Fifty farmer-scientists from Binalonan on Apr. 8 were conferred Certificate of Achievement from The National Farmer-Scientists Research Development and Extension Training Program (FSTP) in a Corn-Based Production System for Sustainable Agricultural Development during a graduation ceremony at the Binalonan Events Tent.

The farmer-scientists were awarded the Certificate of Achievement after completing the Phase II of the Farmer-Scientists Training Program. .

The training in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and LGU Binalonan equips farmers with scientific farming technologies for better productivity and income.

Dr. Romulo G. Davide, founder of the Farmer-Scientists Training Program and recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012, was the guest of honor and speaker.

Davide’s FSTP has taught local farmers how to do experiments, discover effective techniques, increase production, and manage the market for their produce.
Davide, named “Outstanding Agricultural Scientist” by the Department of Agriculture in 1994.

He was given the Ramon Magsaysay Award in recognition of his “steadfast passion in placing the power and discipline of science in the hands of Filipino farmers who have consequently multiplied their yields , created productive farming communities, and rediscovered the dignity of their labor.”

Phase III of the training was launched where the farmer-scientists are required to teach untrained fellow farmers in their barangay as volunteer technicians and extension workers.