By Ralf Angelo Q. Solinap
Sealed with success: Passers from Batches 1, 2, and 3 proudly pose with their TESDA assessors after being declared COMPETENT in Organic Agriculture Production NC II.
What began as an On-the-Job Training (OJT) requirement became a life-changing opportunity for the fourth-year Agriculture students of the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES). Through the invaluable support of the INA Farmer Learning Site and Agri Farm Inc., we were given the opportunity to undergo the intensive TESDA Organic Agriculture Production (OAP) NC II training.
The program equipped us with essential knowledge and practical skills in sustainable organic farming. We learned proper farm operations, nursery establishment, land preparation, crop management, organic fertilizer production and application, environmentally friendly pest management, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and farm record-keeping, while simultaneously developing teamwork, discipline, and professionalism.
One of the most rewarding outcomes of our OJT was successfully passing the TESDA Competency Assessment, which we underwent last July 22, 24, and 25, 2026, at the Ina Farmers Learning Site and Agri Farm Inc. in Barangay Agcuyawan, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. Through dedication, hard work, and the guidance of our trainers, all 30 CARES OJT learners who undertook the assessment were declared COMPETENT in Organic Agriculture Production NC II. Earning this nationally recognized qualification stands as a lasting and meaningful achievement—proof of the positive impact of our OJT experience and a strong foundation for our future careers in agriculture.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ina Farmers Learning Site & Agri Farm Inc., our dedicated trainers and assessors, our CARES Family headed by Dean Jaime C. Cabarles, Jr., our OJT Faculty-In-Charge, Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, and everyone who supported and believed in us throughout this journey.
Indeed, “Tanim ng Kaalaman, Ani ng Tagumpay” perfectly reflects our experiences—every lesson we learned and every skill we gained are seeds of knowledge that will grow into future success as agriculture professionals committed to sustainable farming and service to our communities.