SEASON-LONG FARMERS FIELD SCHOOL ON VEGETABLES COMPLETED BY FARMERS IN SITIO DIAMANTE

FFS on Vegetables Graduation Ceremony

The Farmers Field School (FFS) graduation ceremony commenced inside Barangay Dalirig's Covered Court, with 24 farmers from Sitio Diamante, comprising 9 females and 15 males, completing the season-long training program on October 13, 2023. The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) organized the program, headed by Municipal Agriculturist Gemma Cania.

The FFS is an initiative of the Local Government of Manolo Fortich through MAO in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 10. It aims to increase the knowledge and skills of farmers so that they can improve their livelihood through their best interest, which is farming. This initiative also aims for a sustainable agricultural system that can provide for the needs of the community. Additionally, the objective is to enable small-scale farmers to cultivate their own food, particularly in areas where access to supermarkets is limited.

The first sessions started in the first week of June, where MAO facilitated the sessions through Agricultural Technologist on High-Value Vegetables, Dionisio "Jun" M. Dela Cruz, who shared his expertise on vegetable production techniques such as land preparation, soil sampling, Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA), manual weeding, harvesting, and sorting of vegetables for the market. Sessions took place every Friday of the week, and for four months, Dela Cruz had to walk two kilometers to reach Panansalan, Diamante, where their sessions were held.

Dela Cruz said he chose the site because he observed and saw the potential of the place. The area benefits from ample water sources and fertile soil, providing suitable conditions for agriculture. Additionally, there is available land that can be utilized for gardening purposes. “Akong na obserbahan sa mga kanhing kinaraan natong pagpang-uma, mutanom lang ta, wala gali tay basis kung unsa ang atong e-apply nga abono. Diri sa atong FFS on Vegetables gitudluan ang mga mag-uuma gikan sa sinugdanan, kung unsa gyuy buhaton hangtod nga mag harvest na sila. Ug ang uban gali ga tudluan pa kung asa nila ipang market ang ilahang mga produkto,” Dela Cruz added.

Genita Abansado, a participant and the purok leader of Sitio Diamante, expressed her sincere gratitude to the LGU and to their lecturer for never missing a beat in imparting knowledge and technical skills to them. “Ako nagpasalamat ko kay niabot diri si Sir Jun Dela Cruz, gipadala ni Mayor Quiño, aron sa pagtudlo sa amo sa pagtanom sa among utanon. Daghan kog nabalo-an, kay ang yuta diay, ato diay mabal-an kung unsay atong e-abuno ana. Sa amoa sauna pataka lang mig abuno," stated Abansado. All 24 participants were able to gain valuable knowledge and skills, and the FFS had a significant impact on how they farmed. They were able to learn new scientific methods and technical skills that could improve the yield and quality of their crops.

In attendance, Vice Mayor Reynaldo Bagayas Jr. delivered an inspiring address and expressed his commendation to the farmers for successfully finishing the comprehensive FFS training program. “Matod pa ni Mayor Quiño, bisag unsaon og paningkamot mahimo tag usa sa most competitive sa Pilipinas, daghan gihapon kaayo og pobre sa atong lungsod. So niana gyud siya nga mangita gyud tag mga pamaagi nga ganahan ang tao, unsa nga mga pamaagi nga muusbong ang katawhan. Ang atong gusto lang gyud nga mu-angat ang atong panginabuhian.” stated Vice Mayor Bagayas.

Members of the Sanguniang Bayan, including Committee Chairperson for Agriculture Coun. Raquel Bayacag and Committee Chairperson for Farmers Coun. Elzevir Dagunlay were also present. They applauded the farmers and expressed their unwavering support for initiatives like the FFS that can help farmers improve their livelihood.

Completing the season-long Farmers Field School in Sitio Diamante is a significant achievement for both the farmers and the community. It has provided farmers with valuable knowledge and skills in agricultural techniques, specifically in vegetable gardening, from land preparation to harvesting and marketing.