The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII) successfully conducted the three-day Training on Native Cattle Production and Management (Batch 2) for coconut farmers on November 13–15, 2024, in Tantangan, South Cotabato. This initiative, held under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), aimed to equip coconut farmers with essential knowledge and skills to integrate native cattle production into their farms, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and boosting rural livelihoods.
The program commenced with an inspiring message from OIC-Assistant Director Hannadi S. Guiamad-Pompong, who underscored the transformative potential of integrating cattle into coconut farming systems. Her address set an enthusiastic tone, emphasizing how this approach could enhance both the economic resilience of farmers and the overall growth of the coconut sector. Participants were oriented on the training’s goals and provided with a comprehensive overview by Mr. Normuhaymin B. Arsad, ATI-RTC XII Technical Staff, who also presented the potential benefits of merging native cattle production with coconut farming.
Renowned resource speakers shared their expertise throughout the training. On the first day, Prof. Eva Rea Fame V. Inocente of SKSU-Lutayan Campus discussed the state of cattle production in the Philippines and the significance of proper housing and facilities for ensuring animal health and productivity. Day 2 featured sessions on cattle nutrition, husbandry practices, and breeding systems, delivered by experts like Kievin Mark Ampode of SKSU and Prof. Josh Elisha Octura, Ph.D., of MSU-GenSan. Their lectures provided participants with actionable strategies to improve cattle welfare and optimize breeding for economic gain. Meanwhile, Mr. Bonifacio V. Pales tackled disease prevention and control, while Prof. Cyril John Domingo provided insights on meat and milk processing, offering participants opportunities to add value to their cattle products.
The final day of training featured a practical exposure visit to the Animal Processing and Production Center (APPC) in Tantangan, where participants observed best practices in native cattle production and management. The program concluded with a graduation ceremony, celebrating the participants’ newfound expertise and their commitment to applying these skills in their farming endeavors.
This training underscored ATI-RTC XII’s dedication to empowering farmers, promoting diversified farming practices, and fostering sustainable agricultural development in the region.
