Submitted by RM Staff on
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 2 in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02) conducted Training on Rice-Based Integrated Farming System (RBIFS) on February 12-14, 2025, held at the FoodTech Bldg., ATI-RTC 02, Brgy. Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela.
Cagayan Valley has become the second top rice-producing region in the country with 3.03 million metric tons in 2023 (PSA), which is likely attributed to the expansion of cultivation areas. However, rice farming confronts challenges including climate change, susceptibility to natural disasters, an aging farming population, and so on. To address these challenges, the adoption of a rice-based integrated farming system is deemed essential.
The participants—Irrigators Associations (IAs) of NIA-R2 play a significant role in achieving the regional agricultural goals, particularly the improvement of rice productivity that is crucial to national food security. Highlights of training include discussion on: (1) PalayCheck System; (2) Concept and Principles of Rice-Based Integrated Farming System and its Benefits; (3) Free Range Chicken; (4) Rice-Fish Culture; (5) Low-Cost Swine Production; (6) GAP Vegetable; and (7) Rice-Duck Farming System by high-caliber Resource Speakers. On the second day of training, participants visited A.R Santiago Agri-fishery Farm and Training Center Inc.
The initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to promote climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring food security and improved livelihoods for Filipino farmers.