TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – In support to the National Livestock Program in battling against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII is currently holding its first day of Training on Specimen Collection for Barangay Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) 2nd Batch at Selades Apartelle.

There were 24 BBOs who participated from the municipality of Tago, Surigao del Sur. The two-day event will include 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. Actual practical activity on blood collection will also be done.

Moreover, the said training is part of the series of activities under the BABay program which aims to prevent and control the spread of ASF in infected areas. This is also 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.

Resource persons during the training were from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Surigao del Sur. Third batch will be conducted on March 10-11, 2022 with participants coming from Carmen, Surigao del Sur.