LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – Thirty coconut farmers from various cooperatives across Basilan Province took part in a three-day Farmer-Level Training on Native Goat Production and Management Batch 1 under the CFIDP.

The training, held on May 14-16, 2024 at the LARBECO facility in Brgy. Limo-ok, aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills for successful goat farming.

Engr. Mokles P. Buisan, CFIDP Focal Person, welcomed the farmers during the opening program, providing an overview of the training and the current CFIDP situation.

Representing PCA-Basilan were Division Chief Mr. Diosdado Espinosa and Agriculturist II Mr. Lemuel M. Soriano who also extended a warm welcome to participants from different LGUs, Farm Schools, and Cooperatives in the province.

OIC-Center Director Shirley L. Beldia delivered an inspiring message, motivating and encouraging the participants to actively participate in this kind of capacity enhancement opportunity.

Moreover, Mr. Elmie H. Ibama, Assistant Planning Officer of MAFAR-Basilan, served as the resource person and presented a comprehensive introduction and valuable insights on various topics. These included the potential and opportunities of Halal Goat Enterprise, starting a goat enterprise, pasture development, fodder crop production management, breeds and breeding, goat nutrition, feeds and feeding, health management, farm management and recording, and waste management. The training also featured a field exposure trip to Ibrahim Uto's Farm.

The program concluded on May 16, 2024, with the awarding of certificates to the participants and the sharing of their impressions about the training. The comprehensive coverage of essential topics aimed to prepare the participants to manage a successful and sustainable goat farming enterprise.