300 farmer scientist graduate from training program in Siquijor

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Aug 7 (PIA) -- Nearly 300 local farmers from five towns in Siquijor province were recognized in last week’s joint graduation barangay level phases I, II and III and launching of Farmer-Scientists Training Program in corn-based production system for sustainable agricultural development. 

San Juan town has a total of 84 graduates with 19 farmers completing the Phase III, 46 for phase II and 19 for phase I while Larena town, 43 graduates with 32 for phases I and 11 for phase II. 

Siquijor has 68 graduates, five of which completed phase III; 38 for phase II; and 25 for phase I. Lazi town has 72 graduates, 9 completed phase III; eight for phase II and 55 for phase I while and Maria town has 25 graduates with nine completing phase III, two for phase ll and 14 for phase I. 

Phases I, II and III graduates receive certificates of completion, achievement and recognition, respectively. 

Phase I focuses on value formation, research exposure and technical empowerment; phase II on on-farm experimentation and technology adoption; and phase III on farmer-to-farmer technology transfer and adoption. 

In phase I, farmers and scientists set up experimental plots of corn to compare the effects of organic from inorganic fertilizers, varietal trials, intercropping and other methods. 

Cultivation of the farmer’s minds for love of God, country and people are also emphasized, Dr. Romulo G. Davide, FSTP program leader said. 

Phase II is when farmers replicate their research experiences from Phase I in their own farms. They set up experiments with the assistance of scientists or experts and agricultural technicians to determine which production technologies are adoptable in their farms. 

Finally in phase III, the farmer-scientists share their expertise by teaching untrained fellow farmers how to generate and develop farming technologies based on their Phase I and Phase II experiences. 

They use either the Adopt-A-Farmer model or Adopt-A-Barangay model with support from the local government units. They are backed up by the municipal agricultural officers, agricultural technicians and experts, and scientists from other agencies when needed. 

The program emphasizes intercropping system, together with livestock to increase farmer’s income, Davide also said. 

FSTP is first introduced in Siquijor in 2002 by Davide, known as the father of FSTP. His vision was to make Siquijor an FSTP country. 

With several farmers embracing the program and graduating every year, his vision is very near if not already realized, he said. 

FSTP is based on the assumption that “there is no barren soil, only barren mind,” and that “farming is business.” It is designed to liberate poor farmers from the bondage of poverty and hunger, he said. 

The activity was held at the San Juan Social Center, San Juan, Siquijor attended by Dr. Davide himself, provincial and municipal agriculturists and technicians, provincial governor Orlando A. Fua Jr., mayors of the five municipalities, and heads of partner agencies. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)