Mushroom Production Training At Barangay Lomboy

Eramen Minerals, Inc. (EMI) periodically conducts free seminars and training on the production and processing of various commodities in order to assist its host and neighboring barangays in developing agricultural skills and knowledge to generate alternative sources of livelihood.

Growing mushrooms has been popular in agribusiness, so EMI thought it would be a good idea to demonstrate mushroom production and assist locals in flourishing in this sector. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negosyo Center and the Barangay Lomboy Council collaborated with the company to provide free mushroom production training to the residents.

Agriculturist Vivian De Mayo Ferrer of Botolan, Zambales, spoke during the training session, and she gave information about the different mushroom varieties and how to start growing mushrooms. Ferrer also discussed how to properly prepare substrates for fruiting bags, producing particular types of mushrooms, avoiding pest and disease problems, and the process of harvesting.

Residents of Lomboy expressed their gratitude for the successful training session. Andrea Manaois, President of the Sagrada Familia Cave Organization (FOSCO), valued the free session since she interacted with the speaker and heard learned from her personal experiences.

“It inspired me to attempt this mushroom production as a commercial venture. The things discussed in the training were educational, fascinating, and beneficial for us. The information about mushroom production provided to us can be used as a source of income when implemented,” Manaois remarked.

FOSCO Vice President Ricardo Mon was also pleased as he had been looking forward to a mushroom growing training for a long time. As he learned a lot about mushroom production, Mon shared, “Thank you, EMI, for assisting people like us who are trying to make a living and better our lives. It will bring in money for us.”

This complimentary seminar took place on March 26, 2021, at the Barangay Lomboy Multi-Purpose Hall, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Around 30 residents from the aforementioned barangay who were interested in mushroom production attended. The training session was limited due to the small training facilities and compliance with the health protocols and COVID-19 prevention measures.

Furthermore, to acknowledge all the presence and efforts of the participants, EMI awarded Certificates of Attendance to the Lomboy residents and a Certificate of Appreciation to the guest speaker. Technical support and assistance, lunch and snacks, and handouts were also given in the training session. An amount of Php 27,597.00 was spent for this training activity and included the provision of mushroom fruiting bags for the participants.