By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise, rice fields across Eastern Visayas come alive with farmers checking seedlings, water levels, and signs of pests. For many of them, the first people they turn to for advice are local agricultural frontliners. Strengthening these frontliners means protecting harvests and securing food on Filipino tables.
To boost rice productivity in Region VIII, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office VIII recently conducted a specialized training in Tacloban City, Leyte. The activity focused on improving the skills of agricultural technicians, project implementers, seed growers, and farmer cooperators who serve as the first line of support for rice farmers in the region.
The training, called the Training Course on Participatory Performance Testing and Validation Trial, aimed to deepen participants’ knowledge of modern and appropriate rice farming technologies. These include choosing the right rice varieties, applying proper crop management practices, and identifying and controlling pests and diseases that threaten yields.
According to DA officials, Eastern Visayas remains vulnerable to climate-related risks such as floods, droughts, and strong typhoons. These challenges make it even more important for farmers to use the right technologies at the right time. Well-trained frontliners play a key role in guiding farmers to make better decisions in their fields.
During the sessions, participants learned how to assess the performance of different rice varieties under local conditions. They were trained to conduct field trials that involve farmers directly, allowing them to see which varieties perform best in terms of yield, resistance to pests, and tolerance to weather stress. This participatory approach helps ensure that recommended technologies are practical and acceptable to farmers.
The course also covered early detection and management of common rice pests and diseases. Trainers emphasized integrated pest management, which combines proper field monitoring, use of resistant varieties, and responsible use of control methods. This approach reduces production costs and limits damage to the environment.
Serving as resource persons were rice specialists Juliet P. Rillon and Keith Marielle G. Chico, who shared both technical knowledge and field experience. They guided participants through hands-on discussions and real-life scenarios that agricultural workers often face when assisting farmers.
DA–RFO VIII stressed that agricultural technicians and farmer-leaders are crucial partners in the government’s rice development programs. By equipping them with updated skills, the agency hopes to improve technology transfer from research institutions to farming communities. This, in turn, supports the country’s goal of increasing rice productivity while keeping farming sustainable.
Region VIII contributes significantly to local rice supply, especially in rural and island communities where farming is a primary source of income. Improving yields and reducing losses can help stabilize food availability and farmer earnings, particularly among smallholder farmers.
Participants welcomed the training, noting that continuous learning helps them respond better to farmers’ concerns. Many said the knowledge gained will allow them to give clearer advice, especially during critical stages of crop growth and when pest outbreaks occur.
As rice remains a staple food for Filipino families, investing in people who support farmers on the ground is seen as a practical and long-term solution. Strengthening frontliners ensures that scientific knowledge reaches the fields where it matters most.
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