Nine farmers from Mayaoyao, Hungduan and Banaue, Ifugao attended a 4-day On-the-job Training on Strawberry Farm Management on October 21-24, 2008 at the Benguet State University.

     According to the training proposal submitted by the Haggiyo Enterprise Development Program Unit of LGU-Ifugao to BSU, the training aimed to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills on strawberry propagation so that they could be pioneers of strawberry farms in Ifugao.

     The training facilitated by Dr. Danilo Padua of the College of Agriculture and leader of the strawberry crop improvement program of the university gave lectures and took the farmers to the strawberry farms, strawberry wine factory and food processing center of the university. He also gave them opportunities to talk with strawberry farmers while they do hands-on training in the field.

     "We are happy that strawberry is travelling to Ifugao," said CA Dean, Dr. Janet S. Luis. She added that with a cleaner environment and a strong tourism, strawberries to be raised in Ifugao will certainly be organic and have a promising market. She also asked the farmers not to use chemicals.

     Dr. Padua assured the farmers that there is a great demand for strawberry in the country. He presented that there are only 77 hectares of strawberry farms in the country that supply 2,000 tons of strawberry per year. This is still not enough to meet the demand of Filipinos who consume 3000 tons of strawberries per year.