ABOUT THE COVERPerlas Farmily. According to the Food and Agricullture Organization (FAO), family farming represents an opportunity to boost local economies, especially when combined with specific policies aimed at social protection and well-being of communities. In addition, family farming preserves traditional food products, while contributing to a balanced diet and safeguarding the world’s agro-biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. By empowering farming families in the countryside, there is a better chance of securing not only their future but also the nation that it feeds.

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Editorial Board

Editorial Consultants:Veronica Concepcion V. Esguerra

Editor-in-Chief:Aeron P. Bermundez

Associate Editor:Eula Dee A. Lañada

Layout/Graphic Artist:Shanemie Carelle O. Daquio

Circulation:Marife D. Cariño

Contributors to this IssueShanette Joy Vivien C. AmadoCarolina Priscilla Elan P. EbilloNestie G. Sese

Photo CreditsProject implementers

CONTENTSNews

03 ATI turns 30 glamorously

04 ATI-RTC III in Palayan City now ready to serve partners

05 SOA promotes organic farming in Nueva Ecija

07 COVER STORY: Pearl of Palayan City: Model Farming Family

Feature News

09 ATI-RTC III conducts Training on Rice Machinery Operation

10BYU-H Students visit ATI Central Luzon

10 Villar SIPAG Foundation, ATI-RTC III hold Luzon-wide Training on CSFBS

11ATI National Director leads oathtaking of ATI-RTC III Farm Cooperators Association

Mario A. Lapitan

09 ATI-RTC III trains 98 young farmers in Central Luzon anew

ABOUT BUSLO: Buslo symbolizes the preservation of bountiful harvest in Central Luzon being the rice granary and vegetable basket of the Philippines. Like the humble vessel present in every Filipino houseold, the publication aims to store and bring relevant and timely news to every farmer, fisherfolk and extension workers in the region.

08 MS, LS Cooperators & 4-H Club Members pass NC III on Agricultural Crops Production

NEWS 03

With three decades of successfully conducting extension and training services, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) celebrated its 30th Anniversary packed with week-long activities in its Central Office in Quezon City. In celebration, the ATI Network nationwide gathered to put up booths depicting the theme “Extending Excellent Extension Services beyond Boundaries.” Each center showcased products from their respective regions particularly from their Magsasaka Siyentistas and other rural based organizations (RBOs). During the opening ceremony, Dr. Luz A. Taposok, ATI National Director, quipped, “We pray that this is not the end in celebrating our milestones but this will be the beginning instead of celebrating more years to come for the successful delivery of our institute to our farmers and for the betterment and development of the entire country.” To ignite the passion of all ATI staff in serving the farmers, a commitment signing was held on the third day. All centers committed to work together harmoniously in achieving their targets. In addition, the loyalty awardees were also recognized. Mr. Francisco Caiz, Jr., Mr. Ador Sanchez, Ms. Corazon R. San Pedro and Ms. Maria Theresa S.

Villanueva were the awardees from Central Luzon for working for 30 or more years under ATI. Moreover, six books were launched during the week-long celebration. Three of the said books featured success stories of farmers from different parts of the country: 1) Beyond Dreams: Stories of Farming Champions of Region 2; 2) BAHANDI: A Collection of Inspiring Stories in Farming; and 3) Morphoses: ATI’s Treasury of Inspiring Stories. Also, a coffee table book from CaLaBarZon entitled “Agriculturally Awesome,” which featured learning sites, agri-tourism sites, model farms, among others in the region, was launched. The two remaining books were: 1) Excellence and Accountability in Extension: Technical Guidance Notes in the Monitoring and Evaluation of Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Program Performance; and 2) ATI Corporate Plan for 2017-2022. One of the highlights of the celebration was the glam night held on the fourth day. Mr. Aeron Bermudez (from Luzon

ATI turns 30 glamorously

January - June 2017

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Cluster A) and Ms. Josephine Darm (from Luzon Cluster B) were crowned Mr. and Ms. Pearl of the Night. Furthermore, for the booth competition, ATI-SOCCSKSARGEN’s booth was proclaimed as the best. Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan, Undersecretary for Operations of the Department of Agriculture, emphasized the role of ATI. He said that, “While we (at DA) make the plans and directives, your primary mandate is going to the grassroots and, at the end of the day, our real stakeholders are at the grassroots. So, no matter how good our plans are, being able to reach out to the stakeholders heart to heart is more important. I hope you recognize the trust of the people is in you.” With the help of everyone, the week-long event turned out as a success. It was held on January 23-27, 2017 in ATI-Central Office, Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City with over a hundred participants including guests from other partner agencies. (EDALañada & SCODaquio)

Ready to serve partners in the field of agriculture and alike, the newly constructed and renovated satellite center of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC 3) in Brgy. Singalat, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija was inaugurated. The purpose of the facility is to serve as a venue for farmers, fisherfolks, trainers, students, and other stakeholders in conducting trainings and extension work, such as livelihood programs, seminars and other related business regarding agriculture. Ms. Veronica Concepcion V. Esguerra, Center Director of ATI-RTC 3 and Mr. Mario A. Lapitan, Training Center Superintendent I of the same center, gave their deepest gratitude to the entities behind the achievement of this endeavor. Also present during the event were Dr. Luz A. Taposok, National Director of ATI, ATI Center Directors nationwide, and other stakeholders. It was held on April 26, 2017 in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. (*Nestie Sese) *Nestie Sese is an intern at ATI- Central Luzon from Pampanga State Agricultural University, Magalang, Pampanga.

ATI-RTC III in Palayan City now ready to serve partners

January - June 2017

NEWS04 ...................................................

NEWS 05SOA promotes organic vegetable farming in Nueva Ecija

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A total of 488 participants of the School-on-the-Air (SOA) on organic vegetable production blended with farmers’ class graduated on Tuesday, June 28, 2017, in Nueva Ecija Convention Center, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. “Nueva Ecija is home to most of the farmers in Central Luzon because it is the largest in terms of land area, that’s why Nueva ecija was chosen as the site for the SOA in organic vegetable production,” says Shanemie Carelle Daquio, Information Officer II. The graduates participated in a four-week session (one hour per session) that started last May 23 and ended on June 15, 2017 covering 31 municipalities and a total of 590 participants. SOA program covers 12 segments about the organic vegetable production such as, overview of Organic Agriculture (OA), principles and practices of OA, Climate-Change

Ready Technologies, Soil Fertility & Nutrient Management, Nature’s Input Preparation, Organic Vegetable Production, Vermiculture and Vermi-composting, Ecological Pest Management, Organic Vegetable Marketing, Diversified Integrated Farming System, Farm Planning, Budgeting and Record Keeping, and Philippine National Standard on OA. Agricultural extension workers (AEWs) were tasked to monitor the participants’ attendance every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6:00- 7:00AM. Two sets of exams were given after the sixth and twelfth episode; this is to assess the knowledge gained by the participants and to test the effectiveness of the SOA. “We need to conduct the exams so that we can assess whether the participants were able to learn something from our episodes and it also serves as some sort of monitoring,” said Ms. Daquio.

Moreover, according to Ms. Daquio, the program aims to promote organic vegetable system to help farmers and those who are interested in farming to achieve productivity, profitability, and environment safety. In addition, since the SOA was a blended course, a one-day farmers’ class was conducted in every municipality. It augments the learning experience of the participants wherein they had the chance to make organic fertilizers like Fermented Plant Juice, Fermented Fruit Juice, Fish Amino Acid and Oriental Herbal Nutrient. SOA TOPNOTCHERSAmong the graduates, 4 participants were announced as topnotchers:

1. Nerissa Pablo, General Natividad, Nueva Ecija;

2. Marilou Mariano, Lupao, Nueva Ecija;

3. Maria Victoria Payawal, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija; and

4. Wilfredo Pacheco, Gapan, Nueva Ecija.

SOA promotes organic vegetable ....

January - June 2017

During the graduation, representatives from each district shared what they learned from the SOA program. “Ang isa pa po na natutunan naming ay noon po, kami ay mono cropping lamang, ngayon po ay natutunan namin ang crop rotation. At ito po ay para sa iisang cropping ay hindi uulit-uulitin, dapat po ay pag papalit palitin sa ganoon po ay maging maganda ang ani sa ating gulayan at palayan,” said District 1 representative. Also, one representative from District 3 waved her gratitude to ATI. “Sa nakaaraang four weeks ay marami po kaming natutunan. Salamat po sa ATI, Agricultural Training Institute at binigyan kami ng pagkakataon upang sa ganoon ay madagdagan ang aming kaalaman saan man kami, nasa bukid man kami, kahit may ginagawa, dahil sa radio nakarinig po kami, natutunan po naming ang mga bagay bagay na hindi namin alam at nadagdagan pa ang alam namin.” She added, “Sana sa mga susunod na pagkakataon ay gagawa ng paraan ay madadagan muli an gating kaalaman tungkol sa agrikultura.”(*Shanette Joy Vivien Amador) *Shanette Joy Vivien Amador is an intern at ATI-Central Luzon from Visayas State Univicerstiy, VISCA, Baybay City, Leyte

NEWS06 ...................................................

FEATURE 07COVER STORYPearl of Palayan City: Model Farming Family

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Palayan City is home to two of Nueva Ecija’s prime products—Blast (calamansi juice drink) and Palaman –C (calamansi jam). Apart from these citrus-based items, Palayan is also the home of a family members' whose interest in agriculture was embedded early on in their bloodline. Each one believes that farming is made easier when everyone in the family works together. Pearl of Palayan Most farmers are born while some are made. The Perlas family, from Brgy. Aulo, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, is a testament to the latter. Born in Rizal, Mr. Ernesto P. Perlas, Sr., or Jun to his friends, was a telecommunication technician before he became a farmer. His better half, Mrs. Josephine B. Perlas, a registered nurse turned farmer is now a proud member of the Volunteer Leaders Association of the Philippines (VLAP). They have successfully run their seven-hectare land by giving each of their four sons a role to play. The second, Ernesto, Jr., is the former president of Brgy. Aulo, Palayan City's 4-H club while his two younger brothers are members. Upon returning to the Philippines after working as an OFW abroad, Sir Jun chose to venture into

farming. He accepted this new challenge after attending various trainings offered by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Central Luzon. “I joined trainings on growing rice, corn, and vegetables as well as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on corn, fruits and vegetables. I sincerely thank ATI for the learnings I acquired, which I gladly share to my co-barangay members. Likewise, I share what I’ve learned as a Local Farm Technician (LFT) to my fellow farmers here in Palayan City,” describes sir Jun. "As a farmer, the impact of these trainings were clearly seen when my income increased. From 80 cavans, our fields now yield 120 cavans of rice per hectare per year. Moreover, my children were able to finish their studies thanks to agriculture,” adds Sir Jun. The family that plants together, learns together and wins awards together Ernesto Jr., or simply JR to his friends, was given a chance to learn about livestock production in Japan for 11 months last 2015. His goal was to apply everything he learned once he is back home. “It is a joy to share my knowledge especially to kids who do nothing in the barangay so they won’t cause trouble in the neighborhood. In addition, I hope agriculture can help

change people’s perception about the youth for the better,” explains JR Mrs. Josephine, on the other hand, has attended a number of trainings conducted by the center for women and VLAP members. She wishes to guide the youth, especially the 4-H in Brgy. Aulo, and to encourage them to take part in the activities of the club. Furthermore, the Perlas family has also been chosen as this year’s Gawad Saka Regional Outstanding Farm Family awardee. Overcoming Challenges Due to various invitations from other agencies to serve as resource speaker on rice, corn, and fruits and vegetable production, Sir Jun’s time to manage their land has become limited.

January - June 2017

Nevertheless, he is still grateful for the opportunity to share his knowledge. In moments like these, he can rely on his son JR to take over and run the farm. As to funds needed to maintain operations, he submits proposals to the Municipal Agriculture Office for financial support. Also, his land is being used as a Farmer Field School (FSS) site during Training of Trainers (TOTs) and other trainings. Advocating for renewable source of energy “As an electronic and telecommunication technician, I've

found that using solar panels here at home is a big help in saving a lot of money on electricity. I hope that my fellow farmers, especially in places with no electric power can adopt this. Although the initial capital to install solar panel is quite expensive, the benefits are long-term," reveals Sir Jun. His advocacy includes giving free consultations on the use of solar panels and gladly helping anyone who wishes to assemble their own. In the near future, the Perlas family intends to expand their land so it can become a farm tourism site someday. At the moment, because of their participation in the projects of ATI, their farm was chosen as one of the Learning Sites in Central Luzon. Inspiring other farmers “Always try to learn new things. Don’t look at the now, but look into the

future. Always think long-term because today will pass. The future may still be far ahead but with the ingenuity of Filipinos, we can go and achieve more," encourages sir Jun. Indeed, Palayan City is blessed to have the Perlas family around, for not all go beyond the call of duty, especially in the community. May their story inspire others to see opportunities, and not just challenges, in agriculture. (SCODaquio)

NEWS08 ...................................................

Aiming to become an eligible extension service provider to other farmers, the Magsasaka Siyentas (MS), Learning Site (LS) Cooperators and 4-H Club members from Central Luzon have undergone National Competency III Assessment on Agricultural Crops Production. For 3 days, they went through discussions and lectures on agricultural crop production. For the last two days, they were assessed on basic, common, and core competencies on agricultural crops production. All of them passed and are now eligible to become extension service providers to their fellow farmers. A total of 27 participants attended the event, which was held in Duran Farm, San Ildefonso, Bulacan on June 20-24, 2017. (EDALañada)

MS, LS Cooperators, 4-H Club Members pass NC III on Agricultural Crops Production

NEWS 09

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Central Luzon’s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) conducted two batches of National Certificate Level II (NC II) Training on Rice Machinery Operation (RMO) on May 31-June 9, 2017 and June 13-22, 2017 in Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), San Ildefonso, Bulacan. The training aims to teach and equip farmers and extension workers with knowledge and skill in order to pass the NC II examination for Rice Machinery Operation. Mr. Joselito Tucit and Mr. Kevin Reyes, both RMO trainers of BASC, were the resource persons during the said activities.

ATI-RTC III conducts Training on Rice Machinery Operation

Ninety eight (98) young Filipino farmers from Zambales, Bulacan and Pampanga graduated from the Provincial Training of Trainers (TOTs) on the Binhi ng Pag-asa Program last May 22-25, May 29-June 2, and June 4-8 respectively. The TOT graduates are set to conduct similar program to their respective municipalities and help the youth in their area appreciate and engage in agriculture. Organic Vegetable Production, Vermi-Composting, Leadership, Farming and Social Media Skills are some of the main topics discussed during the 4-day training. Ms. Elida Hazael Calayag extends her appreciation to the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III

ATI-RTC III trains 98 young farmers in Central Luzon anew

(ATI-RTC III) and to all the mind behind this project. “If we don’t act now, no one will be left for the agriculture sector. Who will feed us in the future if we don’t appreciate agriculture now,” she added. The Binhi ng Pag-asa Program is in partnership with the office of Senator Grace Poe which aims to maximize the potential of the youth as key factors in promoting agriculture in the country. Central Luzon was identified as one of the pilot regions for the implementation of the said program where Zambales, Bulacan and Pampanga were the selected pilot provinces in the region. (APBermudez)

In addition, for both batches, a practical exam was conducted to assess the participants’ learnings on June 15-16 and June 23-24, 2017 at Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), Magalang, Pampanga. During the culmination, 63 participants passed the assessment which is composed of Agricultural Engineers, machine operators, and extension workers. Both the 10-day training and assessment were conducted as part of the Department of Agriculture’s mandate to implement the Agriculture and Fishery Mechanization (AFMech) Law. (*Carolina Priscilla Elan Ebillo) *Carolina Priscilla Elan Ebillo is an intern at ATI-Central Luzon from Visayas State University, ViSCA, Baybay City, Leyte.

January - June 2017

Students from the Bringham Young University - Hawaii (BYU-H) visited the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III) in Dinalupihan, Bataan to request collaboration on their project “Rice Up” for Filipino Farmers on February 27, 2017. Through Mr. Elvin Jerome A. Laceda, a 4-H Member from Lubao, Pampanga and now studying at BYU-H, they requested the ATI-RTC III to have a meeting for collaboration. Laceda is also a member of ENACTUs which is a network of students who are creating social enterprises to help build a stronger ands sustainable communities. Together with other students from BYU-H, they created the Rice Up for Filipino Farmers, an entreprenuerial system on how to develop the agriculture sector through the use of digital technology and financial management workshope for farmers. The Rice Up for Filipino Farmers has won an international award besting more than 50 countries and won 2nd place in the Social Category of the Great Ideas Competition in 2016. On January 20, 2017, they launched the pilot project in Brgy. Concepcion, Lubao, Pampanga and Brgy. Gatud, Floridablanca, Pampanga, benefitting 50 farmers and their families. (MDCariño)

BYU-H Students visit ATI Central Luzon

The Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III) in partnership with Villar SIPAG Foundation conducted the Training on Climate Smart Farm Business School (CSFBS) held on May 29 – June 8, 2017 at Otel Pampanga, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

It was attended by a total of 31 farmers and extension workers from Regions I, II, III and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The training course aims to help the participants learn climate-smart technologies they can use in their respective farms. Also, it helps them to turn their farms into a more profitable business.

Among the activities include, lectures on farm business, climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies, and opportunities and implementation of the ASEAN

Economic Integration (AEC). In addition, the participants were able to visit selected profitable farmer-entrepreneurs in the region and the conduct of market survey.

Ms. Christine Abrigo from Region I said that she’s thankful that she was invited to be part of the training. “Marami po akong natutunan talaga dito na hindi ko alam na mahalaga pala para sa isang magsasaka. Kaya, nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat po - sa ATI-Region 3 at Villar SIPAG Foundation sa pagsasanay na ito. Akin pong ishare po ang mga kaalaman natutunan k sa aking mga kasamahan. Maraming salamat po sa lahat,” she added.

This training was the 3rd batch of CSFBS conducted in partnership with the Villar SIPAG Foundation since last year. Series of similar training is expected to be conducted on the second semester this year. (APBermudez)

VILLAR SIPAG Foundation, ATI-RTC III holds Luzon-wide Training on CSFBS

NEWS10 ...................................................

NEWS 11

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Dr. Luz A. Taposok, Agricultural Training Institute National Director, led the swearing into office of the Region 3 Farm Cooperators Association Officers.

The association, with Ms. Anette Patdu of Diaspora Farm (Bacolor, Pampanga) as president, is composed of all the learning site cooperators in the region. This group fosters harmonious relationship among them and at the same time help one another through sharing of learning experiences.

Taposok commended the officers for their time, cooperation and collaboration with ATI. She said, “I’m so sure that the ATI in Central Luzon, headed by Ma’am Vera, is so blessed to have you as our partners in community development in this region.”

Since Taposok just assumed into office on July 20, 2016, it’s her first time to visit the region. The event also served as a venue for the new director to know all the staff of the Center.

Bringing a breath of fresh air to the ATI network, Taposok expressed, “I believe we should redesign and redirect all of our extension programs and projects. We should not only end up after the graduation of our trainings.” She emphasized to make sure that at the end of the training, the participants can bring

something to start with as they return back home. “Hindi yung papel, hindi yung certificate of participation or completion lamang ang dadalhin nila. Also, these trainings should have an impact to the lives of our partners,” she added.

The said event was held in ATI Central Luzon, San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan on January 11, 2017. (EDLañada)

 

ATI National Director leads oathaking of ATI-RTC III Farm Cooperators Association