Sagay City opens agri-fisheries training center for locals

By Dolly Yasa

SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental — Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III has lauded the formal opening of the Fisherfolks and Farmers Training Center in Barangay Rizal, positioning Sagay City as a rising hub for agricultural advancement.

During the inauguration, Marañon encouraged farmers, fisherfolk, and students to adopt new technologies while continuing to safeguard natural resources.

The new training facility is designed to strengthen the city’s agriculture and fisheries sectors through capacity-building, technical education, and student immersion programs.

City Agriculturist Julie Delima thanked the local government for its sustained investment in agriculture, attributing ongoing sectoral improvements to consistent support.

She noted a growing number of high school students are now participating in immersion programs at the center, which offers morning lectures and afternoon hands-on training on farming practices and value-adding skills.

The center can host more than 50 participants and features a conference room and two dormitory rooms, allowing for multi-day training sessions.

Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sherwin Sy, co-chair of the Committee on Agriculture, welcomed guests and emphasized the center’s role in boosting the technical capacity and productivity of local farmers and fisherfolk.

Representatives from the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council also expressed support for the center, saying it provides a more organized and conducive venue for meetings and training.

Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva credited Vice Mayor Narwin Javelosa for initiating the project during his term as mayor.

Cueva said the training center will be instrumental in achieving the city’s food security goals by helping agri-fishery stakeholders upgrade their skills and adopt modern technologies.

He also urged students to make use of the knowledge gained from immersion programs to build careers that support the agri-fisheries sector.

City Agriculture and Fisheries Council Chairman Nicasion Buhayan Jr. thanked the city government and the City Agriculture Office for their continued support and for providing the facility.

The Fisherfolks and Farmers Training Center is now fully operational and open for agricultural training, sectoral meetings, and student programs under the City Agriculture Office.