PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – In support to the National Livestock Program (NLP), the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted the second batch of Training on Layer Chicken Production and Management on March 20-22, 2024 at Hygeia IntegraMeds Center, Barangay Patin-ay.

This three-day activity aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants on layer chicken production. It was coordinated with the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga Region.

There were 27 participants, who were recipients of the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program of DA Caraga Region. They were able to learn the prospects of layer chicken industry production in the Philippines; discuss its production technologies and practices; familiarize the different feed requirements of layer chicken at various growth stages; learn health management practices for free-range chickens; and practice recording system.

Rey Salvador F. Convocar, Veterinary Consultant from Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur, discussed the topics on chicken egg production technologies and practices, health management, and feeding management of layer.

Aia Mae Franco Sarsaba, Agriculturist II of LGU-San Francisco, Agusan del Sur explained record keeping and the economics of layer chicken production. Further, Ivy Kristine Wamar, Agriculturist II of DA-Caraga Region, gave a lecture on the chicken egg industry.

Aside from the lectures and discussion, participants were able to visit and learn the best practices of the backyard layer chicken farm owned by Luz M. Alvizo located at Brgy. San Andres, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on March 22, 2024. Ms. Alvizo’s son, Ignatius Alvizo, attended the same training held last year.

“This is very much appreciated that our government agencies particularly the DA and ATI gave us the opportunity, by investing and allocating funds to enhance and capacitate us about layer chicken production. It is my dream for the government to reach its services to the needy, and we need this,” said Heracleo Asares, one of the participants from Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.