The Agricultural Training Institute – Central Luzon (ATI-CL), in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Aurora and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), successfully conducted the Training on Coconut-Cattle Farming System – Batch 1 at APCDC, Dinalungan, Aurora. The three-day training, held from April 28 to 30, 2026, was attended by twenty-six (26) coconut farmers from various municipalities in the province of Aurora.
The training aimed to equip participants with fundamental knowledge and practical skills on the coconut-cattle farming system. It forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance livelihood opportunities and promote sustainable agricultural practices among coconut farmers through the integration of livestock into coconut-based farming systems.
The program formally opened with welcome remarks from Ronell D. Lagaria, Assistant Project Officer/Technical Support Staff IV. A message of support was delivered by Warren A. Velasco, Agriculturist II and Project Operations Manager of APCDC, who reaffirmed her commitment to advancing agricultural development through continuous learning and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Throughout the training, subject matter experts from PCA-Aurora and BAI-NBCRDC facilitated comprehensive discussions on key topics, including the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the current status of the cattle industry, livestock integration in coconut lands, beef cattle production and management, cattle characteristics, best management practices, and the economics of coconut-cattle integration.
Participants also engaged in hands-on activities designed to reinforce their learning. These included body weight estimation, body condition scoring, silage preparation, and the production of Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks (UMMB). Such practical exercises are essential in establishing and effectively managing a cattle farming enterprise.
One of the participants, Lilibeth Q. Benoilos from Dingalan, Aurora, shared her insights during the training. “Sa pagsasanay na ito, mas naunawan namin ang kahalagahan ng pagsasama ng paghahayupan sa niyugan upang mas maging produktibo at mas mapataas ang kita naming magsasaka. Ang natutunan naming dito ay hindi mananatiling teorya lamang, ipinapangako po namin na ito’y aming isasabuhay at ibabahagi sa aming komunidad para mas marami pa ang makinabang”.
The activity concluded with a closing message from Jescee J. Paray, Senior Agriculturist of BAI-NBCRDC. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired and to share these with fellow farmers in their communities, thereby contributing to the development of a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.
Written by: Ronell D. Lagaria
