The Abaca Production Level II Qualification is vital for mastering abaca production. Abaca, a plant yielding robust natural fibers akin to bananas, finds various applications in textiles, paper, and handicrafts. This certification offers a thorough grasp of the production process, covering land preparation, planting, and ongoing plant care.
Also read: TESDA Agricultural Crops Production NC I Course
This program equips individuals with critical competencies necessary for successful abaca production. It begins with instructions on how to prepare the land, ensuring optimal soil conditions for abaca growth. The next phase involves learning proper planting techniques to maximize yield.
Participants are trained in the care and maintenance of abaca plants, an important aspect of ensuring healthy, productive crops. With these skills, graduates of the Abaca Production Level II Qualification are well-prepared to contribute to the thriving abaca industry.
What is Abaca Production Level II?
The Abaca Production Level II Qualification includes competencies needed to produce abaca: land preparation, planting, and maintenance.
An individual with this Qualification is considered competent to be a:
- Abaca Grower
Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of taking Abaca Production Level II by TESDA:
- Comprehensive Knowledge: The Abaca Production Level II Qualification offers a deep insight into the entire abaca production process. From land preparation to planting and maintenance, students gain a thorough understanding of each production stage.
- Practical Skills: This qualification imparts knowledge and equips individuals with essential hands-on abilities. These skills are crucial for successful abaca producers, enhancing graduates’ value in the job market.
- Career Advancement: This qualification can create more opportunities in agriculture, leading to higher positions in abaca production or starting a personal abaca farming business.
- Boosted Productivity: This program teaches techniques to maximize productivity. Applying these methods can lead to a significant increase in abaca yields.
- Sustainable Farming: The course prioritizes sustainable practices to maintain the land’s health and productivity long-term. This focus benefits both the environment and the longevity of the abaca production business.
Units of Competency
The qualification consists of the following units of competency:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Participate in workplace communication
- Work in team environment
- Solve/address general workplace problems
- Develop career and life decisions
- Contribute to workplace innovation
- Present relevant information
- Practice occupational safety and health policies and procedures
- Exercise efficient and effective sustainable practices in the workplace
- Practice entrepreneurial skills in the workplace
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Apply safety measures in farm operations
- Use farm tools and equipment
- Perform estimation and calculations
- Process farm wastes
- Perform record keeping
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Prepare Land
- Plant Abaca
- Care and maintain Abaca
Sample of Certificate of Completion
Requirements
To enroll in the course of your choice, you need to fulfill certain requirements. These include:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School or College Diploma
- Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records or Form 137
- Certificate of Good Moral Character or GMRC
- 1 x 1 and/or 2 x 2 pictures
Note: Specific requirements may vary by school. It’s recommended to contact the school for accurate information on required documents.
Also read: TESDA Grains Production NC II Course
Tips for Abaca Production
- Choose the Right Location: Abaca plants thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. The spot should get enough sunlight but also some shade to shield from extreme temperatures.
- Proper Land Preparation: Ahead of planting, clear the area of weeds and other plants. Ensure the soil is loose and well-aerated.
- Planting Techniques: Plant abaca during the rainy season for moisture. Sow abaca suckers 30-40 cm deep, spacing them about 2 meters apart.
- Regular Care: Provide water in dry periods, weed, and protect from pests and diseases.
- Proper Harvesting: Harvest mature leaves after 18-24 months for high-quality fiber.
- Post-Harvest Handling: Clean and dry abaca fibers after harvesting for top quality and good market prices.
- Sustainable Practices: Use sustainable farming methods like crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and minimizing pesticide use.
- Stay Updated: Attend seminars or training like the Abaca Production Level II Qualification for ongoing learning.
These tips are just some of the key practices to consider when growing and cultivating abaca. As with any crop, it is important to stay informed and keep learning about new techniques and best practices in order to continuously improve cultivation methods and yield quality results.
Summary
The Abaca Production Level II Qualification is essential for mastering abaca production, offering comprehensive training in land preparation, planting, and plant care. Graduates gain critical competencies for success in the abaca industry, ensuring healthy, productive crops.