The Office of the Extension and Training Services (OETS) of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) Abucay Campus conducted one-day training for local growers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on mango farming.
BPSU Vice President for Research and Training Services and Project Leader of CHED-DARETO Research cum Extension Project on Mango Production Dr. Hermogenes Paguia facilitated the training which was attended by 21 mango growers and spray contractors from Orani and Orion towns. It was held at Dimalantas Residence, Sitio Damulog, Orion recently. Angel Tulabut, focal person of GAP of the Department of Agriciulrure (DA) Region 3 and agriculturist Ruel R. Rubia were the training resource persons.
Mango farmers were particularly trained on compliance and guidelines to GAP accreditation including the recording and documentation of farm activities. The application form for GAP accreditation and supporting documents were accomplished by the participants during the workshop. BPSU Abucay Campus Extension and Training Services Office Chairperson Dr. Rina Q. Paguia assisted in the training as well as university research staff Maricel Javier. Each participant received Certificate of Participation. They also received a first aid kit, face shield and face mask from the chairman of the Bataan Mango Cooperative.
Local farmers cannot competitively market their produce unless they have GAP certification from DA, university officials said. BPSU President Dr. Greg Rodis is supporting the establishment of the Bataan Mango Development Council. The university president is pushing for sustainable innovations and researches like in mango production. “The innovations and researches we are doing in BPSU will mean nothing if do not reach end users”, he earlier said. BPSU is known to have dynamic research and extension office. It will be remembered that Paguia’s paper, “Improvement of Mango Production through Science and Technology Innovations and Support Mechanisms for Capacity Development in Bataan and Zambales” has recently been adjudged finalist in the Development Category of PCAARRD Best Research and Development Paper Awards 2020.
