CALBAYOG CITY- A total of 30 beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from the three village of this city are to undergo a farmers’ field school (FFS) season-long training on organic vegetable production. The training is to be participated from five 4Ps beneficiaries from Barangay Palanascara; 15 from Anislag and 10 from Lonoy. This is a joint undertaking of the city link and City Agriculture Office, and part of national government’s undertaking known as the “Agrikulturang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” or “AgriPinoy 4Ps” which, through local government units, aims to increase agricultural productivity and provide training, sustainable livelihood and short-term jobs to poor farm families in agricultural areas in the countryside. This AgriPinoy 4Ps will provide them with enough skills and livelihood activities through seedlings distribution and technology transfer that will make them self-reliant. Engr. Guillermo Calderon, assistant city agriculturist, said that this weekly FFS will include field activities, lectures and group dynamics.
He likewise mentioned special topics to be discussed in the entire duration of training which will include the importance of vegetable farming, production and consumption; nursery technology and management; soil sampling, seeding rate computation, land preparation and field layout; organic foliar fertilizer and pesticide; field management practices like transplanting, trellising and pruning; integrated nutrient management; and pest ecology identification and management.
In his talk with the 4Ps member-participants, Mayor Ronaldo Aquino thanked them for their attendance and further expressed high hopes that this will become their continuing program in coordination with their village officials for a desired productive and healthy barangays in the years to come. Mayor Aquino likewise urged the participants to contribute to the city’s progress, and shared his belief that as the city become economically progressive, the standard of living of every Calbayognon likewise changes for the better. (AIMEE A.CATALAN/PR)
