PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur – In partnership with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Agusan del Sur against the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Caraga Region, three batches of Training on Specimen Collection for Barangay Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) spearheaded by Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII in support to the National Livestock Program (NLP).

The first batch was conducted on March 15-16, 2022 with 20 participants. It was followed by the second batch last March 17-18, 2022 having 21 BBOs in attendance. The last group was composed of 19 individuals conducted on March 21-22, 2022.

It aims to capacitate the BBOs to gain additional knowledge and skills on specimen collection for laboratory testing, appropriate handling of specimen and restraining technique, 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.

“This training is very relevant not just to us but for the community we live in. It gives us knowledge on how to keep our livestock safe and avoid diseases especially the spread of ASF,” said Ernani A. Seriosa, one of the 5th batch participants from Barangay Catmonon, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

The resource persons were Konielou M. Berdin, Jovert S. Gimoto, and Easter Rose D. Nono from PVO and Lilibeth L. Manzano, Insurance Underwriter of Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

It was spearheaded by the Partnership Accreditation Services Section (PASS) through Florita G. Lozada, Agriculturist II and livestock point person.