1st Batch of FSTP for Vegetables Receives Certificates

The first batch of graduates of the Farmers-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) for Rural Vegetables-Based Production and Marketing System received their certificates of completion on Friday in Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete town, southern Cebu.

Some 68 farmers from nine barangays graduated the four-month course designed as a pilot project by the University of the Philippines-Los Banos in coordination with the Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus and the Provincial Government.

Dalaguete is considered as vegetable basket of the province.

Dr. Romulo Davide, Capitol consultant of agriculture for P1 a year, led the distribution of certificates in a ceremony graced by town officials including Vice Mayor Jeffrey Belcina.

“You might encounter problems along the way but I hope that you would remain steadfast in your enthusiasm and commitment in farming because all problems have solutions,” Davide said in his inspirational speech.

Davide, the father of a similar program for corn-based production, laid down the formula for farmers to succeed which includes hard work, strength, sacrifice and prayer.

Marketing their products by themselves instead of going through a middleman also plays an important part to make farming as a source of livelihood more sustainable, he said.

Earlier, provincial agriculturist Roldan Saragena promised to help farmers look for direct buyers in the city through the agribusiness section of his office so they could get a fair value of their crops.

He said they are eyeing restaurants, hotels and super markets as direct buyers who could offer higher prices for their vegetables.

During his speech, Saragena said they would also help transform farm fields into agri-tourism sites that would allow farmers to earn additional income.

He also recognized the farmer’s contribution to the food security of the country.

“Don’t be ashamed of yourselves because you are farmers. Without you, people will be hungry,” Saragena said in Cebuano.

All graduates each received a water container, hose and raincoat as promised last month by Gov. Hilario P. Davide III when he visited the project site.

Like the FSTP for corn, the program aims to give small farmers direct training contact with agricultural experts and scientists to develop their technical skills and scientific capabilities to grow crops utilizing appropriate farming technologies.

It has three phases. The first stage includes research exposure, values formation and technical empowerment. Phase II involves implementation of knowledge and technology at the farmer’s own lot while the last stage trains graduates to become FSTP teachers. (Kelvin Cañizares/ photos Donald Moga)

cebu.gov.ph