A series of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) consultation and Forum and Environmental Initiatives was conducted for municipalities of La Union along Baroro River System (BRS) and Naguilian River System (NRS) held on February 11, 2025, in Municipal Training San Juan, February 28, 2025, in Epic Mall, Naguilian and March 3, 2025, in Magsaysay Hall, Bauang La Union.
The forum activity serves as an avenue for Farmers Group Representatives, Kagawad, Barangay Captain, SK, and Barangay Representatives from BRS (San Gabriel, San Juan, Bacnotan) and NRS (Naguilian, Bauang) to have a better understanding on GAP, discussion on issues and concerns, and sharing of data of agricultural environmental practices.
Resource speakers from different offices and agencies shared their knowledge on significant topics. The discussion started with the code GAP 49-2021, Philippine National Standard on GAP for fruit and vegetables, and recommendation in the practices of GAP. This was presented by Heisaboy Tubaang and Rhuezan Ysit from the Office of the Provincial Agriculture. Introductory on establishing nurseries was also presented by Mr. Eduardo Pulmano of Naguilian Municipal Office of Agriculture (MAO). Participants were also informed of the topic on Organic Vegetable Production presented by Francis Kenneth Alamay from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA Region) 1 who is a Technical Working Group (TWG) member of the Ridge to Reef Project (R2R). In accordance with learning skills on GAP, it is also essential to be aware of the type and classification of waste for sustainable environmentally friendly practices. This was presented by Ms. Aloha Mae Renion from Department of Environmental and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), Region 1 who is also a member of the TWG of R2R Project.
One of the participants of GAP Training, Marcial M. Florendo, a farmer, and Kagawad from Baraoas Norte expressed his gratitude for inviting them to be the participants on the said event. He also talked about his expertise in growing vegetables like tomatoes and ginger. He said that they would become more conscious of vegetable growing. Thanks to the new technology for creating organic pests.
The initiative of GAP is a guide to the production system toward sustainable agricultural and ecologically safe, harmless products of higher quality. This will enhance food security, increase income through market access, and enhance working conditions for producers and the local community.
