Sixty beneficiaries from the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP) and Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program of the Department of Agriculture  completed the Training on Animal Health Care and Management, designed to enhance livestock farming practices across Region 2. The training was held in two batches, first on April 14 to 16, 2025, in Malasin, San Mateo, and April 22 to 24, 2025, at ATI-RTC 02, Garita, Cabagan.

With a strong emphasis on improving the sustainability and profitability of livestock farming, particularly for smallholder swine raisers, the training equipped participants with vital skills in animal health care. Topics included safe animal handling, administering medications, identifying signs of illness, implementing biosecurity measures, and maintaining health records. Participants also had lectures and hands-on activities about topics like African Swine Fever (ASF) and animal welfare.

A major highlight of the program was the veterinary health service activity conducted in the community. This activity gave participants the chance to apply their learnings directly in the community. Under the guidance of veterinary experts, they provided basic animal health services such as physical checkups, medicine administration, and sample collection. It was a valuable real- life experience that strengthened their skills and prepared them  in managing their swine production projects.

“This training really helped me gain a deeper understanding of how diseases spread and, more importantly, how to prevent or minimize their impact. It also gave me valuable insights into how to properly diagnose sick animals by emphasizing the importance of record keeping and history taking,” said Mr. Florentino B. Tomaneng owner of S&T Integrated Farm, Sto. Niño, Cagayan.

Mr. Tomaneng also said that by consistently tracking past symptoms, medications, and vaccines, he is now able to make better-informed decisions in diagnosing animal conditions and determining appropriate treatments, an approach that has led to more accurate diagnoses, improved medication management, and greater confidence in providing quality care to their livestock.