Some 100 Fernandino farmers from several villages had their graduation day on November 20, 2018, after completing their training course on organic vegetable production and rice production.
The activity, which was held in Del Carmen village, is a culminating activity following the farmers’ four-month attendance in the Farmer Field School, a project of the Local Government of San Fernando, through the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office.
For the organic vegetable production, according to Engr. Francisco Cangco, CAVO Crop Division Chief, the project is in compliance with City Ordinance No. 2012-011, which aims to promote and strengthen the organic agriculture in the city.
“Mayroon tayong ordinansa dito sa siyudad kung saan sinasabing dapat nating ipakilala, isulong, at palaganapin ang organikong agrikultura. Ang organic agriculture ay mas ligtas para sa mga tao dahil hindi tayo gumagamit ng anumang kemikal,” said Cangco.
Meanwhile, for the training on rice production, Cangco stated that they followed the ‘PalayCheck System,’ a program of the Department of Agriculture.
“Yung sa rice production training on ‘PalayCheck System,’ nag-introduce naman tayo ng sampung varieties ng hybrid rice para ma-distinguish ng ating mga farmers yung akmang variety sa kani-kanilang barangay na maaari nilang itanim,” Cangco added.
For his part, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago urged Fernandinos to become part in intensifying agriculture practice in the city.
“Without agriculture, paano tayo makakakonsumo ng pagkain? Agriculture is our life and we rely to agriculture every single day. Kaya ang siyudad, gumagawa ng ganitong programa para masuportahan ang ating mga magsasaka,” said Santiago.
CAVO meanwhile imparted that they are planning to accommodate the next batches of trainees, which will come from other barangays.