Agricultural Wetlands as a Showcase for Wetlands Conservation
This project is an attempt to conserve a portion in the Candaba Wetlands, particularly to develop a 132-hectare farmland owned and managed by farmer’s organization called Macagatal Irrigators Association (MIA) in Paligui, Candaba, Pampanga. The project will characterize and assess a 132 -hectare wetland in Barangay Paligui for the purpose of coming up with science-based information to support the designation of the area as a natural heritage or a showcase of traditional farming practices and offer sanctuary for birds as a strategy for its conservation.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
Rice Production Training for Farmers of Candaba
The municipality of Candaba in the province of Pampanga is known for its rich wetlands and farmlands. Local farmers make use of certain areas in this vast wetlands as fishponds during the rainy season and rice fields during the dry season. It is the lowest point in Central Luzon, making it as the catch basin of the province and nearby areas which results to only one cropping season for rice.
Since rice production is possible only once a year, the farmers must efficiently use their resources. However, based on the training needs survey conducted by the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) and Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC 3) of the Department of Agriculture, most of rice farmers are applying high amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These practices results to high cost of production and may contribute to water pollution negatively affecting the biodiversity in the area.
To address this, the SCPW and ATI-RTC 3 conducted a Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Rice Production Training for the local farmers. The training aimed to create ways of upgrading farmers’ awareness and understanding on the impact of climate change and learn how to adapt and reduce vulnerability and at the same time, acquire knowledge on rice farming. This was held on 5-7 September 2018 at Candaba, Pampanga. Prior to the training, a Training Needs Assessment was conducted on 06 July 2018 to ascertain the level of knowledge and practice of the farmers in relation to the crops they are currently cultivating.
A total of twenty (20) farmers who are members of Macagatal Irrigators Association and Farmers Irrigation Association, and representative from the Municipal Agriculture Office participated in the training.
At the Learning Sessions, the following were discussed:
1. Wetlands and Agriculture (by Ms. Amy Lecciones of SCPW)
2. Climate Change and its Effects in Agriculture (Ms. Lily dela Cruz of ATI – RTC 3)
3. Use of certified seeds of a recommended variety (Mr. Noel Regis of ATI – RTC 3)
4. Land Preparation (Mr. Noel Regis of ATI – RTC 3)
5. Crop Establishment (Ms. Arlin Gautioqui of ATI – RTC 3)
6. Nutrient Management (Ms. Arlin Gautioqui of ATI – RTC 3)
7. Use and Computation of Fertilizers (Ms. Arlin Gautioqui of ATI – RTC 3)
8. Water Management (Ms. Arlin Gautioqui of ATI – RTC 3)
9. Pest Management (Ms. Arlin Gautioqui of ATI – RTC 3)
10. Harvest Management (Ms. Arlin Gautioqui of ATI – RTC 3)
Implementors and Partners
Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 3
Local Government of Candaba, Pampanga
Macagatal Irrigators Association (MIA)