Lack of technical assistance for the farmers very minimal income and to eradicate the infestation of black bugs triggered the opening of the Farmers Field School to hopefully meet their dire need . This started towards the end of November 2007 with more than 40 farmers from the 3 areas of Lipgutan, Calingatngan, and Surok responding to the invitation. Classes were held every Wednesday involving a process of learning, unlearning and re-learning on rice production. The farmers took up lessons on techniques of how to have more production with less expenses and how to preserve the nutrient of the soil without burning the rice stalks. The program was so designed that the practicum would be on time for the rainy season since the place is not irrigated. A resident farmer offered his own field for demonstration purposes.
While still in training, the farmers were already applying what they learned in their respective farms. MINSAC bought foundation seed from Los Baños, Laguna for the farmers, but ask for a share of the harvest in order to have seeds for sowing in the next planting season.
After having graduated, the farmers continued their studies, consisting of vegetable production as an alternate to rice since the place has no irrigation and the land is idle after harvest until the next planting season. To start with, they made organic fertilizer. Crop rotation will somehow help augment their income.
The training made a difference in terms of production. Had it not been for the floods that swept the low lands in Eastern Samar, the farmers would have harvested more to meet their need. Despite the unexpected result there is still reason to celebrate and something to be grateful for. We believe that we do the planting and watering but it is GOD who gives the increase.