Baguio: More than 300 professional agriculturists in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are updating their technical knowledge on new technologies that they can bring back to their posts for better food production. "We gather all agriculturists interested to participate so that they could gain continuous professional development (CPD) units for them to renew PRC (Professional Regulatory Commission) prescribed by the CPD law," said Gerardo Banawa, regional president of the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA) on the sidelines of the group's three-day regional convention here.

According to Philippines News Agency, more than gaining CPD units, Banawa stated that the event aims to boost their knowledge on technologies like the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in farming and agricultural activities. "Computer-based agriculture is now going towards digitalization, which is a combination of updated technologies and strategies to increase the yield of crops," he explained.

Banawa emphasized the need for cooperation between government and private sectors to achieve food security and sufficiency, highlighting their complementary roles in boosting production to feed the nation. He noted that professional agriculturists are connected to local government units, which have a direct link to farmers, underscoring the importance of updated knowledge on the correct variety, techniques, and use of fertilizers and pesticides to ensure better yield.

The regional PAA, organized about nine years ago, is an accredited integrated professional organization and a civil society organization. Since its creation, the regional chapter has organized three face-to-face conventions and two online conventions during the pandemic. Banawa highlighted that these conventions contribute to the completion of the required 30 units of CPD, allowing agriculturists to renew their licenses with the PRC.

Banawa, who retired from the Department of Agriculture in January this year, stressed the necessity of professionalizing the food production industry, especially with the demand for food sustainability, security, and safety. He noted that agriculture and farming are professions that will remain in demand as long as there are people who eat, emphasizing the need to ensure food production and sustainability despite industry challenges like climate change.