DA BPI Guimaras N C R D P S C

𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓚𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓵𝓮𝓭𝓰𝓮, 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓼: 𝓣𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓛𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓢𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓥𝓮𝓰𝓮𝓽𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓜𝓾𝓼𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓸𝓶 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓭𝓾𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 🌱🧑‍🌾

From May 13-15, 2026, the Bureau of Plant Industry – Guimaras National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center successfully conducted a three-day capability-building training focused on sustainable lowland vegetable and mushroom production, urban and peri-urban agriculture, climate-smart farming technologies, and sustainable food systems.

The activity gathered agricultural trainers, farmer associations, individual farm owners, representatives from the Department of Education, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology from across Guimaras to strengthen technical knowledge, leadership skills, and practical competencies in sustainable agricultural production.

🌱 Day 1 featured inspiring discussions on urban and peri-urban agriculture, sustainable farming systems, and value-adding strategies for agricultural products. Mr. Eduardo T. Tresico, owner of the Dreamer’s Valley, shared his success story and practical experiences in sustainable agriculture and circular economy practices. This was followed by a presentation from Mr. Carl Vincent D. Gapasin, Program Head Coordinator of the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program, discussed the overview of Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture in the Philippines and shared valuable insights on sustainable food systems and community-based agricultural initiatives. Mr. Jieben Villarin, Market Specialist II of DA AMAD RFO 6, discussed strategies on maximizing the value of agricultural produce from harvest to market, emphasizing proper marketing, pricing, and value-adding techniques for vegetable products.

Day 2 focused on sustainable mushroom production, organic inputs, and climate-resilient technologies. Mr. Samuel Pielago, Agriculturist I of BPI-Guimaras, discussed the vermicomposting process and emphasized the importance of organic waste recycling and sustainable soil fertility management in agriculture. This was followed by the mushroom culture demonstration facilitated by Ms. Hazel Joy P. Pielago, Science Research Specialist I of BPI, who introduced participants to sustainable mushroom production and management practices. Ms. Almira B. Margallo, Research Assistant of BPI-Guimaras also presented innovative greenhouse technologies that support efficient and climate-smart crop production, followed by a demonstration of the Center’s Solar-Powered Smart Greenhouse Facility.

On the final day, Asst. Prof. Homer E. Deloso, Faculty of Central Philippine University, discussed science-based pest management strategies for lowland crops, emphasizing sustainable and practical approaches for improved crop productivity. Engr. Julie Anne G. Cordero, Agriculturist II of BPI-Guimaras also discussed Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), highlighting the importance of safe, sustainable, and efficient farming methods that promote food safety, environmental protection, farmer welfare, and improved crop quality and productivity.

This training served as a meaningful platform for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collaboration toward achieving food security, green livelihoods, healthy communities, and a more sustainable future. 🌿💚