TUKURAN, ZAMBOSUR--In order that multi-level training programs for rural development, including training and extension activities and research results are communicated to farmers and fisherfolks, the Dept. of Agriculture (DA) built a Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Training Center (FFTC) here.
The DA through the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) turned over the said agri facility to the municipality last Sept. 16.
The training center was built with a budget of P2.2 million, counterparted by the agriculture department’s National Agricultural and Fishery Council with P1-million while the local government shouldered the rest.
The FFTC, located at Brgy. Lower Bayao, will serve as a venue for gathering, trainings, seminars and other activities of the farmers and fisherfolk of Tukuran and nearby municipalities, 1st District Rep. Victor Yu said.
Yu attended the turnover ceremony of FFTC with Mayor Bonifacio Vega Jr. and DA Reg. Tech. Dir. Constancio Alama, who represented DA regional executive director Oscar Parawan.
Yu cited the need to pursue a knowledge-intensive agriculture for farmers, fishers, rural women and youths in the province as he challenged the DA to promote organic farming in order to protect the environment.
In his message, Alama said that the DA has been advocating for organic farming in partnership with local governments.
“The continuous use of inorganic fertilizer and pesticides are hazard to man and animals in the environment. The DA promotes the use of biodegradable materials and hastens decomposition using fungus activator called trichoderma,” Alama said.
He added that with the trainings they gave to the agriculture and fisheries sector, they have also mobilized their collective efforts to let farmers appreciate the use of organic materials.
The DA official explained that FFTC will be the vehicle for development for the farmers and fisherfolk in technology transfer and that the facility can also be used as a multi purpose center with unlimited services at a cost but the priority should always be for the farmers and fisherfolk.
REPORT BY MARK BRIAN LARIDE, DA-9