To observe and gain insight on the value chain flow of major commodities and good agriculture practices, a team of project implementors of the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in Bicol went recently on an Expository Tour and learning Exchange to Northern Luzon.

The team consisting of 51 PRDP staff from the DA-Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO), Provincial and City Management and Implementation Units visited successful agri-entrepreneurs, projects and facilities of the Department of Agriculture in Ilocos. Planning Specialist Mary Ann R. Cuya served as the head of the delegation.

Some of those visited were the Mango Farm of Ricardo Tolentino, the 1^st mango farm in the region with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. Tolentino, who was a National Gawad Saka Awardee as Outstanding Agri-Entrepreneur, is also known as the Mango King. He now exports his mangoes to Japan, China and Korea.

Another project visited by the team was the Pasuquin Farmers Garlic and Onion Growers Association, also a GAP certified Non-Government Association headed by Mr. Rolando Calimbas.

In Burgos town, the team were toured around the vast plantation of the dragon fruit plants. The farm is being managed by the Rare Eagle Forest Marine & Agricultural Development-Ventures Enterprise or REFMAD-V, owned by Edita Dacuycuy and her family. Products include dragon fruit ice cream, wine, shanghai, tea, vinegar, cookies, jam, soap bars and many more. Mrs. Dacuycuy was also a Gawad Saka Awardee in 2011 as Most Outstanding High-Value Commercial Crop Farmer.

The team also visited the Regional Office No. 1 where RTD for Research and Regulation Eduardo M. Gonzales extensively discussed the agricultural practices and resources of their region. The team also explored “DAP-AYAN TI SIRIB” an interactive agricultural information and technology center, exhibiting dioramas and interactive kiosk, the tour was conducted by the I-PLAN Component Head Ms. Doris Joy C. Garcia.

According to Dr. Adonis C. Dilao of PPMIU-Masbate, the expository tour and learning exchange is a good kind of training, it made him realize that we should always think of marketing as a prospect. He then plans to re-echo the things he learned during the learning exchange, especially with the mango growers in their area for he believes that this is a good input for discussion.

Meanwhile, Engr. Argeme J. Gregorio of PPMIU-Sorsogon said that Ilocano’s are very hard-working especially in the field of agriculture. She also mentioned that the people in Castilla, Sorsogon are already planting dragon fruit, but only for medicinal purposes. But because of the presentation done by REFMAD she felt enlightened and said that the growers of dragon fruit in their area should learn how to experiment to add value to their product.

Ms. Thelma Bardon of PPMIU-Camarines Norte said the expository tour is very educational and worthwhile because of the good practices shared by the farmers which are also adaptable in our locality.

The on-going implementation of PRDP projects in the region appears to have a good impact in improving the commodities in our area and the incomes of the farmers.

The Expository tour was organized by the I-PLAN component of the PRDP in Bicol. PRDP is a six-year project being implemented by the Department of Agriculture that aims to establish a modern, inclusive, value-chain oriented and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. (Michelle Angela G. Alfigura, I-SUPPORT InfoACE Unit, DA-RAFIS 5)

The Pasuquin Farmers Garlic and Onion Growers Association allowed the participants for the Expository Tour and Learning Exchange to experience garlic picking

The participants visited (Rare Eagle Forest Marine & Agricultural Development-Ventures Enterprise) REFMAD-V farms the First Dragon Fruit Plantation in Region 1, owned and manage by Mrs. Edita Dacuycuy and family

RTD for Research and Regulation Director Eduardo M. Gonzales giving his welcome remarks to the participants of RPCO 5 Expository Tour and Learning Exchange at the Regional Field Office No. 1