BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR), in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), launched the Farmers Field School (FFS) on the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Abra on August 8-9, 2024.
This initiative is part of the Rice Program’s Scale-Up Project, aimed at improving rice production practices across the region. It also reflects the commitment of the agency to advancing sustainable agriculture in the Cordillera region by equipping farmers with modern, science-based farming techniques.
The activity was participated in by 50 farmers, with 25 from Calao, Bucay, and 25 from Nagtupacan, Lagangilang. During the launching, participants were oriented on the structure of the FFS, which will be implemented over a four-month period. The program includes weekly sessions lasting four hours, featuring both lectures and practical demonstrations focused on the Palay Check System and Agro-ecosystem Analysis.
Resource persons, comprising technical staff from the Municipal Agriculture’s Offices, provided guidance on data gathering methodologies for Palay Check System and AESA, which are essential components of the curriculum. The orientation also included instructions on the requirements for program completion and graduation.
It was facilitated by Angelica Akilith and Airen Bitayan of DA-CAR project staff and was attended by Jerry Batcagan of PhilRice and staff, Marinelle Trongco, Municipal Agriculturist of Lagangilang; Oscar Bragas, Supervising Agricultural Technician of Calao, Bucay; John Paul Gumtang, Supervising Agricultural Technician of Nagtupacan, Lagangilang and other staff of Lagangilang.
The FFS initiative will also be extended to Paracelis, Mountain Province, where a similar launching activity is scheduled for next week. By Leny D. Mendoza
