TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - The second leg of ATI IV-A's Free Seminar series focused on bringing the native pig industry back to the Philippine market.

Some 130 students, swine raisers, members of the Philippine Native Pig Owners Network Association (PNPONAI), and interested parties gathered to learn about the potentials and sustainability of native pig raising.

The one-day seminar talked about the breeding process of native pigs and its management practices, as well as a direct experience in native pig production and post-production business. Quezon Provincial Veterinary Office, Agricultural Center Chief Ms. Jennifer Lindo-Cusi, and National Gawad Saka Winner (Small Animal Category), Ms. Edelissa A. Ramos served as lecturers, respectively.

The activity also served as an avenue for sharing of experiences and research studies as participants talked about issues encompassing the native pig industry such as profitability, sustainability, and preservation of native breeds. The highlights and challenges of native pig raising over commercial pigs also came up during the open forum.

Mr. Paul Jason M. Borja, an active participant during disussions appreciated the topics tackled in the seminar. "The speakers are very good in explaining and getting the attention of the listeners, coupled with their experience and know-how, suited to the audience.The discussion was efficient," he shared in his impression during the closing program.

Meanwhile, Mr. Efraim Panganiban, a resident of Indang, Cavite attended the seminar to seek more information as he plans to become a backyard raiser. "The seminar is helpful because I believe that the reason of promoting native swine farming is to bring back the natural flow of the environment and aid in decreasing the [greenhouse gases in the atmoshpere] contributors of global warming.

By the end of the activity, the participants took home their certificate of completion, and a Trichantera seedling, one of the main ingredients in producing organic plant supplements or organic concoctions.

The Free Seminar on Native Pig was held on August 24, 2018 at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Cavite, in this city.