Pasali Facilitates Training on Dragon Fruit Production and Processing for Farmers of Koronadal, South Cotabato

With the aim to capacitate farmers in acquiring adequate knowledge, skills and orientation on the critical aspects of dragon fruit production and processing including post-harvest and marketing aspects, Pasali Philippines Foundation, Inc. as an Extension Service Provider and in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region XII conducted a Training on Dragon Fruit Production and Processing for Farmers of Koronadal, South Cotabato held last August 14-16, 2017 at ATI Regional Training Center in Tantangan, South Cotabato. 

​Resource Person Fermin C. Rivas shared his experienced-based expertise about dragon fruit to the thirty-two (32) farmers of South Cotabato who mostly have been growing this highly beneficial plant in their respective areas over a period of time. Participants’ learning was made effective with the combination of theoretical and practical approaches. Significant inputs on dragon fruit production and processing and video documentaries of the Philippine’s “Dragon Fruit Lady”, Edita Dacuycuy, was shown to project the status and prospects of Dragon Fruit industry in the Philippine scenario and inspire farmers on the potentials of this fruit. 

​The experience became even more fun when the participants had their practicum on dragon fruit processing on the second day and a field visit at Mr. Rivas’ own “RF City Farm” in Barangay San Isidro, General Santos City on the third day. Free planting materials were given to the participants before heading back to the training venue. Pre and Post tests were administered as well before and after the training, respectively, to gauge participants’ knowledge about relevant topics of the training.

“Damo gid ko natun-an diri. One of the few seminars na na-atenan ko na 'di boring so I highly recommend this to my family and friends” [“I really learned a lot here. One of the few seminars I attended which is not boring so I highly recommend this to my family and friends”] gladly expressed by one of the participants. Another participant revealed that during the field visit, she had realized that organic farming is very environment-friendly and is a good agricultural practice. She further added that she will share this with their farmers and popularize dragon fruit in their place. These testimonies, along with others, truly manifest that the 3-day training was indeed a success.