Season-long training for Capiz mango growers
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture conducted a season-long training for Capiz Mango Growers from March 25 to August 15 of this year.
The season long seminar consisted of lectures, discussions and demonstrations on how to scientifically cultivate mango plantations Speakers from the Agricultural Training Institue (ATI) in Iloilo and National Mango Research and Development Center (NMRDC) based in Guimaras were invited to share their respective technologies among Capiz Mango Growers.
Sessions during the season-long training included topics on flower induction, pesticide application, different pests that cause harm to mangoes and mango trees, and processing of mango into products such as puree, pickles, chutney, dried mangoes, and mango juices. The sessions were held at the seminar room of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the demonstrations were done at the Energy System Launching Area (ESLA) in Brgy. Lanot, Roxas City.
The participants organized themselves into the Capiz Mango Growers Association with Regis Bisnar as President and Jose Avelino III and Roel Roque Martinez as Vice-Presidents. Other elected officers are Salvacion Legazpi (Secretary), Myrna Belo (Treasurer), Elizabeth Betito (Asst. Treas.), Frank Patricio (Bus.Manager.), Dolly Buday (PRO), Cristina Sabando (Auditor), Freddie Fundal (Peace Officer), and Lilia Llantino (Muse).
In addition to the sessions, the participants visited the province of Guimaras, the Mango Capital of the Philippines, to experience and learn more about the success of Guimaras in mango production. The key to this success, the participants observed, is the province's innovative people.
The graduation was held at the PAG-ULIKID Training Center, ESLA, last August 15 with Gov, Victor A. Tanco, Sr. as their guest speaker. The provincial governor pledged to support the undertakings of the Capiz Mango Growers Association especially in enhancing mango production in Capiz. Gov. Tanco also promised to provide the group with a Hot Water Treatment equipment worth P150,000. (Teddy Buenvenida)