The Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center (RTC) in Central Visayas continues to ensure inclusion of members of the indigenous community with different agricultural services. On 21 – 23 September 2021, a Training on Livestock-Based Production for Indigenous People (IP) was conducted in Isla Verde, Poblacion, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental. Farmers who are members of the indigenous community called “Bukidnon” from Negros Oriental were the participants of the training.

In total, 20 farmers were able to complete the three-day training: 19 from the barangays of Alangilan, Caranoche, Cawitan, Kabulacan, Mabuhay, Malbog, Nagbalaye, Mansagomayon, Obat, Poblacion, San Francisco, San Pedro in the municipality of Santa Catalina, and one from Bayawan City.

The training aims to enable the participants to gain knowledge and skills on livestock production. During the three-day course of the training, participants specifically learned about management practices of poultry and livestock such as swine, small ruminants and large ruminants.

The success of this training was through the strong coordination and collaboration with the Municipal Agriculture’s Office (MAO) of Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental headed by the municipal agriculturist, Renato T. Cadayday. Both Renato T. Cadayday and Rolando R. Gomez Jr. the MAO shared their expertise as resource persons in the training.

The training has an extension support component where participants were provided with biologics such as vitamins, dewormer and fiber glass syringe.

“I didn't have much learning about livestock production prior to this training. Now, I have learned how to manage livestock as well as how to provide proper nutrition to the animals. This learning will help us improve our income once we sell our produce,” said Vinci Labrador – one of the training participants.

Should there be any clarifications or inquiries around this training, you may contact Jeffrey O. Awas, Project Officer, via jeffreyawas@gmail.com.