Mag-Agri Tayo moves forward, Mindanao takes the spotlight

Shedding light to the people behind the radical innovations and practices in the Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (AFNR) sectors captures the core of one of the projects of the Techno Gabay Program (TGP).

PCARRD joined hands with the Foundation for Agriculture Related Missions (FARM) to produce TGP success stories that will be featured in the Mag-Agri Tayo program of the National Broadcasting Network (NBN) PTV-4. The success stories would showcase the different stakeholders of TGP - the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS), Farmers’ Information and Technology Service (FITS) and the regional research and development (R&D) consortium. The documentation would cover Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Coordinated and supported by the respective R&D consortia, the team

The Caraga Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (CCARRD) identified Mr. Gregorio Mitchao, an MS on Industrial Tree Farming (ITP) to be featured in their region. Mitchao, a forester with 33-year background in tree farming, has teaching experience from a university and is a consultant for wood-based industries.

The shoot focused on his 100-hectare tree plantation, showing the different stages of its development. Mitchao shared his personal and professional trials in developing the farm. He also expressed hope that his farm would gain the support of PCARRD, especially of its S&T-based Farm project.

The Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMARRDEC) identified two MS - Mr. Darwin Tinasas on goat farming and Mr. Felimon Santander on biogas and backyard swine raising to be featured on Mag-Agri Tayo.

Meanwhile, Santander, an expert in biogas production and experienced backyard swine raiser developed his own biogas digester that turned the annoying smell of backyard piggeries into a technology that the whole community benefited from.

The biogas digester produced fuel for on-farm and domestic use like cooking and lighting. Santander and his cooperators are very willing to share how they started and modified the biogas technology and their plans to expand the reach of the technology.

Everyone has a story to tell, but this project of TGP also proved one common denominator among the MSs – the genuine compassion to help other farmers and even non-farmers, through their continuous efforts to improve their own technologies and distinct specializations. The support of their respective consortia and PCARRD would guide them in realizing their plans.

As the PCARRD and FARM/NBN-4 aim to finish the upcoming shoots in the three major islands with the continuous support from the regions and the council, the TGP can be assured that the best practices will be captured to transform the regions into a well searched and documented sources of AFNR information and innovation. (Jocelyn Amarante, S&T Media service)