DILIMAN, Quezon City—Experts in the field of poultry shared their experiences and knowledge on the Agricultural Training Institute’s (ATI) Free Seminar on Poultry Production and Processing.

Dr. Rene Santiago from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Department of Agriculture, Raul Rebollos II from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Lulu Rivera from Ultima Entrepinoy Forum Center provided lectures, sharing, and demonstrations to the more than 150 attendees of the seminar.

Santiago, chief of the National Swine and Poultry Research Development Center of BAI, discussed the recommended steps and practices in broiler and native chicken production. He emphasized the growing industry of poultry and the different opportunities it can give an individual or group who wants to be in this business.

"Poultry will provide you food and money as it is the most progressive animal enterprise today. It also doesn't require much to raise poultry; you can do it even in your own backyard," Santiago said.

He also touched on the factors to consider in poultry production including farm requirements, management practices, disease prevention and control, and feeding practices.

Rebollos, on the other hand, shared the Broiler Contract Growing Program of their company. This project allows poultry broiler contract growers registered with Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, or Cooperative Development Authority to get assistance which will enable them to develop or expand their farm.

Aside from the registered growers, those who hold letter of approval or contract growing agreement can also avail themselves of the program as long as their project will not pose risk to health, national security, and environment. According to Rebollos, the program is part of the efforts of the DBP to aid in addressing the food requirement of the country.

Last but not least, Rivera provided first-hand demonstration on the latest technology in chicken meat processing. She shared chicken recipes with the participants, such as tocino, siomai, burger, tonkatsu, and ham.

Rivera also mentioned the opportunities that can be provided by meat processing. She pointed out that this can be a good business and can be replicated by anyone who has the passion and eagerness for it.

"Meat processing presents an avenue to increase the income of a farmer or an animal raiser by giving different flavors to his/her products. Not only will you lengthen the shelf life of the meat but also be competitive in the market," Rivera shared.

Two more seminars are scheduled for October as it brings Cutflower Production & Flower Arrangement on October 12 and Mushroom Production on October 14.

The Free Seminar on Poultry Production and Processing was held last September 27 in this city.