The Department of Agriculture Binalonan on August 9 launched the third phase of the Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP) in a Corn-Based Production System for Sustainable Agricultural Development at the Municipal Events Tent, Binalonan.
Under the said training program, the farmer-scientists of Binalonan who have undergone same training in 2018 will train Batches 1 and 2 of corn farmers within a period of 4 months.
Binalonan Vice Mayor Melicio Patague II, a farmer himself, expressed his concern and high regards for the farmers and his full support to all the programs and activities of the agriculture office and the farmers.
Patague said, “The Sangguniang Bayan through my leadership and the Office of the Mayor with Mayor Monching Guico assure you of our full support to all your programs and activities.”
“Kuna ni Mayor Monching ited mi amin nga suporta kadakayo nga umili nangnangruna kadakayo nga mannalon,” the vice mayor added.
Dr. Rogelio Evangelista, director of the Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center I, informed the farmers about the various programs of the regional office such as digital farming program, bamboo production, organic agriculture, corn production, and mushroom production.
Councilor Glory Jovelyn Manaois told the farmers to use the skills they will learn from the training. She said,”Usaren tayo koma dagiti masursuro tayo tapno rumang-ay to ti biag tayo.”
Meanwhile, Councilor Bryan Louie Balangue urged the participants to share their knowledge to the other farmers.
Jay Layco, president of the farmers associations of Binalonan and the newly-elected chairman of the Federation of Cooperatives of Pangasinan, informed the farmers that they could avail of loans at low interest.
Briefing with the partner agencies and prospective farmer-participants and FSTP lectures followed after the launch through the leadership of the Municipal Agriculturist, Mr. Ricardo Tabuac.
It can be recalled that Binalonan was a Hall of Famer Awardee of the National Quality Corn Achievers competition in 2016 held in Koranadal City, South Cotabato.