In partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office MIMAROPA, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA gathered the beneficiaries of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program from Looc, Occidental Mindoro for two batches of the Training on Feed Formulation for SAAD Beneficiaries held on May 20–22, 2025.
The training aimed to equip participants with knowledge and skills in various feed formulations using locally sourced ingredients that are both cost-efficient and cost-effective, to address animal health, nutrition, and proper growth.
Honorable Marlon V. Dela Torre, Municipal Mayor, graced the opening program of the training and emphasized the importance of feed formulation in improving livestock health and production.
Ms. Neri Fontanilla, Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) cooperator of AgriGold Farm Learning Center, served as the resource person and discussed the basics of livestock nutrition. Also, the participants were provided with knowledge about the biology and anatomy of common farm animals and explored various types of vegetation used for animal feeds.
Moreover, Mr. Monchito L. Jalac, Farm Manager and resource speaker from ATI-MIMAROPA, provided in-depth lectures on the basic principles of animal nutrition, types and sources of local feed ingredients, nutrient balancing for different species and growth stages, and common feed formulation mistakes and how to avoid them.
As the highlight of the training, the participants engaged in producing urea molasses mineral blocks, salt licks, natural concentrates, various silages, natural feed mixes, and different concoctions.
“Malaki po ang aming natutunan sa tinuro ni Ma'am Neri—may malinaw na paliwanag at may actual pa. Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa pagsasanay. Huwag po kayong mag-alala, ibabahagi po namin ito sa kapwa naming magsasaka. Hindi po namin ito sasarilinin. Na-inspire po kami sa aming natutunan, kaya gusto na naming agad itong isagawa para sa aming mga alagang hayop at sa ikauunlad ng aming samahan," shared Mr. Joselito Limjoco, farmer-member of the Brgy. Bonbon Farmers Association.
A total of 23 members from the Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Bulacan and the Talawtao Farmers Association, along with 26 members from the Brgy. Bonbon Farmer’s Association, participated in the training.
