Like a parent making sure that their children are on the right path, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched the DA Mapagmalasakit program in order to direct the farmers and qualify them to receive interventions on the government.
In line with this, a livestock production advocacy seminar on duck, free-range chicken, and goat was conducted on June 21, 2019 at Catbalogan City, Samar.
Themed “Malawakang pagbibigay kaalaman sa agrikultura, magsasasakang may alam, laging angat, sagana sa kita,” the seminar showcased discussions about African Swine Fever, lecture on goat production, free-range chicken and Itik Pinas. The lectures were delivered by field experts from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and selected farm owners and practitioners.
The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) also shared the available loaning programs for the farmers while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), touched on the insurance programs offered for livestock growers.
DA Assistant Secretary for Livestock Dr. Enrico Garzon Jr. shared that Samar and Leyte have huge potentials for livestock production which is currently untapped or under-utilized.
“This is the reason behind DA Mapagmalasakit program whose objective is to prepare its participants to become qualified in receiving government interventions by equipping them with the latest techniques and technologies in agriculture,” he said.
Ferdinand Piñol, Head Executive Assistant to the Secretary, urged the participants take in as much learning as they can to empower them in their livelihood projects.
He also urged the participants to collate all their requests so that he can personally lobby it to agriculture secretary Manny Piñol who is unable to join in the said event as he was in Thailand for an official business trip.
DA Region 8 Director Milo Delos Reyes shared his vision for the region to produce its own livestock products.
“Currently, hogs from this region are sourced from General Santos City in Mindanao while eggs and chicken are sourced from Region III in Luzon. It is my dream for us to achieve sufficiency in our livestock industry,” he said.
During the seminar, Dr. Rufo Llorin Jr. who is one of the speakers for the event shared the health benefits of goat meat and milk.
“I think the best approach to encourage the participants to engage in goat raising is to help them realize the health benefits of the consumption of its products. We are only currently producing 1.3% of our daily goat meat and dairy consumption so the market is guaranteed,” he said.
Mat San Agustin, an agriculturist from BAI who discussed native chicken raising, shared the benefits of raising free-range chicken, proper care, as well as the latest technologies.
“Samar has vast land areas. Foods required for free-range chicken is also abundant in the area which is why Samar has a big potential in free-range chicken raising,” San Agustin said.
“This kind ommands higher market prices due to its distinct taste,” he added.
Constantino Batiles, President of San Isidro Agro Livestock Association from Barangay Salvacion, San Isidro, Northern Samar-one of the participants thank DA for hosting the event which he described as highly informative and helpful for farmers like him desiring to explore other livelihood opportunities in agriculture.
“I used to raise ducks but failed on my first attempt. After attending this seminar, I was able to spot the things that I have been doing wrong and taught me the scientific approach that I need in order to succeed on my second try,” he shared.
Manuel Cordero Parcon Sr., President of Barangy Hinogacan Rice Farmer Association in Gandara, Western Samar who ventured in agriculture after his service in the military explained that the seminar will have a huge impact to practitioners like himself.
“This activity will enable us to get a better shot in other livelihood opportunities. I was delighted that DA brought in competent speakers that are really experts in their respective fields and was able to address all our questions,” he added. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID)
