By Michael Visaya

In line with the university’s efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and capacity-building activities within communities through extension, MMSU College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) is conducting a training on mushroom production at the University Review Center from July 14-15. 

The project titled Empowering and Strengthening the Community through Enterprise Development in Bamboo and Mushroom Production, Value-Adding, and Marketing aims to improve the knowledge and skills of bamboo farmers and food processors in Barangay Mabaleng, Batac City, in producing, promoting, and marketing their products. 

The two-day event includes a lecture on the overview of the mushroom industry in the Philippines, a discussion on mushroom production technology, and hands-on activities at the University Minuyungan. 
Besides mushroom production, the project will also include training on bamboo cultivation and enterprise development from July 29-31.

According to CAFSD OIC-Dean Charlie Batin, during the needs assessment, the bamboo growers from the barangay requested the addition of mushroom production to generate extra income since the harvest period for mushrooms is shorter than for bamboo, and the environment is also suitable for mushroom cultivation. 

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. praised the farmers’ participation as proof of their dedication to learning new skills, especially in mushroom farming, and assured the university’s support for the community’s livelihood efforts. 

“We commit to empowering you and other communities who also wish to do the same. We look forward to seeing your products in the market one day,” he said. 

The City Government of Batac also backs the initiative by funding the mushroom production facility in Barangay Mabaleng for the farmers’ use. The university, meanwhile, will offer technical support through training on production, promotion, and marketing of their products. 

📸 Daniel Tapaoan, Jr. (STRATCOM Correspondent)