Extension & Advisory Services, Luzon and Mindanao

04/06/2024

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖: Preliminary Meeting with the Training Team of the SIDA HRDP

The Extension Services Division is currently conducting a preliminary meeting for the upcoming SIDA HRDP Training.

The meeting is focused on discussing the topics to be covered in the training and reviewing the module that will be used.

Additionally, the team is addressing all necessary arrangements to ensure the training runs smoothly and successfully.

15/04/2024

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒:

In line with the development of SIDA Block Farming Project, the Extension Services Division staged a SIDA Block Farm Management and Monitoring Review.

This training aims to improve the skills of the Block Farm personnel, empowering them to understand their roles and responsibilities thoroughly, ensuring they are well-prepared to perform their duties in their respective areas.

19/02/2024

20/12/2023

IN PHOTOS COTABATO Nov. 16, 2023 DAY 4 AM/PM: Interview portion for the Sugarcane NCII training regulations for the program on Planting Sugarcane, Care and Maintenance and Carryout Harvest and Post-harvest Operation were conducted with two to three questions per participants to further determine their level of competency in sugarcane farming.

In the afternoon, the results of the actual and interview assessments were synthesized by Mr. Joel Ronario, Lead Assessor and Mill District Officer of Balayan Mill District. This was followed by the Election of Officers. The 6th Batch of HRDP TESDA for 2023 was named Team Samahan ng Magtutubo sa Cotabato Batch 1. All participants passed the assessment. In closing, Dr. Marietta Dina Padilla-Fernandez reiterated the importance of being assessed, passed the assessment on sugarcane production, and finally reap the fruits of hard work. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GRADUATES.

20/12/2023

IN PHOTOS COTABATO Nov. 15, 2023 DAY 3 AM/PM: Practicum for the training regulations for the program on Care and Maintenance and Carryout Harvest and Post-harvest Operation were handled by Mr. Joel Ronario, Mr. Hilario Sarmiento, COS Agriculturist I, Bukidnon and Mr. Timothy Amboya, COS Agriculturist I, Carsumco. Participants demonstrated the proper cutting of canes for harvesting as discussed during the lecture held the other day. Getting samples through the use of juice extractor and refractometer to determine if the cane is ready for harvesting were also shown.
After the practicum, the participants were allowed to take a rest and have their lunch. After which, the actual assessment was conducted. Several questions were asked and the answers were graded accordingly.

19/12/2023

IN PHOTOS- COTABATO NOV. 14, 2023 DAY 2 PM: The lecture on CARE FOR AND MAINTAIN SUGARCANE AND RATOON CROPS following the Sugarcane NC II Training Regulations started with Dr. Marietta Dina Padilla-Fernandez, Chief Agriculturist and Leader of the HRDP TESDA Team who warmly welcomed the participants. This was followed by Mr. Ian Cordero, COS Agriculturist I who discussed the soil sampling procedures, interpretation of soil analysis results and computation of required fertilizers. While Mr. Larry Sarmiento talked about pest and disease identification and management. This was followed by proper weeding and cultivation, the use of sprays, proper fertilizer application, irrigation and drainage and proper ratooning practices by Mr. Joel Ronario, Balayan MDO and Lead Assessor and Accredited Sugarcane NCII trainer.
The topics on Carryout Harvest and Post Harvest were also discussed. Mr. Sarmiento started his lecture with proper recording, then the required general appearance of the sugarcane crop for harvesting, the use of refractometer to determine the sugar content of the cane, the proper cutting of the plant i.e., must be close to the ground to be able to get all of its sugar content, the importance of sending off the cut canes to the mills as soon as possible, and to minimize cane burning to obtain high sugar recovery, etc.

19/12/2023

IN PHOTOS COTABATO Nov. 14, 2023 DAY 2 AM: Led by Mr. Joel Ronario, TESDA Lead Assessor, the second day started with actual field demonstration (practicum) on “Land Preparation and Planting” which were conducted by Mr. Hector Tabilla and Mr. Timothy Amboya. The participants were asked to demonstrate the proper land preparation and proper planting techniques as discussed from the previous lecture. Participants were eager to do the task as they were further instructed to do the appropriate positioning of the canepoints, covering them with soil and slightly compacting the soil by stepping on the covered area.

19/12/2023

IN PHOTOS , COTABATO Nov. 13, 2023- DAY 1 PM: Another set of training on Basic Sugarcane Growing following the Sugarcane NC II Training Regulations was conducted at the Cotabato Sugar Central Compound, Barangay Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato . The 6th batch of participants came from Cotabato mill district and they were composed of small farmers, farm overseers and workers.
Mr. Larry Sarmiento, COS- Agriculturist II served as the moderator. To begin with, Mr. Rex Dumalaba, OIC, Cotabato mill district office gave the welcome remarks and presented the participants. Mr. Hector Tabilla, COS-Agriculturist II presented the mechanics of the training. The lectures under the training program for Planting Sugarcane was delivered by Mr. Tabilla. He taught the participants on how to prepare the field properly, the essence of seed preparation and selection and some techniques in planting canepoints.

25/10/2023

IN PHOTOS CAGAYAN OCT. 25, 2023 DAY 3 PM: Carryout Harvest and Post-harvest Operation was handled by Mr. Hilario Sarmiento, COS Agriculturist I, Bukidnon and Lead Assessor. He started his lecture with proper recording, then the required general appearance of the sugarcane crop for harvesting, the use of refractometer to determine the sugar content of the cane, the proper cutting of the plant i.e., must be close to the ground to be able to get all of its sugar content, the importance of sending off the cut canes to the mills as soon as possible, and to minimize cane burning to obtain high sugar recovery, etc.
A lot of issues and concerns in relation to harvesting was raised during this session. Mr. Benjie Manlapaz and Mr. Joel Ronario gave additional inputs to further clarify the issues.
The next topic was on the Different Hazards on Sugarcane Production which was presented by Mr. Ronario.

25/10/2023

IN PHOTOS CAGAYAN OCT 25, 2023 DAY 3 AM CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF SUGARCANE AND RATOON CROPS

25/10/2023

IN PHOTOS- CAGAYAN OCT. 24, 2023 DAY 2 PM: The training on CARE FOR AND MAINTAIN SUGARCANE AND RATOON CROPS following the Sugarcane NC II Training Regulations started with Mr. Larry Sarmiento, COD Agriculturist I as the moderator. Lectures on pest and disease identification and management were discussed by Ms. Agnes Casupanan, Science Research Specialist II (LAREC). This was followed by proper weeding and cultivation, the use of sprays, proper fertilizer application, irrigation and drainage and proper ratooning practices by Mr. Benjie Manlapaz, Sr. Science Research Specialist and Lead Assessor and Accredited Sugarcane NCII trainer.

25/10/2023

IN PHOTOS CAGAYAN OCT. 24, 2023 DAY 2 AM: Practicum for "Planting Sugarcane"

25/10/2023

IN PHOTOS , CAGAYAN Oct. 23, 2023- DAY 1 PM: Another set of training on Basic Sugarcane Growing following the Sugarcane NC II Training Regulations was conducted at Cagayan Seed Producer Multi-purpose Cooperative, Lingu, Solana, Cagayan. The 5th batch of participants came from CARSUMCO mill district and they were composed of small farmers, farm overseers and workers.
Mr. Lito Caranguian, Agriculturist II served as the moderator. To begin with, Mr. Lucio Santiago gave the welcome remarks and presented the participants while Dr. Marietta Dina Padilla-Fernandez, Chief Agriculturist for Luzon and Mindanao gave the inspirational message and encouraged participants to participate and ask questions if in doubt. Mr. Joel Ronario, Balayan MDO and Asst. Leader, HRDP TESDA presented the mechanics of the training. The lectures under the training program for Planting Sugarcane were delivered by Mr. Nestor Guiyab, Science Research Specialist from LAREC and Ms. Evelyn Estanislao, Sr. Science Research Specialist. Mr. Guiyab taught the participants on how to prepare the field properly, the essence of seed preparation and selection and some techniques in planting canepoints. Ms. Estanislao discussed the Soil Nutrition, Fertilization and Soil Sampling. Further, she also taught on how combine and compute the lowest cost of fertilizer to be applied in the farm.

24/10/2023

Two 2023 GAA funded block farms, namely; Cebole Block Farm and 1st San Miguel Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers Association Block Farm were given OPSI/FLT on October 4-7,2023. BF Chairs, Mrs. Sofia Tapdasan and Mr. Vicente B. Caguimbaga, respectively extended their warm welcome to the visitors and BF Members. The Outreach Program of the Sugarcane Industry (sugarcane technology) and Financial Literacy Training are being given to accredited block farms as part of their social preparation.
For the OPSI, Ms. Evelyn B. Estanislao, BF Focal Person for Luzon and Mindanao, gave some updates of the BF program. As resource person, she discussed at length the Sugarcane Plant Nutrition, Soil Sampling Analysis, Fertilization, Soil Fertility Management and Fertilization and Fertility Management. While Mr. Wilfredo A. Mapano, SRA-Bukidnon Mill District Officer presented the Mill District Performance and also discussed the Pest and Diseases, Cultivation and Weeding. Mr. Hector Tabilla and Mr. Metchell Alimbobong handled the following topics: Sugarcane Plant, Land preparation, Soil Analysis Result Discussion and Liming, Cultivation and Weeding and Harvesting and Ratooning.
For the FLT, Dr. Marietta Dina Padilla-Fernandez discussed the four modules of financial management, to wit: Personal Financial Management, Saving, Loan and Credit Management and Investment. After the lecture, she conducted the “Trading Games” for participants to enhance their knowledge and skills by applying what they have learned from the 4 modules such as marketing, investing and etc.
Some issues and concerns were raised during the training: (1) Farm to mill road; (2) Timing of the released for the start-up capital; and (3) Updated work and financial plan of the block farm. For their reflections, participants were overwhelmed with the technology they have learned especially on the proper timing and amount of fertilizer application and on treating farming as a business in order to be sustainable.- AMB/Mapano

24/10/2023

IN PHOTOS BUKIDNON OCT. 6, 2023 DAY 5 AM: The results of the actual and interview assessments were synthesized by Mr. Joel Ronario, Lead Assessor and Mill District Officer of Balayan Mill District. This was followed by the Election of Officers. The 4th Batch of OPSI for 2023 was named Team Bukidnon. All participants passed the assessment. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GRADUATES.

24/10/2023

IN PHOTOS BUKIDNON OCT.5, 2023 DAY 4 PM: Mr. Zyrus Montiel gave additional tips on harvesting sugarcane. Meanwhile, Mr. Joel Ronario presented the different hazards and risks in sugarcane farming. Thereafter, practical assessment followed by allowing participants to identify the different planting materials and needed corresponding technology to achieve maximum germination. They were also assessed on their knowledge on the different tools and equipment used in every farm operations. The interview portions followed, with two to three questions per participants to further determine their level of competency in sugarcane farming.

24/10/2023

N PHOTOS BUKIDNON OCT. 5, 2023 DAY 4 AM: Practicum for the training regulations for the program on Carryout Harvest and Post-harvest Operation. This was handled by Mr. Zyrus Montiel, Lead Assessor and Mill District Officer of Don Pedro. Participants were taught on how to do proper harvesting of the crop.

24/10/2023

IN PHOTOS BUKIDNON OCT 4, 2023 DAY 3 AM CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF SUGARCANE AND RATOON CROPS

24/10/2023

IN PHOTOS- BUKIDNON OCT. 3 , 2023 DAY 2 PM: The training on CARE FOR AND MAINTAIN SUGARCANE AND RATOON CROPS following the Sugarcane NC II Training Regulations started with Mr. El Mark Jakosalem, COD Agriculturist I as the moderator. Lectures on pest and disease identification and management were discussed by Ms. Agnes Casupanan, Science Research Specialist II (LAREC). This was followed by proper weeding and cultivation, the use of sprays, proper fertilizer application, irrigation and drainage and proper ratooning practices by Mr. Joel Ronario, Balayan MDO and Lead Assessor and Accredited Sugarcane NCII trainor.

23/10/2023

IN PHOTOS BUKIDNON OCT. 3, 2023 DAY 2 AM: Practicum for "Planting Sugarcane"

23/10/2023

IN PHOTOS , BUKIDNON Oct. 2, 2023- DAY 1 PM: Another set of training on Basic Sugarcane Growing following the Sugarcane NC II Training Regulations was conducted in CMU, Bukidnon and SRA Mill Distrit Office, Dologon. The 4th batch of participants came from Bukidnon mill district and they were composed of small farmers, farm overseers and workers.
To begin with, Mr. Wilfredo Mapano welcomed and presented the participants while Mr. Joel Ronario, Balayan MDO and Asst. Leader, HRDP TESDA gave the inspirational message and the mechanics of the training. The lectures under the training program for Planting Sugarcane were delivered by Mr. Benjamin Manlapaz, Mr. Nestor Guiyab (both Research Specialist from LAREC and Lead Assessor) and Mr. Zyrus Montiel, Don Pedro MDO and Lead Assessor. Participants were taught on how to prepare the field properly, the essence of seed preparation and selection. They were also taught on how combine and compute the lowest cost of fertilizer to be applied in the farm.

23/10/2023

IN PHOTOS , Oct. 2, 2023- DAY 1 PM: Another set of training on Basic Sugarcane Growing following the Sugarcane NC II Training Regulations was conducted in CMU, Bukidnon and SRA Mill Distrit Office, Dologon. The 4th batch of participants came from Bukidnon mill district and they were composed of small farmers, farm overseers and workers.
To begin with, Mr. Wilfredo Mapano welcomed and presented the participants while Mr. Joel Ronario, Balayan MDO and Asst. Leader, HRDP TESDA gave the inspirational message and the mechanics of the training. The lectures under the training program for Planting Sugarcane were delivered by Mr. Benjamin Manlapaz, Mr. Nestor Guiyab (both Research Specialist from LAREC and Lead Assessor) and Mr. Zyrus Montiel, Don Pedro MDO and Lead Assessor. Participants were taught on how to prepare the field properly, the essence of seed preparation and selection. They were also taught on how combine and compute the lowest cost of fertilizer to be applied in the farm.

19/08/2023

IN PHOTOS: Part 2- The SRA-HRDP TESDA Team successfully conducted the 5-day Basic Sugarcane Growing following the Sugarcane NC II Training Regulations on August 13-18, 2023 at Luzon Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Paguiruan, Pampanga.
Day 3 was the training assessment which started at 1:00 pm and ended at around 6:00pm. While Day 4 was the interview portion which lasted until 5:00pm. The final day of the training brought together camaraderie and sharing of knowledge and skills as expected by the participants. For the Team, considering that participants came from various regions with different sugarcane farm management, and along with Sugarcane NCII training regulations, their insights contributed to shaping the participants' understanding of the basics in the production of sugarcane.