By Rowena Cruz Tayabas City corn farmers showcase their skills in a harvest festival and competition on October 8, 2024, after completing a ...
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| Tayabas City corn farmers showcase their skills in a harvest festival and competition on October 8, 2024, after completing a Farmer Field School (FFS). (Photo from Tayabas City CICRO) |
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon – The Agricultural Training Institute-Calabarzon (ATI-Calabarzon) and the City Agriculture Office partnered to deliver a successful Farmer Field School (FFS) on corn production in Tayabas City. Seventy corn farmers from across Tayabas City celebrated their graduation from the season-long program with a harvest festival and skills competition on October 8, 2024.
The FFS equipped farmers with hands-on learning experiences to enhance their corn production practices. Launched on July 26, 2024, the training program saw participants divided into two groups to cultivate different corn varieties. Over ten weeks, the farmers gained practical experience in various aspects of corn production. They diligently monitored crop growth, implemented intercropping techniques with other crops, and experimented with different weed management, crop protection, and fertilizer strategies.
The culmination of their hard work was showcased at the harvest festival and skills competition on October 8th. Farmers harvested their corn yields and participated in a competitive assessment, demonstrating their mastery of improved corn production techniques. The event was attended by Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso, Provincial Corn Coordinator Anna Lorecyll Grinel, Corn Technician Roy Panopio, City Agricultural Technologist Rhea Agudilla, and other local officials and ATI-Calabarzon staff.
"This FFS has been an invaluable investment in our farmers and our city's food security," said Mayor Reynoso-Pontioso. "By learning about appropriate corn varieties, intercropping, and effective crop management techniques, our farmers are now empowered to increase their yields and contribute to a more bountiful harvest for Tayabas City."
The Mayor also praised the farmers' dedication, saying, "Seeing our farmers actively engaged in learning and applying new techniques is truly inspiring. Their commitment to improving their craft is vital to the growth and prosperity of our agricultural community."
The FFS graduates will receive their certificates of completion at a formal ceremony on November 8, 2024. This initiative highlights the commitment of both local government and agricultural agencies to supporting and enhancing the capabilities of corn farmers in Tayabas City.
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