Capacity Enhancement for Composting Facilities Held in Northern Samar

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management – Compost Production Implementation Team (BSWM-CPIT) has successfully concluded a 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘀 (𝗖𝗙𝗕𝗪). The event took place at the Diamond Hotel in Catarman from September 30 to October 1, 2024.

Organized by RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation, the company that manufactured and supplied the CFBW machinery, the program aimed to enhance the competency of various beneficiaries in effectively utilizing the components of CFBW. Participants included representatives from the Provincial Agricultural Office (PAO) of Northern Samar, the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Silvino Lubos, the TESDA Provincial Training Center, TESDA-Las Navas Agro-Industrial School, 17 farmers’ associations, and one Agricultural Learning Center.

The two-day training program emphasized the full utilization of CFBW facilities, featuring practical demonstrations on composting principles and processes. This initiative is part of the broader “𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 (𝗖𝗙𝗕𝗪) 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺,” which aligns with the Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Agriculture Program, the National Rice Program, the High-Value Crops Development Program, and the National Corn Program.

The CFBW facilities include a rotary composter and a shredding machine, which support the objectives of the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP). This program focuses on sustainable agricultural practices aimed at increasing crop productivity. While the production of organic fertilizers from agricultural residues has been a primary focus since 2009, the potential of market and residential waste as sources of organic inputs remains largely untapped. Expanding composting facilities to incorporate these waste sources is critical for maximizing resource recovery.

This capacity enhancement training equips participants with essential skills that will foster improved waste management practices and advance organic farming initiatives in Northern Samar. This aligns with the national goal of enhancing agricultural sustainability.

The activity was honored by the presence of Dr. Jose Luis A. Acompañado, who delivered inspiring closing remarks, urging participants to apply their newfound knowledge to promote organic agriculture in the province. Also present was Ms. Jessica Yabao, a representative from BSWM-CPIT, while Ms. Shea Jong from RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation served as the resource speaker for the two-day training program.

Support for promoting organic fertilizers and compost in the Philippines is underpinned by several legal frameworks, including Republic Act 9003, known as the Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, enacted in 2000. This important legislation emphasizes environmentally sound methods for resource conservation and recovery, placing the responsibility for implementing waste management practices, including composting, on local government units (LGUs).

As local farmers in Northern Samar gain expertise in composting and waste management, the impact on their agricultural practices is expected to be profound. By enhancing the use of organic fertilizers, farmers can improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. This shift not only supports sustainable farming but also has the potential to uplift the local economy by promoting greater agricultural productivity and resilience. Ultimately, such initiatives contribute to food security and economic stability for the communities in Northern Samar, fostering a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

📷 Rica D. Alo