La Filipina, Tagum City – In pursuit of Tagum Cooperative’s (TC) goal to become a certified Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region XI, comprising of Mr. Felson Jay V. Mahumot, Mr. Ernie L. Malazarte, and Mr. Ken Lloyd F. Pabilan, conducted another round of validation on April 15, 2024, for TC’s La Fortuna property in Purok Kalamboan, La Filipina, Tagum City.
The LSA program of the DA-ATI is designed to provide practical and hands-on learning avenues that complement classroom education. It serves as a training ground for farmers, rural community members, and agriculture students, among others. The site also functions as a work immersion venue for students and a source of farm business advisory services, information support, and technology demonstrations. These activities aim to enhance agricultural practices and support the community’s development through education and practical engagement.
During the recent validation, the TWG assessed various aspects of TC’s La Fortuna farm to ensure compliance with DA-ATI guidelines. The La Fortuna farm is actively involved in livestock production with a forage grazing area. One of the practices is the effective use of livestock waste for crop production. Wastes from livestock are collected and processed into compost. This compost is rich in nutrients and is used to fertilize the crops. This sustainable practice not only reduces waste but also minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers, promoting an environmentally friendly approach to farming.
There are also a variety of native fruit-bearing trees such as lanzones, mango, caimito, santol, avocado, macopa, banana, jackfruit, coconut, marang, durian, and rambutan. The farm also cultivates a wide range of vegetables, such as ampalaya, cucumber, string beans, camote tops, kangkong, ginger, chili, eggplant, and alugbati.
Essential facilities like a receiving area, comfort room, and wash area are also available, to accommodate visitors and guests.
TC envisions its La Fortuna farm to be one of the farm partners of the DA-ATI in spreading commendable farming technologies and good agricultural practices worthy of replication by other farmers or individuals who want to venture into farming and agribusiness. Yna Gracelle J. Amores