At least 30 farmers from Barangay Maimpis have completed their 16-week training under the ‘Farmers’ Field School on Corn Production’ of the City Government of San Fernando in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.
The awarding of certificates during the graduation ceremony held on Wednesday was led by Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, Councilor Nelson Lingat, City Agriculture and Veterinary Office-OIC Cristina Sangumay, City Corn Coordinator Francisco Cangco, and representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
Sangumay said the training started in December last year and farmers were taught of cultural management including seed selection and land preparation; planting nutrient management and integrated pest management.
The barangay have allotted a 500 square meter learning site for the farmers. They were also provided with seeds, fertilizer and planting equipment from DA and the local government.
“Ito din yung tinatawag natin na ‘Paaralang Walang Dingding’ kung saan tinuturuan namin ng libre ang mga magsasaka tungkol sa episyenteng pamamaraan ng pagtatanim at tutulungan din silang ibenta ang kanilang mga produkto,” Sangumay added.
In an interview, Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago said amid the advancement of technology, San Fernando strives to maintain a viable agriculture. He said farming also serves as a tool in food sustainability and environment conservation.
“Isa po sa mga isinusulong natin sa syudad ang pagtatanim dahil malaki ang impact nito sa ating lokal na ekonomiya at sa pamamagitan nito ay makasisiguro tayo na may kakainin pa ang mga susunod na henerasyon,” Santiago said.