Cabagan, Isabela - The Waste to Cash: Training on Animal Waste Management and Utilization program, held at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02) in Garita, Cabagan, Isabela on May 27-31, 2024, successfully equipped 22 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) with practical skills and knowledge to manage and utilize animal waste effectively.
The five-day program, led by technical staff from ATI-RTC 02 and Engr. Rosalie S. Tomaneng, Municipal Agriculturist of LGU Sto. Niño, Cagayan, employed a diverse range of methodologies, including interactive discussions, group activities, hands-on projects, and field visits, to cater to different learning styles and encourage active participation. Participants delved into the concepts and principles of biogas production technology, gaining valuable insights into the potential of animal waste as a renewable energy source.
A key highlight of the training was the hands-on experience in designing and fabricating a mini biogas digester. This practical application of their newfound knowledge allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the technology and its potential for use in rural communities.
The training aimed to capacitate AEWs with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to properly manage and utilize animal waste, ultimately generating income for farmers and communities. Specifically, participants learned to determine the effects of improper handling of animal waste on the environment, identified different animal waste management and utilization methods, designed a biogas digester for animal waste, demonstrated the production of Lactic Acid Bacteria Serum (LABS) production for managing animal waste, learned vermicomposting and mortality composting, and developed a waste management plan for their communities. They also prepared a re-entry plan to implement their newfound knowledge in their respective municipalities.
Meanwhile, Engr. Lailanie M. Eclipse, an AEW from LGU- Sto. Nino, Cagayan, is committed to share what she learned during the training. “Una sa lahat, nais kong pasalamatan ang pamunuan ng ATI Region 2 sa pag-invite po sa akin dito sa pagsasanay na ito. Sa mga na-impart na knowledge and skills ay talagang magagamit ko as AEW since isa pong sinusulong ng LGU naming ang tamang management ng mga solid waste po natin. As AEW, ibabahagi ko po lahat ng mga natutunan ko sa aking mga kababayan,” she said.
The training also included a field visit to the SWAIB project at the Animal Breeding Station in Brgy. Cansan, Cabagan, Isabela. This provided participants with a real-world example of successful animal waste management and biogas production, further enhancing their understanding of the practical applications of the training.
