SURIGAO CITY – Strengthening and showing its support to livestock raisers in the country, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) conducted the Back to Basics: Scientific and Sustainable Livestock and Poultry Production on August 16, 2019 at the Provincial Convention Center.

The one-day event was an advocacy campaign for itik, free range chicken, native goat, and swine production in support to the National Livestock Program (NLP) under Dr. Enrico P. Garzon, Jr. – DA Assistant Secretary for Livestock.

Done in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Mapagmalasakit Program, said activity was themed as “Malawakang Pagbibigay-Kaalaman sa Agrikultura: Masaganang may Alam, Laging Angat, Sagana sa Kita.”

More than 600 participants listened to a series of lecture on the following topics: Effect of Climate Crisis – A call for Responsible Action by Rev. Fr. Rolie Richie D. Gomez - Director of MSC Center for the Poor; Itik Pinas Production, Free-range Chicken Production, and Native Swine Production by Dr. Rene C. Santiago - Center Director of National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center in Tiaong, Quezon Province; and Goat Production and its Opportunity by Dr. Rufo T. Lloren, Jr. – President of Federation of Goat and Sheep Producers Associations of the Philippines, Inc. (FGASPAPI).

Gov. Ernesto U. Matugas, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members, Ms. Rebecca Atega – Chief of Operations Division of DA Caraga Region, and Ms. Edelmira R. Luminarias – Focal person for Livestock Program attended the program.

Moreover, agricultural extension workers, municipal and city veterinary office representatives, DA line agencies, sponsors and the full-force of Surigao del Norte Provincial Veterinary Office, headed by Dr. Life Shiela J. Laugo-Cubillanes, worked hand in hand leading to the success of the activity.