contents

about the cover

editorial board

news

feature

accomplishments | an infographic

Sacrificing his dream to become a pilot was not easy. However, Mr. Eulogio Cabiles had to so that his siblings can finish their respective degrees. Little did he know that he will still fly high, not through an airplane though, but through farming.

567 farmers in Nueva Ecija graduate from SOA

on Corn | Page 03

ATI-Central Luzon hosts Work Immersion Program for SHS Students | Page 04

CL FITS Centers aim for rice-self sufficiency | Page 05

CLAFEN-SICAP: Convergence projects for sustainable

development | Page 06

‘Pangkabuhayan para sa Kabataan’ helps Youth engage in OA Farming

| Page 07

Cacao Luzon Link Congress recognizes Cacao as Gold | Page 07

Editorial Consultants:Veronica Concepcion V. EsguerraMario A. Lapitan

Editor-in-Chief/Graphic Artist:Aeron P. Bermudez

Associate Editor:Eula Dee A. Lañada

Circulation:Marife D. Cariño

Contributors to this Issue:Shanemie Carelle O. Daquio | Dianne M. Lapuz | Marife D. Cariño | Jonalyn C. Paz | Jenina B. Cusay | Reinalyn C. Gulen |Zarah Jane R. Nazar

Photo Credits:Project Implementers

Central Luzon marches to secure PH agriculture | Page 10

ATI-Central Luzon, DA-RFO III launch KAMMP | Page 11

CL Farmers push for Safe Veggies Production | Page 11

CLAARRDEC, ATI-Central Luzon celebrate MS & FITS Day | Page 12

ATI strengthens partnership with DSWD, Gratia Plena | Page 12

ATI-CL, Villar SIPAG hold Seminar on GAHP for CL farmers | Page 13

Central Luzon AEWs Underscore Safe Vegetable Prod’n | Page 14

Reaping the Gold: A Corn Farmer’s Flight to Fortune | Page 08-09

ATI-Central Luzon Accomplishments 2nd Semester 2017 | Page 15

About BUSLO: Buslo symbolizes the preservation of bountiful harvest in Central Luzon being the rice granary and vegetable basket of

the Philippines. Like the humble vessel present in every Filipino, the publication aims to store and bring relevant and timely news to every

farmer, fisherfolk and extension workes in the region.

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feature

accomplishments | an infographic

A total of 567 corn farmers from Nueva Ecija graduated from the School-on-the-

Air (SOA) on Corn Production Technology ,a blended program with farmers’ class dubbed as ‘MAIS-Kwela! Gabay sa Maunlad na Pagsasaka’ on November 28, 2017 at the Nueva Ecija Convention Center, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III) implemented the activity, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Office III (DA-RFO III), and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Nueva Ecija.

The blended SOA uses radio to disseminate updated information to farmers in far-flung areas and in the convenience of their own homes. In addition, this training program aimed to enhance the capabilities of the participants on corn production.

The conduct of farmers’ class, a half-day seminar administered by the municipal corn coordinators, served as an innovation to the said program. This is to augment and strengthen the learnings of the participants by actual and practical applications.

Four (4) outstanding participants were given recognition and awards during the graduation. They are: (1) Marilyn Nival, from Sto. Domingo, district 1 topnotcher; (2) Luciano Idago Jr. from Lupao, district 2 topnotcher; (3) Eladio E. Melchor from Cabanatuan City, district 3 topnotcher, and (4) Angelica T. Vergara from Carranglan, who

Ms. Angelica T. Vergara from Carranglan (center) recieves her certificate and plaque of recognition as class valedictorian during the SOA graduation in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija

567 farmers in Nueva Ecija graduate from SOA on Corn

bagged the top award across the three districts and served as the class valedictorian.

Vergara expressed her gratitude for the program, “Maraming salamat po sa programang ito ng ATI. Sa tulong nito, nadagdagan ang aming kaalaman sa wastong pagmamaisan. Malaking bagay ang maiwasto ang mga maling ito nang sa gayon ay tumaas ang aming ani at makapag-dulot sa amin ng kaginhawahan.”

Moreover, Ms. Veronica Concepcion V. Esguerra, ATI-RTC III center director, encouraged the graduates to put into action the knowledge that they have learned through SOA. She assured everyone that ATI-RTC III will continuously bring timely programs to the farmers and extension workers in the region to equip them with enough knowledge that they can use in their farming and extension work.

Two (2) quizzes and one (1) text question were given every end of the session to measure the knowledge gained by the farmers in the SOA. In addition, ten (10) lucky texters were given special prizes during the graduation ceremony.

A total of 22 municipalities from districts 1, 2, and 3 of Nueva Ecija participated in the activity. These are: Aliaga; Talavera; Licab; Sto. Domingo; Nampicuan; Guimba; Zaragoza; Cuyapo; Quezon; Rizal; Pantabangan; San Jose City; Carranglan; Muñoz; Lupao; General Natividad; Cabanatuan City; Bongabon; Sta. Rosa; Palayan City; Laur, and Gabaldon.

The said activity was aired from September 22 to November 24, 2017 via DWNE from 6:00 to 7:00 in the morning. APBermudez

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ATI-Central Luzon hosts Work Immersion Program for SHS Students

The Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III)

hosted a Work Immersion Program for the grade 12 students of Jose C. Payumo Jr. Memorial High School. The immersion ran from December 4-15, 2017.

A total of 29 Senior High School (SHS) students were exposed and trained in three (3) learning sites of ATI-RTC III. Ten (10) students were trained in the ATI-RTC III Learning Site in Dinalupihan, Bataan while three (3) students were assigned in the administration section. Meanwhile, eight (8) students were assigned in Diaz Agri Farm located in Orani, Bataan, and another eight (8) were trained by Mr. Leoncio Banares, owner of Banares Farm Family in Orani, Bataan.

The Department of Education (DepEd) believes that for the effective delivery of SHS instruction, there is a need for school-industry partnerships that will provide the school necessary expertise and venue for practical, on-the-job, enterprise-based training for SHS learners.

An SHS student has to undergo work immersion in a business organization or establishment with work requirements related to the specialization. As an

agricultural agency, the ATI-RTC III was chosen as a host since the work immersion program is part of their course Organic Agriculture and Pest Management as well as one of their requirements for graduation. Through this, the students are exposed to and are familiarized with the work and environment related to their field of specialization.

During the flag ceremony, Ms. Veronica Concepcion V. Esguerra, center director of ATI-RTC III, welcomed the students, together with their teacher Ms. Rowena S. Dabu. “We are so glad that you have chosen our agency for your immersion program. I am looking forward to see that this program will give you an inspiration to pursue agriculture on your bachelor’s

degree,” said Esguerra.“Our farmers are aging and their average age today is 57 years old. We need you (students) to make our agriculture more productive and sustainable,” she added.

The objectives of the immersion program are to develop the knowledge and skills of the students that are relevant to the needs of the job market in the area; and to provide the students relevant learning experiences by giving them exposure to the actual workplace setting.

DepEd has introduced the K to 12 basic education reform programs that includes SHS, with the major objective of ensuring that the graduates of basic education are ready for employment, entrepreneurship and higher learning. DMLapuz

Students while preparing plot for their vegetable garden at the ATI Learning Site in Dinalupihan, Bataan

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CL FITS Centers aim for rice-self sufficiency

The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III (ATI-

RTC III), in collaboration with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), enhanced ten (10) Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers in Central Luzon in 2017.

Aiming to ensure sustainable productivity gains for poor farmers through cost-effective crop management practices, the enhanced FITS Centers were located in (1) Dingalan, Aurora; (2) Balanga City, Bataan; (3) Talavera, Nueva Ecija; (4) Sta. Maria, Bulacan; (5) San Rafael, Bulacan; (6) Apalit, Pampanga; (7) San Antonio, Zambales; (8) San Marcelino, Zambales; (9) Anao, Tarlac; and (10) San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. They received

Php70,000.00-worth of equipment in support to Rice Crop Manager (RCM) activities.

The FITS Centers provide information and link the farmers and various clients to experts and service providers to improve agricultural production.

With their enhancement, they will institutionalize RCM deployment as one of their services.

In addition, they will provide the RCM printed recommendations to the farmers immediately after interview or field deployment.

A minimum of 100 recommendations per season is expected to be generated per FITS Center.

RCM, according to IRRI, is a decision-making tool accessible

through the web browser on computers and smartphones. Extension workers, service providers and crop advisors can use this to interview a farmer and provide pieces of advice to him/her.

In addition, one of its goals is to increase the income of a farmer by around Php4667.50 or USD 100 per hectare per crop.

RCM is a major component of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program under the Philippine Development Plan.

For next year, a total of 28 FITS Centers (12 under RCM; 16 under the Tier 2 Program) will be enhanced. EDLañada

FITS Talavera (Left) and FITS FITS San Antonio (Right) receive the ICT equipment for their centers in support to RCM activities of their respective municipalities

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CLAFEN-SICAP: Convergence projects for sustainable development

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), family farming is the

predominant form of agriculture both in developed and developing countries. There are over 500 million family farms in the world. In addition, family farmers are embedded in territorial networks and local cultures, and spend their incomes mostly within local and regional markets, generating many agricultural and non-agricultural jobs. The need to constantly equip them is vital for sustainable rural development.

With this, the Central Luzon Agriculture and Fishery Extension Network (CLAFEN) initiated the CLAFEN - Stakeholders Intervention towards Community Action Projects (SICAP). The three-year projects follow the farm family approach that aim to uplift the lives of household beneficiaries and their families through provision of necessary capability building activities and post-training support by collaborating agencies.

The criteria for the selection of the area and community are the following: (1) Has Local Government Unit (LGU) support to the project; (2) Organized group or willing to be organized and; (3) Community engagement - the community is willing to be partners and implementers of the project.

In Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, 20 households were trained on: (1) Goat Production and Value Addition; (2) Container Gardening focused on Organic Practices; (3) Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; and (4) Experienced-based Training on Integrated Farm.

The project is being implemented by ATI-RTC III, in collaboration with Central Luzon State University (CLSU),

Provincial Veterinary of Nueva Ecija, and Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija.

CLSU has committed to conduct capability development and distribute two (2) bucks to the community. Meanwhile, the MLGU pledged to provide housing for the goats. Furthermore, Provincial Veterinary of Nueva Ecija committed to give two (2) bucks and add more depending on the need of the project.

For the project in Dingalan, Aurora, 25 households were the target beneficiaries. Interventions include (1) cacao production and processing; (2) nursery establishment; (3) organic vegetable farming; (4) awareness on climate change for the children; (5) enterprise development for the women; and (6) Training on Climate Smart Agriculture cum Farm Business School.

Furthermore, ATI-RTC III distributed agricultural inputs such as garden tools, assorted vegetable seeds, African Night Crawlers (ANC) and organic

fertilizer to the 25 household families on August 31, 2017. In collaboration with the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Dingalan and Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), the project was made possible. ASCOT and MLGU Dingalan committed in capability development of the community.All the interventions to the two projects were guided by the following: need-based; result-based; convergence of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) programs; and sustainability.

The implementation of the projects were guided by various strategies such as the conduct of focus group discussions (FGDs), social preparation activities, capability development, and building linkages and constructing intensive communication between the public and private agencies/institution/local government units.

ATI will continue its assistance to the people through training and other extension activities and envisions that these opportunities will be of great help in transforming the community and bringing about change. SCODaquio

ATI-RTC III with Dir Luz A. Taposok (3rd from the left) distribute farm tools to benefeciaries of the convergence program

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‘Pangkabuhayan para sa Kabataan’ helps Youth engage in OA Farming

Under the Youth Empowerment through a Sustainable (YES) Program of ATI-RTC III, the

Academic and Technology Integration Education Program (ATI-EP) dubbed as ‘Pangkabuhayan para sa Kabataan’ was implemented. The ATI-EP is in support to the DepEd Alternative Learning System (ALS) of Nueva Ecija headed by Ms. Robertita M. Fernando, Division Supervisor.

The participants, who came from Guimba, Talugtog, Cuyapo, Sto. Domingo, and Bongabon in Nueva Ecija, are twelve (12) young farmers who passed the ALS secondary assessment.

The program has the following components: (a) Needs-based Ladderized Training Program; (b) Practical Sessions/ On-the-Job Training to ATI-certified learning sites; (c) Acquisition of National Competency II from TESDA; and (d) Project Implementation.

The Need-based Ladderized Training Program was conducted in Gratia

Plena Social Action Center, which is an extension service provider (ESP) of ATI-RTC III in Talavera, Nueva Ecija. The activities were as follows: (a) Training on Organic Vegetable Production on September 19-21, 2017; (b) Training on Livestock and Poultry Production on September 25-27, 2017; and (c) Training on Food Processing and Project Proposal Development on October 10-12, 2017.

Mr. Samson Gines, Gratia Plena Chief of Operations, facilitated the practical session on October 16-27, 2017 in the same venue.

The 3rd component is the acquisition of National Competency II on Organic Agriculture. The review and assessment was conducted in Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) in Magalang, Pampanga on December 3-5, 2017.

Immediately after the practical session, the participants will start the project implementation (4th component). In this component, the participants will be provided with the initial project inputs amounting to Php20,000.00 for the 1st tranche. MDCariño

Dubbed as the tree of love and food of the Gods, the importance of cacao in

Luzon was recognized through the Cacao Luzon Link Congress held on November 16-17, 2017 in Kingsborough International Convention Center, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

The ATI-Central Luzon, together with 24 cacao growers from Baler and Dingalan, Aurora, joined the congress with the theme, “Linking Industry and

Stakeholders for Inclusive Agribusiness Development – Cacao is Gold.”

The event aimed to gather all cacao industry stakeholders to establish stronger linkages and to promote the sustainable and inclusive growth in Luzon. Hon. Mayor Edwin D. Santiago, City of San Fernando, Pampanga opened the event with a welcome message.

The highlight of the 1st day was the discussion on Cacao Production

Agronomy and Plant Nutrition by Mr. Valente Turtur, Chairperson of the Philippine Cacao Industry Council. On the 2nd day, the highlight was the Tableya and Chocolate Processing which was discussed and facilitated by Ms. Kelly Go of Filipinas Oro de Cacao.

Mr. Valente Turtur, President of the Philippine Cacao Industry Council, quipped, “The cacao market is growing. We are confident that the production of cacao is a good

Cacao Luzon Link Congress recognizes Cacao as Gold

continued on page 10...

Young farmer-scholars during hands-on activity as part of the ATI-EP project in Gratia Plena Action Center, Talavera, Nueva Ecija

FEATURE

His dream was to become a pilot. However, he sacrificed his dream so that his siblings can finish their

respective degrees and their family’s livelihood can be sustained. Little did he know that he will still fly high, not through an airplane though, but through farming.

Mr. Eulogio Cabiles, a corn farmer from San Manuel, Tarlac, knew farming since

he was a little kid. He lived and breathed through it. Even

when he was building his own family, he still gets

income from farming to raise his family.

Diligence leads to fortune

With all of his experience in farming, from struggle to success, he claims that he is beyond blessed. Cabiles said that he was able to acquire a piece of land of 1 ½ ha. He was also able to build a home for his family. In addition, he can now buy materials and equipment to be used in their house. Moreover, he was able to send his children to school.

He is now harvesting 150-180 cavans from his previous 90 cavans of produce. He owes it all to the knowledge and experiences in corn farming.

However, getting to where he is right now was not easy.

Turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones

Cabiles admitted that there are problems that he encountered in corn farming. One of these is lack of capital. Another is he is accustomed to doing the conventional way of farming.

Through a training on Training of Trainers (TOT) on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on Corn, which was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), he adapted the right method of farming. He learned the proper way of selecting seeds, proper application of fertilizer, proper distance of one crop to another, proper water management, and the most important one as he emphasized, record keeping.

Cabiles quipped that before, the pesticides used in his farm were placed anywhere. However, because of the training, he makes sure to place it in a safe place, away from the restless hands and eyes of the children. Likewise, it is now placed away from the by-products or harvests to avoid contamination.

Moreover, the corn farmer narrated that his produce should be placed in a right spot to avoid spoilage and contamination. He maintains his farm clean to keep the rats away.

One door leads to another

Through GAP, he learned the proper way of farming to avoid contamination of products, to keep the environment healthy, and to consider the safety of the farm workers or laborers. It paved way for his triumph of getting the GAWAD SAKA Award in 2014.

Being GAP-certified and receiving the GAWAD SAKA award opened a door to another blessing, to be

accredited as a learning site. His farm is visited by a number of people daily from various places. The visitors want to learn new technologies on corn farming, especially the zero tillage technology.

With the influx of blessings, Cabiles believed that this is a big help also to other farmers. He vowed to help his fellow farmers and teach what he learned from years of experience.

Not just his farm benefitted from all of the trainings he attended, but also his personality. He was introvert then. Today, he can now interact with other people and this helped build his confidence.

Cabiles stressed that the status of their life improved through the help of corn farming. “Ang pinakaimportante ay ang makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka,” shared Cabiles when asked what is the most important thing he learned through all of these.

The secrets to success

When asked what he can say to other farmers who look up to him and who aspires to be like him, Cabiles shared three (3) points.

First, he quipped the importance of hard work. “Maniwala kayo na walang masipag na hindi nagugutom at walang masipag na hindi umuunlad [Believe me that there are no industrious people that do not get hungry and there are no hardworking people who do not become successful],” he added.

Second, he stressed the significance in believing in one’s self. Cabiles emphasized, “Kung hindi ka maniniwala sa sarili mo, sino pa ang maniniwala sayo? Kaya dapat maniwala ka sa sarili mo na kaya mong gawin ang lahat at walang imposible [If you won’t believe in yourself, then who will? You should believe in yourself that you can do everything and that nothing is impossible].”

Lastly, he emphasized to love what you want in life. “Ako, minahal ko ang pagsasaka, kaya minamahal din ako ng pagsasaka [I love farming that’s why farming loves me back.],” Cabiles said. He claimed that he is successful because of his love for farming.

If the destination of the flight in farming is fortune, flying through farming is not bad at all. Failing to become a pilot was a blessing in disguise because it led him to the love of his life – farming. He owes all his success to it. Thinking positive, he claims that he is still a pilot – in his own life and on his own farm.

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alternative crop for our farmers and business persons in your region as a source of a sustainable and inclusive livelihood for your people.”

The congress was hosted and organized by the Region 3 Cacao Industry Council chaired by the

Recognizing the capacity of the succeeding generation in forging a better country,

the Office of Sen. Grace Poe, in collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III) conducted the Binhi ng Pag-asa Program for the young Filipino farmers in selected provinces in Region 3.

More than 2500 young farmers from Bulacan, Pampanga, and Zambales participated in the program. Lectures and workshops on RA 10068, vermi-composting, nursery management, organic concoctions, harvest and post-harvest handling, as well as leadership and values were provided by organic agriculture practitioners and experts from the Provincial Agricultural Offices of the aforementioned districts. The training ran from August to December 2017.

Though the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recorded a 2.32% increase in the agricultural production as of the third quarter of 2017, this may not be sustainable in the long run. Binhi ng Pag-asa chiefly aims to combat this possibility.

“The program recognizes the capacity of the next generation to decisively mold the country’s course of development through agriculture,” Jason Nidua, Regional Project Management Officer (RPMO) of Zambales, said in an interview. “By providing trainings and starter kits to the participants, we aim to equip them with sufficient knowledge, competence and skills needed to address this problem. We also hope to empower them in the process.”

Aside from participatory lectures and discussions, the aforementioned offices have also provided the participants with inputs to help them

Central Luzon marches to secure PH agriculture

realize their potentials. These include vermibed construction materials, farm tools, organic fertilizers, as well as assorted seeds for their organic vegetable production project.

“The Binhi ng Pag-asa project aims to improve the state of the Philippine agriculture and prevent any threat to food security by encouraging the next generation to engage in farming,” Nidua added.

To date, the participants have already constructed their vermibed and began the preparation of their project sites. JCPaz

Participants while preparing concoctions as part of their hands-on activity

Kapampangan Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI), together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 3 and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3, the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PAMCHAM) and the Alyansa Agrikultura.

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Famous as an ingredient for chocolates, today, cacao is now often applied in food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. ZJRNazar

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ATI-Central Luzon, DA-RFO III launch KAMMP

The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC III), in collaboration

with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III, through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), launched the Kapatid Agri Mentor Me Program (KAMMP) on October 18-20, 2017 at Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).

The activity aimed to equip agri-preneurs and farmers with the proper production techniques, mindset and values, practical knowledge and strategies, and consultation services to foster successful and sustainable agri-enterprises.

Ms. Veronica Concepcion Esguerra, ATI- RTC III center director, encouraged the participants to take the opportunity to learn the proper way of doing agribusiness. “The projects should be given to the LGUs, MLGUs down to the barangays in order for the people to benefit from the government and to have a strong rural economy,” she said.

The ATI-RTC III is already helping the farmers to engage in agri-business

through the Learning Sites and Schools for Practical Agriculture.

Also present in the event are the representatives from Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), a non-stock, non-profit organization that advocates for a change in mind-set and attitude of the people who wants to engage in business through their Go Negosyo program.

“Go Negosyo does not endorse a particular kind of business or franchise. Instead, we provide links to our partner

entrepreneurs’ businesses, to business opportunities, to entrepreneurship-related training programs, and to funding sources. Hoping to generate competitive Filipino entrepreneurs, we seek to be the institution that brings together all key stakeholders and enablers of different entrepreneurship programs,” said Jas Nito, Team Leader, PCE-Go Negosyo.

Another two (2) batches of agri-preneurs will be mentored in 2018, which will be funded by the ATI-RTC III, with DA and KAMMP. DMLapuz

On-going discussion during the conduct of the training at PCC, Science City of Muñoz, Nuev Ecija

CL Farmers push for Safe Veggies Production

The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III), in

collaboration with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of the concerned municipalities, implemented 16 batches of Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Vegetable Production in Central Luzon.

It was implemented in the municipalities of Dingalan, Dinalungan, and Dipaculao in Aurora; Marilao in Bulacan; Pantabangan,

San Jose City, Aliaga, Lupao, Cuyapo, Nampicuan, and Zaragoza in Nueva Ecija; Anao in Tarlac; Dinalupihan, and Bagac in Bataan; and Cabangan and Botolan in Zambales. The launching in these municipalities ran from September to December 2017.

“Labis po akong nagpapasalamat sa programa na ito lalo na po sa aming magsasaka dahil nabigyan po kami ng pagkakataon upang makapag-aral patungkol sa dekalidad na uri ng pagsasaka. Salamat po at kami

ay inyong tinuruan at ginagabayan sa larangan ng maunlad na pagsasaka at nararamdaman na po namin ang pag-unlad dahil sa tamang kaalaman sa pangangalaga sa aming mga pananim,” quipped Reynaldo M. Gonzales, a participant from Lupao, Nueva Ecija.

The FFS will run for 16 weeks. Approximately 400 farmers were trained on the different disciplines in growing vegetables. Some were trained on organic farming, while others on the use of synthetic fertilizers. RCGulen

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CLAARRDEC, ATI-Central Luzon celebrate MS & FITS Day

As part of the 1st Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research

and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC) Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA), the CLAARRDEC, together with the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III), celebrated the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) and Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Day on the second day of the week-long celebration.

With the theme “Central Luzon: Modernizing Agriculture for Prosperous Farming Communities,” the celebration recognized the technologies that were generated and commercialized by the different member agencies and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Central Luzon.

This enabled the agri-aqua sectors to raise productivity to world-class standards through product and technology exhibit. A total of 30 exhibitors participated in the occasion.

More importantly, the MS and FITS Day aimed to honor the efforts of

our partners in extending latest information and services to the farmers in their locality.

Ms. Joana A. Marzan of Black Cell Technology discussed about KROPS, an online marketplace of farm

Ms. Joana A. Marzan of Black Cell Technology while discussing the new application for agri-trading

The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III) signed a Memorandum

of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on October 11, 2017 at Otel Pampanga, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

The agreement was viewed as extending the network of Central Luzon Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network (CLAFEN) to DSWD in promoting skills training and services to marginalized communities.

Represented by their respective Regional Directors, Dir. Veronica Concepcion V. Esguerra of ATI-RTC III and Dir. Gemma Gabuya of DSWD, the agencies agreed to collaborate in all the interventions needed to capacitate the 4Ps beneficiaries through training

ATI strengthens partnership with DSWD, Gratia Plenaprograms related to agriculture, livestock and fisheries.

“I am truly honored with our partnership with ATI and CLAFEN in giving services to the people, kung pwede kahit simulan na natin bukas ang mga projects natin. Sa katunayan po ay ang daming pondo ng ating gobyerno, kailangan lang natin ay ang paraan kung paano maipararating ang mga programa na makakatulong sa mga nangangailangan,” said Dir. Gabuya of DSWD.

Ms. Veronica Concepcion V. Esguerra, ATI-RTC III Center Director, said that she is excited and looking forward to the upcoming projects and activities with DSWD. “We are more than eager to address the services to our clients and to help them in uplifting their skills and knowledge to lessen

the impact of poverty to their lives,” she added.

Also on that day, the Gratia Plena received their certificate prior to their accreditation in August 2017 as a private extension service provider (ESP) for Organic Agriculture (OA). With an established production of organic produce and commissioned on promoting organic agriculture, the church-based NGO attained all the criteria to be part of the organic agriculture community. Gratia Plena is the first private ESP in region 3.

“The Gratia Plena is grateful with the achievement that we had today, with our partnership with ATI, we are more capable to address our services, and help the community especially in our place to look on the brighter effects of organic farming” said Father Cesar C. Vergara, CEO/COO of Gratia Plena Social Action Center. JBCusay

continued on page 13...

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products, which will be useful in the marketing aspect of our farmers.

Meanwhile, Engr. Mario Antonio Aya-ay of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) discussed the Tech4ED project. They aim to establish Tech4ED Centers nationwide as a delivery channel for relevant ICT-enabled services and content for socio-economic development of underserved and

underserved communities towards improved quality of life.

In addition, successful FITS Centers in the region (Dingalan and City of Balanga) shared agri-based knowledge and techno-based services of their agency.

Moreover, ATI-RTC III awarded equipment to selected FITS centers in the region as part of the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) operations. This is

part of the efforts of ATI and other partner agencies in strengthening the FITS centers as depot of information on agriculture for farmers and fisherfolk.

A total of 100 MS, FITS Managers and staff, partner agencies, and students attended the event, which was held on September 27, 2017 in Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The CLAARRDEC Fiesta started on September 26, 2017 until September 29, 2017. EDLañada

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ATI-CL, Villar SIPAG hold Seminar on GAHP for CL farmers

The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon conducted a seminar on

Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture RFO III and Villar SIPAG Foundation. This event was held on November 20-21, 2017 in Otel Pampanga, Lazatin Blvd., San Fernando, Pampanga.

GAHP is a code that sets out the general principles of good practices and minimum requirements in the commercial or backyard farming of animals for food use.

In her opening message, Center Director, Ms. Veronica Esguerra, expressed “Since there was a recent outbreak of Bird Flu in the region we chose you in this seminar on GAHP in order for you to have basic knowledge on production practices that includes set of rules satisfying animal welfare standards and food safety.”

“I hope that this two-day seminar will give you basic knowledge on Good Animal Husbandry Practices and I encourage you to disseminate the information that you will learn

to your fellow farmers,” she added.

Dr. Eduardo Lapuz, Jr., chief of DA-Regulatory Division, encouraged the participants to practice GAHP because the topics on the two-day seminar are just theories and the real learning is the application of GAHP in their respective farms.

Esguerra closed the program with two points for the participants. “I want you to remember these two points First, the LUR, Learn, Unlearn and Relearn. Learn the

positive effects of GAHP, unlearn the wrong practices that you are doing on raising your poultries, livestock and other animals and lastly relearn what you have learned in this seminar. The second point is for you to a have reflection on what you have learned in this seminar and do something good about it,” she said.

Villar SIPAG is a non-stock, non-profit organization. It aims to support projects geared toward helping our less fortunate countrymen break free from the clutches of poverty. DMLapuz

Participants during the GAHP seminar held at Otel Pampanga

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Central Luzon AEWs Underscore Safe Vegetable Prod’n

Atotal of 25 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the provinces of Nueva

Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Aurora, Bulacan and Bataan took part in the Season-Long Training of Trainers (TOT) on Vegetable Production with NC III. The training ran from August 14, 2017 to December 6, 2017.

After 4 months of lectures, field work, immersions, and continuous learning, they graduated on December 6, 2017 in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

“We are grateful to ATI for choosing us to be the beneficiaries of this program,” quipped Ms. Esmenia Lulu, OIC-City Agriculturist of Palayan City, in her welcome message. She also assured that Palayan City will work together with the farmers in developing agriculture in the country.

Ms. Veronica Concepcion Esguerra, ATI-RTC III center director, said during the graduation ceremony that, “Education is a continuous process of learning new things and gaining more skills and knowledge.”

The training indeed helped the participants in gaining more skills and knowledge as agricultural extension workers. Mr. Eduardo Agustin, AEW of Dipaculao, Aurora said, “With the many things we have learned, we can say that we are real warriors who are not armed with a firearm or gun but we are equipped with the skills and knowledge we learned in this training.”

In addition, Ms. Ruth Castro, AEW of San Ildefonso, Bulacan, expressed that being a graduate of the training is both an opportunity and responsibility. “Opportunity because I was chosen to be one of the 25 participants, I learned a lot on this training from the speakers as well as to my fellow participants. Responsibility for the reason that I must do my tasks as an AEW in disseminating and encouraging the farmers to make sure that they will produce safe vegetables for the consumers,” said Castro.

“As much as we can, everything we had learned for 4 months will be shared to our fellow vegetable farmers,” quipped Mr. John Ortiz, a farmer from Doña Josefa, Palayan City. He assured ATI-RTC III that everything they learned from the 4-month training will never go to waste.

Four (4) outstanding participants were given recognition and awards

during the graduation ceremony. Ms. Jeanny de Guzman from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Nueva Ecija was proclaimed as Class Valedictorian, and was awarded as the Most Innovative. Meanwhile, Mr. Erano Marabe from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Abucay, Bataan was hailed as the Salutatorian and also Most innovative. The Best in Microteaching award was given to Ms. Joselle Dela Torre of LGU Baler, Aurora. Moreover, Ms. Gemalyn Desoloc of LGU- City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan was recognized as the Most Improved Trainee.

During the day, a total of 150 vegetable farmers also graduated from their Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Vegetable Production from 5 barangays in Palayan City. They were from Maligaya, Doña Josefa, Pulong Uway Marcos Village, Aulo and Singalat. The FFS, which ran for 16 weeks, was facilitated by the S-L TOT participants. DMLapuz

Participants who received special awards during the graduation ceremony of TOT on HVCDP at Palayan City, Nueva Ecija

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