TUNGAO, Butuan City – The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XIII (ATI-RTC), as one of the Implementing Agencies of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), conducted the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Dairy Farm Operation and Management for Cattle on July10-14, 2023 at CountryFields Agri, Km8. Tungao, Butuan City. 

There were 27 individuals who participated in the five-day training from the different municipalities and cities in the region composed of Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), staff from Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and National Dairy Authority (NDA).

Resource persons from the NDA and PCA delivered the topics on the Economic Opportunities/Gains from Coconut-Cattle Dairy Integration, Forage, and Pasture Development, Dairy Cattle Husbandry, Milking and Milk Handling, and Recordkeeping. The participants showcased their hands-on experience with various forages, including establishment, milking, calf rearing, and silage making.

The objective of the training was to create a pool of resource persons who could train regional trainers and assist farmer-level activities. This is meant to increase the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of coconut farms.

“It was a very successful training and a great learning experience. I can say that I did not regret joining this training. Giving my impression, first to the speakers, they are well-knowledge of their topic and discussion. I am very sure that we felt love during the discussion they let us participate salute to our RPs. As to the venue for this training, it is well appreciated and very conducive for conducting a training like this. As to the food served it was very satisfying and to the participants, congratulations for your active participation. As to the training, Management Team Thank you, and congratulations for your kind and brilliant heart as facilitators. Good job and salute. I am looking forward to the next training for our professional growth. God Bless.” says Carl Patrick F. Fabro, one of the participants and an Agricultural Technologist from Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The Information Services Section (ISS) spearheaded the training, with Maria Den B. Parro, Agriculturist I, as Project Officer in collaboration with PCA, NDA and CountryFields Agri, a certified Learning Site for Agriculture of the ATI.