SCC Experts Spearhead Sustainable Banana Farming Training in Alamada; SOXAARRDEC Launches Regional Upliftment Drive
In a concerted effort to boost local agricultural productivity and foster economic resilience, Southern Christian College (SCC) experts took center stage during the launch of the Community Upliftment Programs and Services (CUPS) in Barangay Pacao on March 18, 2025.
Organized by the SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC), the initiative aims to combat rural poverty by equipping communities with the tools for self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.
Supporting the CUPS launch, the SCC Sustainable Ecological Agriculture and Food Security (SEAFS) team led a specialized training entitled “Banana Cardava: Natural Approach and Practices.”
SCC agricultural specialists Ms. Analyn V. Derequito (SEAFS Program Head) and Mr. Norberto D. Vargas were instrumental in transferring vital technical knowledge to banana growers from various puroks (zones). The session focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic soil management, teaching farmers how to maximize their yields without relying on harmful chemicals.
The experts introduced a paradigm shift: treating pests not as enemies to be bombed with chemicals, but as imbalances to be corrected. By championing bio-rational controls, the team demonstrated that farmers can achieve high yields without scorching the earth. This approach demonstrates that agricultural profit does not necessitate ecological destruction; in fact, a healthy ecosystem is the farmer’s most valuable asset.
The initiative went beyond simple handouts, focusing instead on long-term capacity building. By providing hands-on expertise, the SCC team worked to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for the farmers, granting them access to lifelong learning opportunities that can transform their livelihoods.
The successful event underscored the vital importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving community development.
The training was a seamless cooperative effort among the academic institution (SCC), the consortium (SOXAARRDEC, led by Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele), the local government (Barangay Pacao Council), and civil society (Pacao Organic Farmers and Producers Association – POFPA). This alliance underscores the importance of shared goals and pooled resources in driving sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Photo Credits: SOXAARRDEC
