Caraga Region – In its war against the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the region, three more batches of Training on Specimen Collection for Barangay Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) were conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII.

It aims to capacitate the BBOs to gain additional knowledge and skills on specimen collection for laboratory testing, appropriate handling of specimen and restraining techniques, and preparation of animals for collection. Having the right specimen for the laboratory test will be a help to detect animals that have survived an infection of ASF and in surveys to determine whether the disease might be endemic in an area.

Two batches were held at Almont Beach Resort, Lipata, Surigao City. The first batch was on June 7-8, 2022 with 20 participants from the municipalities of Surigao del Norte specifically from Sison, Mainit, Alegria, Tubod, Malimono, Tagana-an, Bacuag, San Francisco, Placer and Claver.

The second batch was done on June 9-10, 2022 having 20 BBOs in attendance from the barangays of Surigao City. The last group was composed of 21 individuals from Butuan City conducted on June 14-15, 2022 at Balanghai Hotel.

“I am very thankful for this training for BBOs. Now, we can share ideas and knowledge to my fellow in the community for the security of our co-hog raisers to prevent the spread of ASF. Hope the government will continue this training and capacitate us who are in the swine industry,” said Melchor F. Escaro, one of the participants during the 9th batch.

It was done successfully in partnership with the Provincial and City Veterinarian Offices of Surigao del Norte, Surigao City, and Butuan City.

It was spearheaded by the Partnership Accreditation Services Section (PASS) through Florita G. Lozada, Agriculturist II and livestock point person, in support to the National Livestock Program (NLP).