The livestock industry provides a big chunk of income and ensures food security for the people. It is one of the major incomes generating activity in developing countries and is regarded as a means of reducing poverty. However, animals are often hit with plaguing epidemic which poses a big problem on the economy as well as the food supply to include African Swine Fever (ASF) which marks great impact to the swine industry where mostly of the swine backyard raisers are economically drowned.
At present, there is limited access to veterinary services. This scenario often limits livestock growers to provide the necessary steps in maintaining a healthy condition of their animals. To avert the situation, there is a need to look for workers who can help implement the governments’ programs and activities related to the industry.
Capacitating barangay officials and farmer leaders in becoming Barangay Animal Health Workers (BAHW) and as volunteers can speed up the delivery of basic veterinary and animal husbandry services. Being this, the Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) conducted Training on Animal Health Care Management for Prospect BAHWs at the Municipal Hall of San Gabriel, La Union on May 24-26, 2023.
Collection of blood sample, castration of piglets and in administering vitamins as well as community service were among the functional competencies developed in the trained participants. Dr. Santa Fe Palpal, Veterinarian II of OPVET-La Union served as the resource speaker with the assistance of OPVET Staff, Dr. Arvin Sobrepeña and Dr. Romuelda Gallebo.
Twenty (20) barangay officials and farmer leaders of San Gabriel completed the three-day training and graduated as BAHW. Veterinary kits and biologics were provided to the participants as their tool in providing assistance to the community.
