THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has unveiled the Negros First Organic Technology Center (NFOTEC) positioned to further boost organic production in the province.
Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino, who led the blessing and inauguration of the center at Barangay Tabunan in Bago City on January 6, said the facility will mainly serve as training venue for organic practitioners.
Masculino said the facility situated near the Negros First Rice Processing Center will also serve as production area for various organic commodities including crops, and poultry and livestock animals.
These crops and commodities include organic rice, vegetables, free-range chicken, and black pig, among others.
“Aside from empowering existing organic practitioners, the technology center will also help us encourage future organic farming advocates,” Masculino said, adding that the production area can also be a source of additional revenue for the province.
Records of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) showed there are currently at least 17,000 organic adaptors in the province, with a total area of 16,000 hectares.
The Provincial Government allocated P3 million for the establishment of the center at the Capitol-owned property.
Masculino said they are also finalizing the plan to offer an organic agriculture course accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
The province already has a licensed instructor, Masculino said, adding that the center will also benefit the inmates of the nearby Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ).
Starting this month, NFOTEC will provide organic agriculture trainings to the inmates through a Farmer Field School scheme.
Masculino said the NODJ has available 7,000 square meters for agriculture crop production which can be linked to the center.
“It’s a season-long training which can benefit inmates especially when they go out of the jail,” he added.
The unveiling rites was led by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Acting Provincial Administrator Lucille Gelvolea, and Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo.
