Youth from the municipalities of Barlig, Besao, Sabangan, Sadanga, Bauko, Sagada, Tadian, and Natonin attended the 2nd Coffee Youth Training in Sagada, Mountain Province last November 27-29, 2017.
According to Joan D. Bacbac, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Regional Focal Person, the activity aimed to transfer good traditional coffee production practices to the youth. Some of the problems in the coffee industry are the aging coffee farmers and the lack of interest of the youth in farming. The lack of interest of the youth is leading to the abandonment of farms and coffee trees in the province. Thus, level 1 of their activity is to train the youth to be service providers and take part in the coffee industry, she said.
Level 2 of the training was agreed to be conducted during the summer break to encourage and develop youth trainers on coffee production. And to complete the package, clonal garden for coffee in the province will be established. These gardens will be managed by the youth, Bacbac explained.
“There are opportunities on coffee so absorb all the things you can learn from this training and do not be afraid to market your products,” said Atty. Joycel R. Panlilio, Chief of Staff of Usec. Evelyn G. Laviña who served as keynote speaker during the training.
Jennifer Rimando, a certified Q Grader and the Manager of OLA Farms lectured on “Coffee Production and Management.” She also toured the participants at their coffee farm where they observed the good practices employed by the OLA Farms.
On the other hand, Vincent Andawi, Manager of Sagada Arabica Coffee Growers and Processors Organization (SACGPO) together with other members of the SACGPO showed to the participants the actual operations in their processing center.
Before the day ended, a values re-orientation with Pastor Joy Gabasa, Director of ACLEAD College in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija occurred. He shared the things needed to succeed which are “1) do not hesitate to help people, 2) be open to learn, 3) you should have a drive, 4) focus, and 5) good character.”
The activity is a joint effort of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-Cordillera Administrative Region- High Value Crops Development Program and the Offices of the Provincial and Municipal Agriculturist of Mountain Province.** Karen T. Gawigawen
