The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), College of Forestry and Natural Resources-University of the Philippines Los Baños (CFNR-UPLB), conducted a training entitled: “Young Farmers Training on Crop Production and Management” through the project “Scaling-Up the Participatory Community-Based Natural Resources Management in Four Watersheds of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve and Mount Bulalo” funded by the Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc. (PGPC) on October 05-06, and 12, 2024 at Toyota Environment and Education Theater (TEET), Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG), UP Los Baños, College, Laguna.
The training generally aimed to impart knowledge and skills on proper establishment and management of crops to the youth communities surrounding the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park (MMFR AHP) and Mount Bulalo. Specifically, it aimed to understand the value of the MMFR as a resource and other mountain ecosystems; identify the effects of environmental problems and climate change; and recognize the issue of food security and potential solutions.
The training was attended by 33 participants from the Sto. Tomas Senior High School, San Miguel, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas; San Pedro National High School, San Pedro, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas; San Jose National High School, San Jose, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas; Bitin Integrated National High School, Bitin, Bay, Laguna; Masaya Integrated National High School, Masaya, Bay, Laguna; and Sanggunian Kabataan Member of Barangay San Miguel, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas. The participants included 22 females (67%) and 11 males (33%), ranging in age from 14 to 48 years old. While the majority of participants had prior gardening or planting experience (94%), the training also accommodated beginners, ensuring inclusivity and broader knowledge dissemination.
The training covered a range of relevant topics delivered by experienced resource persons:The topics for the lecture-discussion and resource persons include: Mount Makiling Forest Reserve as a Resource by For. Angela A. Limpiada (MCME-CFNR); Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation by Ms. Gillian Katherine I. Quilloy (DSFFG-CFNR); Environmental Issues Related to Food Security by For. Leonardo D. Barua (MCME-CFNR); Cash Crop Production and Management by Dr. Leila D. Landicho (CAFS-UPLB); Rice Production and Management by Ms. Romalene L. Miras (CAFS-UPLB); Nursery Management by For. Leilani A. Castillo (MCME-CFNR); Plant Propagation Techniques by Mr. Melchor E. Torillos (CAFS-UPLB); Agroforestry Concepts and Principles by For. Nicasio M. Balahadia (MCME-CFNR); Organic Farming Practices by For. Myranel S. Canceran (MCME-CFNR); Vertical Gardening by For. Karla Jane P. Gonzalvo (MCME-CFNR); Botanical Pesticides and Vermiculture by For. Aldin C. Alegre (MCME-CFNR); Super Paso Preparation and Application by Mr. Gardie N. Canilan; Farm Planning and Recording by For. Mary Anne G. Abadillos (MCME-CFNR); and Marketing of Agricultural Products by For. Mae Belen L. Putian (MCME-CFNR). Participants actively engaged in role-playing and skits to reinforce their learning. They also joined a study tour to key agricultural sites, including the UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS), Organic Agriculture Research Development and Extension Center (OARDEC), MCME Central Forest Experiment Station (CFES), and the MBG.
Participants received training kits and certificates of completion, while resource persons were honored with certificates of appreciation. Many expressed their gratitude for the organizers and highlighted how the training would benefit their schools, communities, and personal initiatives, such as the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” programs.
Teacher-coordinators also found the training to be a valuable refresher. The organizers commended the participants’ active engagement, which contributed significantly to the program’s success.
The “Young Farmers Training on Crop Production and Management” underscores MCME’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering sustainability, and building resilience among the youth to address environmental challenges and promote food security.
By MSCanceran
Photos by AALimpiada & MSCanceran
