In a strong display of community empowerment through science, technology, and education, the Masbate Police R-PSB Team Guindawahan, in partnership with Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), successfully conducted a two-day mushroom production training under the theme “Empowering Masbate Communities Through Comprehensive Mushroom Cultivation Training,” held at Brgy. Guindawahan, Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate on April 26–27, 2025.
This initiative aimed to equip residents with practical knowledge and sustainable livelihood skills through hands-on mushroom cultivation techniques. The training featured esteemed resource speakers, including Dr. Arce D. Bellere, Director of CBSUA’s Mushroom Processing and Research Center (MPRC); Joany Alyssa Abogado and April Ann Caṅal, instructors from the BSES Program; and Maria Shiena Beri from the CBSUA Vaccine Center.
Participants gained valuable insights into the entire process of mushroom farming—from substrate preparation to harvesting, packaging, and marketing. The sessions also emphasized safety, sustainability, and the potential for income generation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger by promoting food security and nutrition through agricultural innovation.
This capacity-building activity reflects CBSUA’s unwavering commitment to community engagement, research, and extension programs. The success of this initiative was made possible by the continuous support of Dr. Alberto Naperi, DPA, SUC President IV of CBSUA; Dr. Ramona Isabel Ramirez, Vice President for Research and Innovation; Prof. Rowel M. Castuera, Campus Administrator of CBSUA Sipocot; and Dick Harence Dela Vega, Campus Research Coordinator.
Local law enforcement also played a vital role, with strong leadership and logistical support from Police Lt. Col. Norlando F. Mesa and the R-PSB Guindawahan team, headed by PSsg Uzi Baybayon, demonstrating how police-community collaboration can lead to meaningful socio-economic transformation. This training stands as a model of how academic institutions and government agencies can work together to empower grassroots communities through technology, education, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘔𝘴. 𝘈𝘪 𝘈𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢
