In a significant stride towards agricultural development and community empowerment, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), through its College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and Taro Center, successfully conducted a training seminar on agribusiness with a focus on taro production. Held on June 24, 2025, in Brgy. San Jose, Baao, Camarines Sur, the initiative was a collaborative effort with the Church of God-Baao.
The day commenced with an uplifting prayer and praise and worship session, led by Juliane Mariel Berdul and Keisha Rheigne Esplana, setting a deeply meaningful tone. This spiritual opening was followed by an inspiring message and testimony from Pastora Melagros L. Cedilla of the Church of GodโBaao, emphasizing a full and abundant life, drawing from Juan 10:10 (MBB).
Participants gained invaluable knowledge from key speakers Ms. Liezl G. Ayala, the esteemed Taro Director, and Mr. Joel S. Balindan, a distinguished faculty member of CBSUA-CANR. Ms. Ayala delivered a comprehensive lecture, delving into the agribusiness potential of taro production. Her presentation offered practical insights into modern cultivation techniques, the economic benefits of taro farming, and avenues for value-adding to taro products. Complementing this, Mr. Balindan discussed crucial aspects of sustainable farming methods and underscored the importance of community-based agricultural development.
A vital component of the seminar was the needs assessment survey conducted among the community members. The results of this survey will serve as a foundational guide for CBSUA-CANR in crafting future development programs that are precisely tailored to address the local population’s existing resources and pressing concerns.
The seminar’s overarching goals were to equip attendees with essential knowledge and skills in taro production and agribusiness, foster the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and actively support ongoing efforts in local community development. Furthermore, it served as a crucial platform for strengthening vital linkages among local farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and dedicated development advocates.
This collaborative activity marks a meaningful step forward in enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship within the community of Baao, Camarines Sur. It highlights CBSUA’s commitment to extending its expertise beyond the academe to contribute directly to rural economic growth and sustainable livelihoods in the Bicol Region. | ๐๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ต ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฐ๐ด ๐ง๐ณ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐๐ข๐ฎ๐ช๐ญ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ฆ ๐. ๐๐ข๐ณ๐จ๐ข๐ด & ๐๐บ๐ข๐ฏ ๐. ๐๐ถ๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ, ๐๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ต ๐๐ฏ๐ต๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฏ๐ด
