Pitogo farmers complete five-day Palayamanan training

By Rowena T. Cruz Members of the Bilucao Farmers Association participate in the five-day Palayamanan training in Pitogo, Quezon. (Agricultu...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Members of the Bilucao Farmers Association participate in the five-day Palayamanan training in Pitogo, Quezon. (Agriculture Pitogo)

PITOGO, Quezon — Members of the Bilucao Farmers Association completed a five-day capacity-building program on Palayamanan from July 6 to 10 in Barangay Bilucao. Training sessions focused on improving rice yields while helping farmers reduce production costs and develop additional income through vegetable and livestock enterprises.

Sessions focused on “Key Checks 1–9,” covering the essential stages of rice production from seed selection and field preparation to harvesting and post-harvest handling. Participants studied soil and water management, fertilizer application and integrated pest management, along with practices intended to protect crops and improve grain quality.



Palayamanan promotes a diversified farming system that combines rice cultivation with vegetables, livestock and other agricultural enterprises. The approach broadens farm activities beyond rice production and encourages farmers to maximize their available land and resources.

Livestock sessions covered proper animal care, feeding and health management to improve farm productivity. Vegetable production discussions included seed selection, crop establishment, nutrient management, pest control and other technologies for producing higher-quality crops.

Association members actively participated throughout the program and later shared how they planned to apply the lessons on their farms. Participants also expressed appreciation for the training, saying the knowledge they gained could help improve production and strengthen their livelihoods.

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office IV-A–Calabarzon and the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Pitogo organized the activity with the Bilucao Farmers Association and agricultural resource persons. Led locally by Municipal Agriculturist German A. Candido with the support of Mayor Dexter “Tok” Sayatt, the initiative forms part of continuing efforts to build a more productive and resilient farming sector in Pitogo.