TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – In pursuit against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted the Training on Specimen Collection for Barangay Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) 3rd Batch on March 10-11, 2022 at Selades Apartelle.

The two-day activity produced 15 graduates from the municipalities of Carmen and Lanuza in Surigao del Sur. it aims to equip the participants with the right and updated knowledge and skills on collecting specimens for laboratory testing. Partakers were able to apply appropriate handling and restraining technique, prepare supplies, materials, tools in the collection and transport of specimens, perform a collection of different specimens, and were able to demonstrate their gained knowledge through an actual practical activity on blood collection.

Topics included were the discussion of Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay) Project, Guidelines in Swine movement and biosecurity audit, biosafety and biosecurity for field responders, and sample collection and handling.

Resource persons were Emmylou C. Calilan, Ruben T. Mananquil, and Rodelo P. Madiano from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Surigao del Sur and Gibley R. Martinez from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

The training is a complement to the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) control program in ensuring business continuity and assistance in the repopulation of swine farms in support to the National Livestock Program (NLP).

There will be 14 batches that ATI-RTC XIII will conduct for this year under the Partnership and Accreditation Services Section with Florita G. Lozada, Agriculturist II as project officer.