The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), conducted a needs assessment among vegetable farmers in Barangays Sagurong, Tinangis, and Sto. Niño in Pili, Camarines Sur on March 4, 2026, as part of the implementation of Project FARMVEST: Financial Advancement and Resource Management for Vegetable Entrepreneurs, Savings, and Technology promotion in the farming sector.
The activity was held to assess the current situation, challenges, and support needs of local vegetable farmers as part of CBSUA’s commitment to community engagement and agricultural development.
The assessment was led by Dr. Mae S.A. Lustre, Director of the Research Services Division and Project FARMVEST proponent, together with CANR faculty members Prof. Ma. Victoria Balderas, Prof. Rhener G. Bucad, Amy J. Sañosa, and Jasmin A. Olavides, and student researcher Dominador S. Tale III, highlighting the university’s integration of research, extension, and student engagement in community-based initiatives.
As part of the assessment, participating farmers joined a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to share their challenges in vegetable production, training needs, and the support they receive from government and non-government organizations, while the information gathered will guide the design of interventions and training activities under Project FARMVEST. The activity also included a farm visit at Mr. Jerry Dimaiwat’s vegetable farm to observe local farming practices firsthand.
Before the assessment, the CBSUA team met with barangay officials to formally introduce Project FARMVEST and discuss ways to collaborate on community development initiatives.
The activity was supported by local officials, including Barangay Captains Hon. Romeo H. Plegino of Sagurong, Hon. Arturo V. Bismonte of Tinangis, and Hon. Erwin M. Borja of Sto. Niño, as well as Committee on Agriculture members Hon. Jomar D.P. Sabeniano, Hon. May Zan S. Porlaje, and Hon. Roderick Barcel Vilarde. Their participation underscored the strong cooperation between CBSUA and the local government in promoting community programs. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘌𝘚𝘋
