Farmers training program launched in Borbon

CEBU, Philippines - The “Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers Training Program” was launched recently by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD) and SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI)  in the municipality of Borbon, Cebu.

As one of the towns affected by super typhoon Yolanda, 158 residents of Borbon composed of 58 Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program beneficiaries and 100 members from the farmers’ association were identified as beneficiaries of the said training program. 

“We would like to hit the target quota that you would learn many things and eventually you would apply what you have learned because we want that you will have food on your table and you can still sell your products to others,”  SMFI Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Cristie Angeles told the beneficiaries during the project launching in Sitio Candinayla, Brgy. Poblacion, Borbon.

“When you are ready, we will help you sell your produce through market linkages,” Angeles added.

The beneficiaries will undergo a 3-month training program and will meet in a weekly basis.

Harbest Agribusiness Corporation (HAC) will discuss various modules on farming while DSWD through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) will teach participants on proper business management.

HAC President Arsenio Barcelona said they will teach farmers new technology on application of fertilizers, soil amendments and the removal of parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots through pruning.

“We will teach them both technical and hands-on training to ensure they will cultivate highly valued crops,” Barcelona underscored.

Marilou Monera, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, is grateful for being included in the program.

“As a farmer, I would also like to learn new ways in order to be successful in our farming,” Monera explained.

Marilou’s husband works as a farmer and she sells “majablanca” to augment family income.

She added that they have a small lot near their house that they can plant vegetables with.

At the culmination of the program, a harvest festival will be conducted to showcase their fresh produce.  – Contributed by  Kerwin Macopia (FREEMAN)