The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), successfully conducted a Participatory On-Site Training (POT) on September 12, 2025, in Baybay City, Leyte.

The activity was assisted and hosted by the Baybay City Agriculture Office staff, who ensured the smooth facilitation of the training. The first leg was held at the Hydroponics Farm in the CLGU Baybay Nursery area in Brgy. Gaas, Baybay City, Leyte and at Casa Cornelio Farmtech (CCF) in Brgy. Bubon, Baybay City,Leyte, owned and operated by Engr. Ray Olazo. CCF is a GAP-certified and TESDA-accredited learning site featuring innovative urban agriculture technologies such as Black Soldier Fly production, Beekeeping, and Rabbitry.

Participants also visited Basti’s Farm in Brgy. Kilim, Baybay City,Leyte, owned and operated by Mr. Albert Rosillo, which showcases the successful production of cauliflower and Chinese cabbage—crops typically grown in upland areas—within a GAP-certified facility.

Participants included farmers and agricultural technicians from the City Agriculture Office of Tacloban City and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Sogod, Southern Leyte, along with private sector representatives from Royal Greenery Vegetable Farming.

The delegation also made a courtesy call to Hon. Boying Cari, Mayor of Baybay City, and visited the newly opened Baybayani Store, which is operated by local farmers to provide a sustainable market for fresh produce. Excess supplies are sold to malls and neighboring LGUs, supporting local economic activity.

The second leg of the activity brought the participants to Ormoc City, where the City Agriculture Office facilitated a visit to the Ugmad-Ani Integrated Farm in Brgy. San Jose, owned by young farmer-proprietor Mr. Dino Mirafuentes. This certified organic farm highlighted the profitability and sustainability of organic agriculture as a promising agribusiness venture.

Through this hands-on learning experience, participants were equipped with practical knowledge and exposure to innovative, climate-resilient farming technologies—empowering them to adopt these practices in their respective communities and contribute to food security and livelihood development in the region.