 |
| Ms. Loreli Legada, Research teacher at the Mambusao National High School, presented her research study titled "Growth of African Nightcrawler in Indigenous Substrates and the Chemical Characteristics of its Vermicomposts" to some 50 farmers, extension workers and agriculture enthusiasts during the International Symposium in Vermitechnologies 3 in Lipa City, Batangas. |
A collaborative project between MNHS and CapSU Extension Services, the said study was undertaken in cooperation with the expertise provided by CapSU Extension Institute represented by Training Coordinator Eduardo Navarra who guided Ms. Legada and her students in the vermicomposting procedures.
In July 2011, Legada sought the expertise and assistance of Mr. Navarra who provided the worms for study and also monitored the progress of the study in the succeeding days. Since January 2010, CapSU has been extending its consultancy services to Tumalalud National High School students on vermiculture. Navarra coordinated with Loreli Legada, research adviser of the Mambusao National High School in Tumalalud, Mambusao, Capiz on the conduct of her students’ research on producing vermicast. Navarra also facilitated the preparation and production of vermiculture for students’ learning.
The three seniors who undertook the project— Jayson I. Gula, Irene Francisco and Mark Stephen Guion, all fourth year students—went on to win a regional award in a research competition sponsored by the Department of Education Region 6 in December 2011.
CapSU’s participation in the said international symposium has been endorsed by Dr. Cora Navarra, vice-president for research and extension; and fully supported by Dr. Editha Magallanes, CapSU President.
Among others, ISVT 3 showcased informative lectures, practicable technologies and productive collaborations. Organized by the Iloilo City-based VermEcologists Society of the Philippines (Vermesoc) and the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research-Low Carbon Initiative Programme and co-sponsored by the Department of Agriculture Region IV-A and the Kahariam Realty and Farms, ISVT convened some 200 participants from across the country and enthusiasts from Vietnam, India, Japan and Australia, among others.
Led by Prof. Marilou Ang Lopez of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV)’s School of Technology who is also VERMESOC’s founder and president, ISVT 3 featured pioneers and experts in vermitechnology in the country and other neighboring countries.
Among others, resource speakers included Dr. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III, the bemedalled pioneer of vermicomposting technology in the country and recipient of the TOFIL (The Outstanding Filipino Award) for Science & Technology in 2008; Mr. Antonio de Castro, president of the Earthworm Sanctuary and vice-president of the Organic Producers and Traders Association; and Prof. Ang Lopez, who provided a brief history of vermitechnology in the Philippines.
Highlights of the summit included the presentations of international practitioners, namely: Dr. Robert John Blakemore, who has been studying vermitechnology in Japan and Australia for three decades; Nguyen Thi My Nuong and Ho Huynh Thuy Duon of the University of Science in Ho Chi Minh who shared medicinal properties of traditional formula using earthworm; and the works of Dr. Rajiv Sinha, senior lecturer at the Griffith University Nathan Campus in Brisbane, Australia. (Niño Manaog/Extension Associate)
 |
| Ms. Legada's (center) participation in the said international symposium has been suuported by Extension Institute's Nino Manaog (far left) & Eduardo Navarra (far right). |
