04/09/2026
NIA X Strengthens IA Farmers’ Skills Through Mushroom Cultivation Training
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- The National Irrigation Administration-X (NIA-X), under Acting Regional Manager Engr. Benitez K. Derogongan, in coordination with the Lanao del Norte-Misamis Occidental-Misamis Oriental-Camiguin Irrigation Management Office (LAMISCA IMO), headed by Acting Division Manager Engr. Pol Pablito P. Gamotin, conducted a three-day hands-on training on mushroom cultivation for fourteen (14) representatives from various Irrigators Associations (IAs) in Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Norte.
In partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X), technical experts were invited to facilitate the training sessions.
“The activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of IA farmers in mushroom production and promote the utilization of agricultural residues as alternative production inputs and potential sources of additional livelihood,” NIA X Institutional Development Unit Head Sarah S. Ramos said.
On the first day, ATI-RTC X Technical Staff Ms. Hannah Eleanor N. Santander provided an overview of mushroom cultivation, covering basic concepts and production requirements.
The second day focused on oyster mushroom production, facilitated by Mr. Wilmar B. Ompoc, owner of Luis Sesay Farm School. Participants learned practical techniques in preparing and managing production materials for oyster mushroom cultivation.
The final day centered on straw mushroom production, with Mr. Pedro Mariquit, owner of Mariquit Farm School, serving as the facilitator. The session introduced participants to appropriate production practices and management techniques for straw mushroom cultivation.
Throughout the three-day activity, the farmer-participants, together with their respective Irrigators Development Officers (IDOs), engaged in practical sessions covering substrate preparation and sterilization using locally available farm materials, inoculation and incubation management, pest and disease prevention, crop maintenance, post-harvest handling, and basic value-adding techniques.
According to LAMISCA IMO Operations Unit Head Melrose O. Miller, the training is part of NIA X’s continuing efforts to strengthen IAs by providing farmers with additional livelihood opportunities and practical agricultural technologies.
Through initiatives such as this, NIA X continues to support the development of empowered and self-reliant IAs while promoting the productive and sustainable use of available agricultural resources.
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