15TH BATCH OF FFS CORN PRODUCTION OFFICIALLY AWARDS ITS 27 GRADUATES

Farmer's Field School on Corn Production and Management

The Farmer’s Field School (FFS) Program of the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich, led by the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO), continues to develop the agricultural potential of the municipality. On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, it hosted the graduation ceremony for the 15th batch of Corn Production and Management graduates at the Barangay Lingion Covered Court, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

The 27 graduates of the FFS Corn Production and Management program completed a comprehensive 4-month training program that ran from July to October this year. Topics covered in the program included land preparation, corn plant anatomy and function, seed selection, pest identification, fertilizer computation, and more. Most graduates are already farmers aiming to deepen their knowledge of corn production and management.

During the ceremony, Committee Chairperson on Farmers, Coun. Elzevir A. Dagunlay, emphasized that the program can help address the competitiveness of corn production in the Philippines: “Sa atong nasud karon grabe ang kompetensya sa presyo sa mais. So, ang una nato buhaton is dapat matun-an nato na ma lessen ang cost of production ug mutaas ang atong production. Pinaagi sa inyong pagtuon ug sa inyong paghatag og panahon sa upat ka bulan, kini makatabang kanato sa pag increase sa atong mais.”

The program, conducted under the LGU of Manolo Fortich, was also made possible through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA ATI 10), which contributed funds to the 4-month training program. To support the graduates in continuing their practice, each received a sack of fertilizer, corn seedlings, insect repellent, and a manual on corn production.

Elma L. Dangop, a 62-year-old farmer from Barangay Lingion, shared how the training expanded her initial knowledge of corn farming: “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay natudloan ako sa pamaagi sa pagtanom og mais. Sa una nga panahon nga ga-uma pami, hinlo kaayo ang among uma pero wala kaayo mi abot. Igo ra mi mag pagaling, dili mi maka baligya, igo ra gyud sa pangkonsumo. So, karon nga naka eskwela nako sa Farmer’s Field School, nakasabot na gyud ko.”

Through the FFS, which cultivates the skills and knowledge of Manolo Fortich’s farmers, issues such as decreased crop production, crop management, and limited access to modern farming technologies are steadily being addressed. This initiative aligns with Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño's 10-Point Agenda, specifically the "Agricultural Support Services to Farmers."