To enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in rice production, the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, conducted a Training on the Palay Check System through the City Agriculture Office, led by City Agriculturist Maria Gina Alberto, on February 13. More or less 20 farmers from the city participated in the training.
The training began with welcome remarks from City Agriculturist Alberto, where she highlighted the importance of the Palay Check System in improving rice farming practices.
To increase the participants’ awareness, a Go Go Pasada session were facilitated by City Information Officer Mendry-Ann Lim and City Information staff Ema Banding-Hadjala. They discussed the roles of city leaders, the budget allocation of LGU-Isabela City, and how farmers can become active and engaged citizens.
Personnel from the City Agriculture Office led the discussions on key topics to enhance rice farming practices. Rice Technician Rhea Mae Fernandez explained Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA), while Rice Technician Nur Tasneem Salih discussed Key Check 6, focusing on water management. City Rice Coordinator Jonathan Pedillon tackled Key Check 8, emphasizing the importance of harvesting crops at the right time. He also introduced the concept of farm business school, highlighting farming as a business to help farmers adopt a more entrepreneurial mindset.
This training aims to equip farmers with scientific knowledge and best practices in rice production, ensuring higher yields and better quality harvests. Additionally, the inclusion of farm business principles encourages them to see farming as a sustainable and profitable livelihood. (Words by E. Banding-Hadjala, IsaTV/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
