SAN JOSE, Province of Dinagat Islands – In its war against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of the Province of Dinagat Islands, conducted the Bantay ASF sa Barangay: Training on Biosecurity and Surveillance for Barangay Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) on February 14-15, 2024 under the National Livestock Program (NLP).

The two-day activity was participated by 25 BBOs. It aims to capacitate the BBOs to gain knowledge and skills on biosecurity and surveillance methods specifically on specimen collection for laboratory testing, appropriate handling of specimen and restraining techniques, and preparation of animals for collection.

This is also a part of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF) Program which aims to prevent and control the spread of ASF in the infected areas; and protect pockets of smallholder and commercial farms in barangays, municipalities, and cities that are still ASF free. This also complements the Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) control program in providing business continuity and assisting swine farm repopulation.

The resource persons were Florita G. Lozada of ATI-RTC XIII Livestock Point Person, Neil P. Rosillo and Petronio G. Bitas from PVO-PDI, Paulin T. Jamero from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Surigao City, and Cyril Lou C. Alburo from the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Vet. Quarantine Division.

“A very informative and knowledgeable experience I had. As a first-time participant, I learned a lot. This also is a challenge for me as a public servant,” said Jessie L. Rabe, one of the participants.