In support to the coconut–native goat farming system as one of the programs under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP),  two batches of Training on Native Goat Production and Management  were conducted last August 19-21 and August 21-23, 2024 at DA-SCRC Cagayan Breeding Station, Solana, Cagayan. 

A total of 30 coconut farmers and members of Calappawan Farmers Association of Ballesteros, and Sanchez Mira Coconut Tall Farmers Association of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan attended the said training.

Mr. Joshua H. Tanguilan, Dr. Jake Casballido, and Mr. Joel Ramos, experts from the DA-RFO 02 Experiment Stations in Cagayan, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya delivered lectures and discussions on native goat breeding production technologies, nutrition, management, food processing, utilization of local feed resources, and other value-adding practices.

 “Maraming salamat po sa mga resource persons at natutunan ko po rito ang tamang pag-aalaga ng hayop tulad ng kambing at ganon di sa pag silage ng pagkain nila ganon na rin sa tamang pagtatanim at pag-aalaga ng niyog,” said Ms. Mary Jane T. Roman of Ballesteros, Cagayan.

One of the highlights of the training is the field visit in the goat breeding farm of the station, forage/ pasture area, silage production area, and nursery production of silage and forages.  During the graduation program, the participants received rubber boots from ATI Region 2 and set of forage seeds and planting materials from the Cagayan Breeding Station  as starter support.

The SCRC Station Manager Ms. Norma Nerona graced the graduation ceremonies and gave her words of encouragement to the coconut farmers emphasizing the acronym for “GASAT” that means “ Gaget, Anus, Salun-at, Adda Talna” in order to successfully implement the said program in their respective farms.