The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I) through the Corn Banner Program, in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – La Union and the Local Government Unit of Aringay successfully held the 50-hectare Corn Model Farm Field Day at Sitio Riverside, Brgy. San Simon West, Aringay, La Union on March 1, 2023.

As mentioned by DA-RFO I’s Corn Banner Coordinator Ms. Anne Lovelle Dato, the corn production project in San Simon West, Aringay was endorsed by the Aringay LGU through the Municipal Agriculturist Office because first, they have a good source of water which comes from the riverbanks and well.

Second, they plant Dekalb seeds which is just enough for the Municipality, and they will be the one to provide to the corn farmers, and third, they are an organized association/group registered in SEC in which they passed the guidelines provided for the corn model farm.

Present in the activity were Aringay Vice Mayor Ma. Isabel Diaz, SBM Committee Chairman on Agriculture Nelda Mapile, SBM Woodrow Araojo Jr., Municipal Agriculturist Benjamin Magno, delivered their inspirational messages and expressed gratitude for choosing Aringay as the location of the corn demo in La Union. The activity was also attended by barangay councilors, kagawads, MAO staff, and OPAG staff.

“Ang LGU ng Aringay ay buong sumusuporta sa lahat ng programa ng farmers”, said Aringay Vice Mayor Diaz.

Meanwhile, Mr. Emmanuel Serame, Campaign Activation Coordinator at Dekalb Philippines, talked about the company’s history and what they do. He emphasized that Dekalb, which is owned by Bayer, is focused on developing innovative solutions to produce high-quality crops.

According to the results of the crop cut activity presented by Ms. Dato during the Field Day, using the SSNM approach is more profitable than using the Farmer’s practice, with a gross income of Php125,600 compared to Php111,800, a difference of Php13,800.

Farmers from San Simon West shared their testimonies, and farmers from Rosario and Tubao, La Union, and various barangays in Aringay were also present to witness the corn plantation and share their farming practices and feedbacks.

Brgy. San Simon West in Aringay, La Union is a good area for data collection, as it is compact since the 50 hectares field are blocked. The Corn Model Farm project is practically all free, but there will be payment dues that will go directly to the association as part of their funds.