R & D experts and magsasaka siyentista from CLSU and CLARRDEC are continually tapped by the National Power Corporation (NPC) as it funds series of training and livelihood options for upland dwellers in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. NPC’s objective is to empower communities in protecting and conserving the Pantabangan dam watershed area by enhancing attitude, knowledge, skills and practices of upland farmers in the production of economically important agricultural crops. The end goal is to affect behavioral changes so that all stakeholders will avoid or at least minimize the extraction of essential natural resources from the nearby forests and mountains.
The livelihood trainings were technologically substantiated by three agriculture practitioners. Mr. Wilfredo N. Abesamis of Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija shared his best practices in mango production which include pruning, fertilizer application, flower induction, fruit bagging and hot water treatment. Abesamis is an outstanding magsasaka siyentista of CLARRDEC endorsed by the CLSU-Extension Office who currently showcases his best practices through a science and technology-based farm funded by the PCARRD.
In addition, Prof. Nemesio V. Torres of CLSU provided other science-based livelihood options. He presented some tested innovations for banana and coconut production. He also related the best practices and success stories of Mr. Bayani Ritual of Matawe, Dingalan, Aurora, a magsasaka siyentista of CLARRDEC venturing on coffee production, and banana (saba) production and processing. Similarly, Prof. Jaime R. Quilantang of CLSU recommended three more livelihood options for the upland dwellers the production of calamansi, gabi and organic fertilizer. Quilantang presented and discussed the technoguides based on verified research findings. He also emphasized the relevance of producing and using organic fertilizer as a strategy to help conserve the environment and natural resources.
After the conduct of the livelihood trainings for 131 participants, 71 farmer residents in barangays Salazar, Burgos, RA Padilla and Bunga (Carranglan) are implementing agricultural ventures that harmonize with NPC’s watershed rehabilitation and conservation program. They are assisted by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, and Municipal Agriculture Office of Carranglan.
