TANTANGAN, South Cotabato – The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII) successfully held a 3-day Training on Native Cattle Production and Management (Batch 01) from November 6 to 8, 2024, under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). The program aimed to enhance the livelihoods of coconut farmers from Alamada, North Cotabato, and Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, by equipping them with practical knowledge and skills in cattle farming.

OIC-Center Director Dr. Jessie V. Beldia welcomed the participants, highlighting the importance of diversified farming in boosting productivity and income.

Expert speakers included:

Ms. Eva Rea Fame V. Inocente
Mr. Kevin Mark Ampode
Mr. Cyril John Domingo (Sultan Kudarat State University)
Mr. Josh Elisha Octura (Mindanao State University-GenSan)
Mr. Christian Benedict Magaway (BAI-NVQS XII)
Topics covered ranged from cattle housing, feeding management, breeding, and disease prevention to hands-on activities like preparing Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks (UMMB) for ruminants. Participants also visited key facilities, including the South Cotabato Animal Production and Processing Center, G5C Farm, and Pales Farm, gaining valuable insights into real-world cattle production practices.

The training concluded with a response from Engr. Teofilo T. Jumawan Jr., ATI-RTC XII Planning Officer II, reflecting on participant feedback. Certificates of completion were awarded, and Dr. Beldia closed the program by encouraging participants to apply their learning in their communities to enhance agricultural development.

This initiative underscores ATI-RTC XII's commitment to supporting coconut farmers in adopting diversified and sustainable farming practices.