ISABELA CITY, Basilan — Farmers and fisher folks of Isabela City gathered at the White Beach Resort in Malamawi Island recently for the annual forum to discuss and address issues and concerns that would help improve productivity.

Antonio Lojera of the Department of Agriculture-IX described the event as a "culmination activity" of the organized farmers and fisher folks in Isabela City. He said that the forum is an opportunity for these sectors to gather and showcase their products of the year.

At the opening day, an agri-trade fair welcomed the participants and guests. Resort kiosks were utilized to display various local produce and products, such as vegetables, fruits, novelty and cottage industry products, among others.

The farmers and fisher folks are also expected to plan and program activities for next year.

Guest lecturer Efipanio Macuto, a local farmer shared his knowledge on organic farming technology that utilizes raw materials available in the surrounding to produce an organic fertilizer, such as papaya, banana, mango, and selected plants and crops.

Macuto, who has been practicing organic farming for almost four years, said the technology has been around, only that most farmers are not very receptive of the technology although some had already started using them. He said the farmers are still lured by the quick and easy approach of chemically-based fertilizers for instant production without much consideration on their ill-effect to the environment and on the health of consumers.

He is thankful to the Department of Agriculture (DA)-IX for initiating the forum and for inviting him to share his experiences in organic farming. He said that it takes a lot of patience before one reaps the fruits of employing organic farming in the already acidic soil brought about by using too much synthetic fertilizers.

In his experience, the recovery of soil from acidity yield better produce. This means healthy crops, better production, and increased income. Furthermore, produce are healthy for consumption and better health for the entire community.

Hji. Gaspar Amain, an official of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of region IX, said that the farmers were taught organic farming as part of the natural management on selected vegetable.

"Ito yung simpleng paraan na hindi kailangang gumastos ng malaki para sa fertilizer (This is a simple way to prepare a cost effective and cost-efficient natural fertilizers.)," Amain shared, especially in preparing the soil for its basic nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous out of the fermented plant and fruit juice and amino acids from fish.

The forum was organized with the support and cooperation of the City Government of Isabela, Department of Agricuture-IX, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council-IX, Malamawi Development Council, and the Malamawi Women's Association.

This year's theme "Kabalikat and Pagsasaka at Pangingisda sa Pagbabago ng Kabuhayan" invites farmers and fisher folks to appreciate their role in sustaining the country's food supply. (PIA9-BaSulTa)