of Training Date
Livestock Training July 3-5
Banana Production Technologies July 16-18
Planning Assessment July 2012
FITS Establishment July 2012
Regional Consultative Meeting P4MP July 19
Rootcrops Production Technologies July 19-21
ICS Installation for MESAFED July 23-27
Computer-Based Data Management July 23-27
Livelihood Training July 24-25
Monitoring & Evaluation of Livelihood Pro-
ject
July 26-27
Regional TOT on O.A. August 6-10
Capacity Building for ORMISAD Officer August 15-17
Livelihood Training August 13-14
Livelihood Training August 16-17
Computer Based Data Management August 14-17
ICS Installation for MESAFED Phase II August 20-24
Organic Agriculture Training for Barangay
Captains of Magsaysay
September 3-7
Banana Tissue Culture September 5-7
Livelihood Training for OSY September 6-7
ICS Installation for San Jose Farmers September 10-14
Computer Based Data Management September 10-13
Livelihood Training for OSY September 11-12
Training on Organic Production Technology
for Farmers
September 19-21
Rootcrops Production Technologies Sept. 25-27
Regional Officer’s Meeting September 26
Training on Organic Production Technology
for FORUM Members
October 3-5
Mango Production Technologies October 9-11
Computer Based Data Management October 16-19
Training on Organic Production Technology
for Yakap at Halik Members
October 16-18
Training on Organic Production Technology
for MOFA Members
October 24-26
Banana Production Technologies October 23-24
Cacao Production Technologies October 23-24
Coffee Production Technologies November 8-10
Cacao Production Technologies November 6-8
Computer Based Data Management November 12-15
Cacao Production Technologies November 27-29
Rootcrops Production Technologies December 4-6
Banana Production Technologies December 11-13
Rootcrops Production Technologies December 17-19
Northern Part at Rovers Pension House,
Roxas, Palawan attended by nineteen
(19) participants held last April 23-25,
2012 and the last batch was on
Calamianes Group of Island (Coron, Busuanga, Culion and Linapakan) held
at Rural Agricultural Center, Coron,
Palawan last May 29-31, 2012 attended
by twenty eight (28) participants.
Two (2) batches of trainings were
conducted in Oriental Mindoro. The
first batch was held last February 28,
2012-March 1, 2012 and the second was
on May 8-10, 2012. First batch was
attended by thirty seven (37) and the
second batch was graced by seventeen (17) participants composed of
AEW’s and Farmer leaders of Oriental
Mindoro. Both trainings were held at
Agricultural Training Institute-Regional
Training Center IVB (ATI-RTC IVB),
Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Additional batch of training was
carried-out in the province of Romblon
held at Haliwood Inn, Odiongan,
Romblon. This was conducted last March 13-15, 2012 and attended by
thirty seven (37) participants.
Two Hundred Fifty One (251)
Farmer Leaders and
Agricultural Extension Workers
(AEW’s) were trained on the new
Program of Department of
Agriculture, the Community
Seed Banking
Palawan Isaub, Aborlan, Palawan
Cooperator : Isaub Vegetable Growers Association
Cabigaan, Aborlan, Palawan
Cooperator : OISCA
Malinao, Narra, Palawan
Cooprator : CAR-GUM Young Farmers Asso.
Pulot Center, S. Espanola, Palawan
Cooperator : S. Espanola Vegetable Growers Asso.
Iraan, Rizal, Palawan
Cooperator : Fernando Franco
Caruray, San Vicente, Palawan
Cooperator : Caruray Vegetable Growers Asso.
Busuanga, Palawan
Cooperator : PADALU
Igang,Taytay, Palawan Cooperator : To be identified
Danleg, Dumaran, Palawan
Cooperator : Helen Geriane
RAC-Rizal, Palawan
Cooperator : Vegetable Growers Association
Occidental Mindoro Brgy. Bubog, San Jose
Cooperator - Luis La Torre
Crops/Project - Organjic Rice, Vegetables, Organic
Baboy, Vermiculture, FFS
Bagong Silang, San Jose
Cooperator - Reynaldo Villareal (Magsasakang
Makakalikasan) Crops/Project - Vegetables in greenhouse (pechay,
Ampalaya, cabbage, etcVermiculture,
Organic Baboy, Oganic Spray, FFS
Bgy. San Carlos, San Jose
Cooperator - Fe Concil (member FFF)
Crops/Project - Organic Rice, Organic Baboy,
Organic Vegetables, Organic,
Chicken, Vermiculture
Oriental Mindoro Pinagsabangan I, Naujan
Cooperator - Dewey Albufera Crops/Project - Organic Rice, Organic Baboy,
Vermiculture
Dao, Naujan
Cooperator - Edgar Lalyo Crops/Project - Organic Rice, Organic Baboy,
Vermiculture
Learning Sites for Organic Farming
participants of CSB trainings from
MIMAROPA provinces
ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012) Page 5 Page 8 ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012)
M arch 20, 2012 - Secretary Proceso J.
Alcala visited the
p r o v i n c e o f
Occidental Mindoro. With him are RED Santiago, ASec de Luna, Dir.
Efren Nuestro of BAI, and Dir.
Alejar of OSEC. Entourage includes
R F U I V - B
Operations staff headed by Dr. Vinas
and Tony Gonzalez;
NIA headed by
Engr. Rey Calusin, Dr. Manuel Asis of
BFAR, Atty Efren
Jabong of NFA, BAS, ATI, BSWM,
PhilRice, PCI and
PhilMec. Secretary’s itinerary
include Sablayan
Penal Colony meet-
ing, Calintaan FFS Mass graduation,
inauguration of
Hanger Type drier in Magsaysay, NFA Warehouse blessings and Press
Conference at San Jose.
Sablayan Penal Colony
The forum was also attended by the
municipal mayors of Sablayan and A b r a d e I l o g i n c l u d i n g
representatives from the Municipal
Agriculture Office; General Fajardo
of Bureau of
C o r r e c t i o n s ,
B a r a n g a y C a p t a i n s o f
Sablayan, Cooperatives, Federation
of Irrigators Association, RICs, Rice Millers, 4H club, PAFC,
MAFCs and SB members. He
announced the start of the construction of the Penal Colony
irrigation system, awarding of rice
harvester, tractors, and other
projects and awards. Attendance is about 500 people. Secretary
Alcala announced that he will intensify r ice production in
Occidental Mindoro by providing
more irrigation facilities, an
expansion area for corn production, and will promote coffee production.
FFS Mass Graduation at Calintaan
Aside from the Secretary’s
entourage, this was also attended by the municipal mayors of Calintaan
a n d R i z a l , a t t e n d a n c e i s
approximately 200 people. Secretary Alcala had committed three (3) BS
Agriculture Scholarships each for the
municipal mayors of Calintaan and
Rizal. However, he did not elaborate on where to charge it.
Inauguration of hanger drier at
Magsaysay
Congresswoman Villarosa, and the
municipal mayors of Magsaysay & San Jose; and some of their
DA-Sec. Procy J. Alcala Visits
Occidental Mindoro
Sanggu nian Memb er s and Barangay Captains, MAGRO
officers and members of the
Municipal Agriculture Offices are
also present. The constructed drier is a two storey open building
encircled with hog wire where the
harvested onions and garlic of the
c o o p e r a t i v e
members will be s tor ed wh en
prices are low.
Once more, the Secretary stressed
t h a t M a n g o
P r o d u c t i o n , Coffee
Production and
Onion J u ic e Extraction will be
promot ed in
O c c i d e n t a l
Mindoro. He a s s u r ed t h e
M a g s a y s a y
farmers during the open forum that Organic Agriculture/ICS Phase 2
will be implemented immediately
as per their request.
Press Conference
During the dialogue with the press people, Sec Alcala mentioned that
he will call ATI to include in their
rice training the p r o mot i o n of
transplanted rice to
reduce cost of
seeds in addition to increased
production.
Reaction/Recommendation
Inclusion of the topic on the advantages of transplanted rice
will be carried out to all rice
related training activities not only
in Occidental Mindoro but in the whole region.
Sec Alcala mentioned that he will call ATI to include in their rice
training the promotion of transplanted rice to reduce cost of
seeds in addition to increased production.
I n consonance with the previously
conducted Farmers LED extension
seminar and planning workshop on
crop selection for the set-up of or-
ganic farm production modules in Oriental Mindoro, a Business Planning
Workshop was conducted from April 10-
11, 2012 at the Agricultural Training
Institute-Regional Training Center-IVB,
Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Fourteen identified learning sites from the
different municipalities of Oriental
Mindoro were presented to and criticized
by the representatives from the Agricul-
tural Training Center-IV-B. The said
workshop aimed to make the participants
be more familiarized and acquainted with
their proposed learning sites in terms of
its entrepreneurial aspect .
This activity will be followed by the
set-up of the learning sites from the
different municipalities of the province which will be facilitated and monitored by
the Center.
(JGDarm)
Business Planning
Workshop for the
Set-Up of Organic
Farm Production
Modules R omblon - ATI MIMA-
ROPA held a three (3) day
training on Organic Pro-
duction Technology for 41
farmer leaders and AEWs at San Andres, Romblon last February 29-
March 2, 2012.
The training was graced with OIC
Mayor, Provincial Agriculturist
G e i s h l e r F a d r i , M u n i c i p a l
Agriculturist Dario Gacu and the
Privincial Manager of Philippine
Coconut Authority. They explained
the status of organic farming in the
province and specifically in the
municipality of San Andres, Romblon.
The training topics as designed were
discussed by the speakers from
PhilAgrivest Farm, and the Municipal
Agriculturist of Naujan, Oriental
Mindoro. The participants joined the
discussions and their shared experi-
ences. With much satisfaction of the
new learnings they’ve gained, almost
all of the participants said that they
will really apply what they have learned from the training to their
respective farms. (MCatle)
Farmer Leaders &
AEWs Goes Organic
Production
MA & AEWs attend
training on Organic
Agriculture
O r g a n i c a g r i c u l t u r e
originated as a response to
a growing awareness that
the health of the land is
linked to the health and future of the people. I t i s a holist ic and
ph i l osoph i cal a ppr oa ch t o a
sustainable agriculture, with goals
including the protect ion and
conservation of the land for future
generations, the production of
high-quality food, the return to many
traditional agricultural methods, and
the harmonious balance of our
ecosystem.
As such, the government from national to local levels must promote organic
farming throughout the country.
ATI-RTC IV-B, through its extension
services, conducted a 3-day live-in
Training Course on Organic Agriculture
for the Municipal Agriculturists and
Agricultural Officers on May 22-24,
2012 at ATI compound, Barcenaga,
Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
A total of 17 participants composed of
12 City/Municipal Agriculturists and
Agr i cu l t u r a l Offi cer s , a n d 5
Agricultural Technologists from the
province of Oriental and Occidental
Mindoro, Romblon and Marinduque
attended the said event. Tapped
Resource Persons were Mrs. Elizabeth
delos Santos from PAgO-Soils, Ms.
Violeta Malicsi Chairwoman of
MESAFED, and Mrs. Pamela Henares of Buro-Buro Farms in Bacolod.
Included in the lecture were the topics
Nature Farming System, 7 Dimensions
o f S u s t a i n a b l e A g r i c u l t u r e ,
Vermicomposting, Homeopathy, Health and Wellness. Workshops and group
activities were also done for active
participation. Also part of the OA
module is field visit to organic sites
such as the SALIKA plantation of
carbonized rice hull in Canubing,
Calapan City, MOFA learning site in
Also, Barcenaga, Naujan and to Mr.
Jonjon Sarmiento’s organic farm in San
Narciso, Victoria.
The School-On-the-Air , another
extension program of the Center was
explained by the Focal Person of
E-extension Services Ms. Graciel
Gacutan on the last day of the training.
“The most productive training I’ve ever
attended”, impression given by MAO
Yolanda Mendoza of San Teodoro.
Despite the few numbers of attendees,
the whole training proves to be a
success.
(JAEguilos)
Participants of the training
Provincial Agriculturist Nilo Dimailig
inspired the participants
participants of the training
NEWSBITS
Thirty-six Socorro farmers gath-
ered at the covered court of Brgy.
Happy Valley, Socorro, Oriental
Mindoro last May 10, 2012 to par-ticipate in the “Training on Coffee
Propagation” spearheaded by ATI
-MIMAROPA. The said activity aims to develop the knowledge,
skills and capabilities of Socorro
farmers on coffee propagation.
Ms. Vicky Fortu of ORMAES
(Oriental Mindoro Agricultural
Experiment Station) and Mr. Sa-bino M. Palisoc, Consultant of
ATI-RTC-IVB served as the Re-
source Speaker of the said train-ing.
The activity was graced by the presence of Hon. Nico P. Valencia
and ATI-RTC-IVB OIC-Center
Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos
who gave their inspirational mes-sages. Indeed, another productive
training for the Center.
Training on Coffee
Propagation expanded in
Socorro ATI-RTC IV-B conducted “TOT on Mango Production Technology” at
Haliwood Hotel & Restaurant, Odion-
gan, Romblon. 33 participants com-posed of Agricultural Workers and
ATI Staff attended the said training.
Mr. Eugene Fondevilla who served as
resource person discussed overview
of mango production and climate
change, strategies on mango tree adaptation on climate change,
integrated pest management (IPM) on
mango and the steps on hot water treatment. Actual demonstration on
mango propagation using multiple
rootstock technology was also part of the activity. Budded mangoes were
donated to the Provincial Nursery.
Organic Trainings
January to June 2012 - A total of 19 organic trainings including Internal
Control System (ICS) Installation
were conducted by the organic agri-
culture section headed by the Focal Person/Project Officer Mr. Ruben P.
Jugno.
Total of Two Hundred Fifty One
(251) Farmer Leaders and Ag-
ricultural Extension Workers
(AEW’s) were trained on the new
Program of the Department of Agriculture, the Community Seed
Banking wherein the main objective
was tor the farmer themselves to pro-
duce their own quality seeds to be
planted in their rice fields.
Resource Speakers were competent
Technicians from Provincial
From page 4
8 Batches of Training ...
Jonjon Bandoy Sarmiento
THE UNTOLD STORY
A lways with a smile flashed on his face, Mr. Jonjon Carlos Bandoy
Sarmiento welcomes his guests and friends to his HUMBLE place with
a BIG HEART.
When you go into his place, you will be amazed on what is inside. He has an integrated farming
system surrounding his place. His land is planted with different fruit trees which gives
shade to his modest home. He also has flowering plants around which gives the area a
cool and enjoyable place to see. Also, he sur-rounds his place with medicinal plants of vari-
ous types.
Moreover, Mr. Sarmiento nurtures not only plants but animals as well. He has free-range
chickens and organic pigs. He also ventures into vermicomposting and makes his own juices
such as FFJ, FPJ, OHN and the like to serve as vitamins and antibiotics for his livestock.
All of these are manifestations of his passion
for ORGANIC FARMING. Because of this passion, he attended various trainings,
seminars, workshops and conferences promoting the natural way of farming. From
these trainings, seminars, workshops and conferences he attended, he was able to deepen
his knowledge on organic agriculture and apply it to his integrated farm system. With the posi-
tive outcome of the application of his learnings not only on his integrated farm system but also
on his way of living, the higher institutions saw potential in him.
Now, he is not just a listener but a speaker as
well. He was sent to various trainings on organic farming in the local and international
level. He has been a partner of the Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural
Training Institute in sharing his knowledge, skills and experiences as he ventures into
organic farming.
If before, he was only known in the regional level, today he is known in the national level
with a strong passion for organic agriculture.
He has been receiving invitations nationwide to serve as speaker and share his love and
dedication on organic agriculture.
Mr. JonJon Carlos Bandoy Sarmiento is truly a PRIDE of San Narciso, Victoria, Oriental
Mindoro.
(JGDarm)
ANSALAY, Oriental Min-
doro - Last May 23, 2012,
a total of 24 farmers and technicians graduated in the Farmer-
Scientist RDE Training Program
(FSTP) in a Corn-Based Production
System for Sustainable Agricultural
Development Phase II with the theme
“Empowering Farmers for Socio-
Economic Progress” held at
Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.
The FSTP was conducted through the
initiative of Mr. Romulo Davide,
FSTP Program leader from Los
Baños, Laguna. The said project aims to give small farmers direct training contact
with agricultural experts and scientists to
develop their technical and scientific
capabilities in growing corn and other
crops utilizing appropriate farming
technologies. It also aims to strengthen
the teaching, research and extension
capabilities of local government units,
(LGUs) and state college and universities
(SUCs) so that they can render better
services in their areas of responsibility.
The training program entails three phases. Phase I involves the
experimental trial on corn wherein
participants apply 8 treatments with 2
replications.
FSTP Phase II culminated,
Phase III commenced
Page 6 ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012)
TOT on Mango Production
ATI MIMAROPA’s SANDIGAN (1st Semester 2012) Page 7
Phase II on the other hand is about
the on-farm demonstration of corn
among the farms of the
participants. Phase III is about the
adopt-a-barangay technology transfer or the application part of
the training program wherein the
participants of Phase I and II share
what they have learned from the
previous trainings among their
communities. Then, the cycle goes on.
Since the participants were
able to finish the two phases
already, Phase III was then
launched right after the
graduation rites. The
ceremony was graced with
the presence and inspirational
messages fromATI-RTC-IVB
OIC-CD Pat Andrew B.
Barrientos,Mr. Romulo
Davide and Mr.Reynalo
Comia both from Los Baños,
Mr.Nemesio Davalos
from MinSCAT, Ms.
Rachelle Montero from
DOST-IVB, Mr. Noel
Dacles, Adminstrative
Officer, Mr. Roger Ayap, SB
representative, and MAO
Rolando Tria from the
municipality of Mansalay,
Oriental Mindoro.
(JGDarm)
Corn husk products
FSTP Phase II….
From page 6
Agriculture Offices of MIMAROPA
provinces and technicians from Local
Government Unit of Victoria,
Oriental Mindoro, San Jose,
Occidental Mindoro, City Agriculture Office of Calapan City
and from ATI-RTC IVB.
These series of trainings were headed
by Pat Andrew B. Barrientos,
ATI, Center Director, Norberto C.
Maur as Project Officer/Resource
Speaker, Mary Ann C. Magnad and
Richard Templo as Technical and
Administrative Supports.
(MCMagnad)
FSTP pictures
Graduates of FSTP Phase II
page 7