The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) recently partnered with government and private agencies to host a festival dedicated to advancing sweet corn production and agricultural technology. The event, held on August 29, 2025, at the CBSUA Agriville and Learning Hub, focused on leveraging agricultural research to enhance food security and agri-tourism in the region.
Dubbed “Harvest 2025,” the initiative brought together farmers, students, and agricultural practitioners for a free lecture and hands-on training session. The program was a collaboration between CBSUA, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 5, DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the municipal governments of Pili, Baao, and Naga, and several private partners, including Advanta Seeds Philippines, Syngenta, and Leads Agri Corp.
The festival featured a free lecture and hands-on training for farmers, students, and local agri-practitioners. The goal was to empower them with the latest knowledge and technologies in sweet corn cultivation. Esteemed guest speakers shared their expertise on a wide range of topics, from basic soil management to the business side of farming. Mr. Ronnie Lotivo of Advanta discussed improved production practices, while Dr. Lorena F. Hernandez focused on soil health. Other sessions covered nutrient management, the health benefits of corn, and innovative uses for sweet corn stalks in livestock feed, presented by Ms. Mariel Esther A. Sinoy, Ms. Dolores Bongalos, and Dr. Emma Jarcia, respectively. Additionally, Ms. Marliquio Sarmiento provided valuable insights into turning sweet corn farming into a profitable business.
This joint effort underscores a shared commitment to strengthening local farming communities by promoting sustainable practices and boosting productivity. By providing access to science-based, practical knowledge, organizers hope to inspire innovation and contribute to a more resilient and food-secure Bicol region. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘑𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘦 𝘊. 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘈. 𝘐𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘢; 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘦 𝘊. 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘊. 𝘈𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘭