AT LEAST 29 marginalized farmers graduated from the Farmers’ Field School (FFS) in Kabankalan City recently.
Observing the guidelines and protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases and the provincial government of Negros Occidental, the 16-week intensive training program on organic agriculture was held at the main campus of the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
The farmer-participants coming from the sitios of Nabung-an 1 and 2, Tamut, and Matanguilon in Barangay Camingawan hurdled the rigid lectures and hands-on activities on organic farming practices and agri-related technologies.
The program is expected to enhance the capabilities of the farmers regarding diversified organic production of fruits and vegetables, such as string beans, okra, squash, bitter gourd, cucumber, watermelon, corn, and monggo beans, including guidelines for marketing their produce.
CPSU President Dr. Aladino “Nonoy” Moraca says the primary goal of the training is to uplift the economic conditions of the farmers in their respective communities, as well as address concerns on food security, and sustainability of the farmers by adopting organic farming practices.
The Farmers’ Field School was realized through the corroborative efforts of the CPSU, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Negros Occidental, the City Agriculture Office of Kabankalan, Barangay Camingawan officials, and RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation (RUFMSC).
The simple graduation ceremony was graced by Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco, Jr., RUFMSC Chairman of the Board Ramon Uy Sr., Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino, City Agriculturist Ricky Muscosa, Camingawan Barangay Chairman Rico Regalia, Provincial Environment Management Office officials, representatives from the Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, including deans, directors, and faculty of the CPSU.
In his speech, Masculino said the training program is very timely, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic where shortage of food has been a threat to every Negrense, emphasizing that this undertaking will help ensure food security for the farmers and their families, as well as for the marginalized sector.
“Kung may pagkaon, wala gutom. Kung wala gutom, maayo ang panginabuhi,” he said, stressing that this project is part of the 7-Point Agenda of ABANTE NEGRENSE of the provincial government.
Moraca says this activity is a vital factor in achieving the objective of the CPSU, as well as the provincial government, for sharing knowledge and practical technologies on organic farming, including the significant contribution of organic agriculture in terms of protecting the environment.
Aside from the training modules, the CPSU is expected to provide support in terms of familiarization and training on farm machinery and equipment, and other related technologies in an effort to strengthen the productivity and competitiveness of the agriculture sector in Kabankalan, and the province of Negros Occidental as a whole.
Following the ceremony, Camingawan Organic Upland Farmers’ Association chairman Marcelo Pisga, Jr. expressed the group’s appreciation and gratitude to the provincial and city government, RUFMSC, barangay council, and especially the CPSU for the realization of the training program.
“Sir Nonoy, palangga ka gid namon,” Pisga emotionally said./PN
