The Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon (ATI-CL) successfully conducted the Training on Small Ruminant Production and Management on June 10–12, 2026, at R.O. Valerio Integrated Farm in Bacolor, Pampanga. The three-day training gathered 21 participants from various provinces and farmers’ associations to enhance their knowledge and skills in sustainable small ruminant production as a viable and profitable livelihood enterprise.
The activity officially opened with a welcome message from Randy O. Valerio, owner of R.O. Valerio Integrated Farm, who encouraged participants to maximize the learning opportunity and apply improved livestock management practices in their respective farms.
The training featured expert discussions and lectures from distinguished resource persons, namely Dr. Franklin C. Barnachea, Associate Professor III of President Ramon Magsaysay State University – San Marcelino Campus, Randy O. Valerio, Farm Owner of R.O. Valerio Integrated Farm, and Royz Lander S. Diwa, Technical Support Staff IV of ATI-CL. They shared their expertise and practical experiences on the status and prospects of the Philippine goat industry, breeds and breeding management, housing and facility requirements, feeding and nutrition, forage production, animal health and disease prevention, good agricultural husbandry practices, and record keeping. These sessions provided both technical knowledge and practical strategies essential for effective goat production.
Throughout the training, participants attended lectures and interactive discussions covering the status and prospects of the Philippine goat industry, breeds and breeding management, housing and facility requirements, feeding and nutrition, forage production, animal health and disease prevention, good agricultural husbandry practices, and record keeping. These sessions provided both technical knowledge and practical strategies essential for effective goat production.
To complement the classroom discussions, participants engaged in hands-on activities and a farm tour, where they observed actual goat production systems, housing facilities, feeding practices, breeding management, and overall farm operations. These experiential learning activities enabled participants to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications and strengthened their confidence in adopting improved production practices.
“Tunay ngang malaking naitutulong ng ATI sa aming mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng guidance at training upang lalo pa kaming maging kapaki-pakinabang at mapabuti ang pagpapatakbo ng aming mga farm,” Ben Pangilinan of the Panducot United Farmers Association expressed his appreciation to ATI.
He also acknowledged the camaraderie among participants and the support of the ATI management team.
Likewise, Severino Pepito of Desmond Farm Partners Inc. shared that the training rekindled his passion for livestock production and inspired him to pursue his plans for farm development. He thanked ATI and the Center Director for continuously providing learning opportunities and technical support, as well as his fellow participants for the friendships formed during the training.
“Pinilit ko talagang ipasok sa schedule ko itong training na ito dahil livestock talaga ang kursong gusto ko. May nakahanda na kaming lupa para sa aming re-entry plan; ang kailangan na lamang ay facilities, technical know-how, at tamang direksyon. Kaya maraming salamat sa ating Center Director at buong ATI sa pagkakataong ito. Hindi ninyo kami binibitawan at patuloy ninyong ibinibigay ang mga suporta na aming kailangan. Nakaka-inspire kayo sa amin at sana ay magpatuloy pa ang inyong magandang programa,” he said.
In his closing message, Dr. Emmanuel L. Orogo, ATI-CL Center Director, thanked the participants for their active participation and for sharing their insights and plans for applying their learnings in their respective farms.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong pagbabahagi ng kaalaman at sa inyong mga magandang sinabi tungkol sa pagsasagawa ng training na ito. Nakakataba ng puso na malaman kung paano ninyo gagamitin ang inyong mga natutunan sa inyong mga farm. Naniniwala kami na ang empowerment ay nagsisimula sa training. Sa bawat pagsasanay na ating dinadaluhan, nabubuksan ang ating isipan sa mga bagong ideya na maaari nating isagawa upang mapabuti ang ating mga sakahan. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagtangkilik sa ATI,” he said.
The training concluded successfully, equipping participants with enhanced technical competencies and encouraging the adoption of improved small ruminant production and management practices. Through initiatives such as this, ATI-CL continues to support the development of a more productive, profitable, and sustainable livestock industry.
Written by: Carla Paula A. Carbonel
