MMSU, ATI-RTC 1 train Ilocos Norte farmers in vermicomposting
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 1 (DA-ATI-RTC 1) trained farmers from across Ilocos Norte in vermicomposting and organic waste management on 27 and 28 October.
The first batch brought together 31 participants at the MMSU University Review Center and Organic Fertilizer Production Facility. They came from the local governments of Badoc, Paoay, San Nicolas, Laoag and Batac, as well as the Department of Education and the Philippine Coconut Authority. The training followed a public invitation posted on the MMSU Extension Directorate’s Facebook page.
MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. thanked organizers and participants for supporting soil health and sustainable farming. He said the university plans to establish a soil testing laboratory to help farmers improve organic fertilizer production.
University Extension Specialist II Shiela Corpuz highlighted how organic farming can turn everyday waste into fertilizer. MMSU Extension Director Marlowe Aquino encouraged participants to continue their community projects and said the university would support their initiatives.
On the first day, Dr. Floramante Pastor, project leader of the Bioorganic Fertilizer and Vegetable Project, covered composting fundamentals, the use of earthworms, compost bin preparation and worm management.
Participants spent the second day at the university’s organic fertilizer production facility, where they examined fertilizer made there and practiced preparing fermented plant juice and fermented fruit juice.
The training supports household food security, lower farming costs and sustainable waste management, said participant Kerima Joy Quimoyog.
The second training was held in Dingras on 3–4 November, followed by a session in Piddig on 5–6 November. A fourth batch was scheduled for Marcos on 11–12 November.
The university and ATI-RTC 1 said the series aims to bring vermicomposting and organic waste management training to more communities across Ilocos Norte.