LUNA, Apayao – In pursuance to the Department of Agriculture’s goal of achieving rice self-sufficiency amid the nation’s rapidly increasing population, the DA-CAR together with the DA-ATI CAR, Philrice, and BPI-NSQS CAR established a “University without Walls” for farmers in Luna, Apayao.
Through this intervention, a season-long training on hybrid rice seed accreditation, production, and certification for seed growers and seed inspectors of Apayao was undertaken.
This training program intensified hybrid rice seed production and utilization by enhancing the knowledge and skills of the farmers through lectures and hands-on training on the field.
The training course was concluded December 8, 2017 with 19 farmer seed growers who were assisted by 7 seed inspectors.
The graduates received their certificates in the presence Regional Executive Director for Cordillera Narciso Edillo, Municipal Mayor of Luna Hon. Josephine M. Bangsil, OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Dr. Danilo P. Daguio, Provincial Agriculturist Prudencio Bosing, Branch Manager of Philrice Isabela Engr. Leo C. Javier, and Ms. Myrna B. Sta. Maria TCS-1 of ATI-CAR.
During the graduation ceremonies, Mayor Josephine Bangsil expressed her gratitude for the establishment of the “University without Walls” in her town. She was glad that after being trained, the farmers will not have to go to Nueva Ecija, Isabela or Ilocos to buy hybrid rice seedlings. “The farmer graduates shall be able to continuously supply high quality seeds for the requirement of their fellow farmers in Apayao, and even other farmers in the region,” she said.
“Congratulations ti aggraduar. Salamat ta inyumay yo ti kastoy, director. In time, datayun to ti agilako,” she added.
By TNA
