In support of the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA successfully conducted the first batch of the Training on Chicken Layer Production on April 22–24, 2025 at NGD Pension House in Rizal, Palawan.
The resource speakers for the three-day training were Ms. Alma Mae L. Manalo, Training Specialist II at ATI-MIMAROPA, and Dr. Rogelio D. Lopez Jr., Associate Professor V at Western Philippines University.
The training covered topics such as the current status and potential of chicken layer production in the Philippines; breed selection and characteristics; poultry anatomy and physiology; housing and management systems; feeding practices; and health management, including biosecurity protocols.
Participants also explored common poultry diseases and their control, medication and vaccination schedules, record-keeping systems, and the economics of chicken layer production. To reinforce learning, they were tasked with developing biosecure farm plans based on established standards and presenting their outputs to the group.
Beyond the lecture-discussion, field visits were conducted to two operational chicken layer farms. These farms, owned by Mr. Alex P. Lagumbay and the OMA-Rizal, headed by Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Peter Bravante, provided participants with the opportunity to observe actual farm operations, management practices, and the implementation of biosecurity measures. After the visits, participants shared their insights during a feedback session, with Dr. Lopez offering expert evaluation and guidance based on their findings.
During the closing program, Mr. Bravante expressed his sincere appreciation to ATI-MIMAROPA and the DA-Regional Field Office MIMAROPA for choosing their municipality as the venue. He also expressed hope that Rizal would continue to host more training in the future.
“Napaka-challenging ng training na ito. Habang nandito ako, hindi lang sa paitlugan umiikot ang isip ko. Isa sa mga na-appreciate ko ay natutunan natin kung paano pangalagaan ang ating alaga sa tulong ng biosecurity. Alam na rin natin ngayon ang mga palatandaan ng sakit. Kaya malaking tulong ito, hindi lang para sa ekonomiya, kundi sa pagbubukas ng ating kaalaman at pagbibigay ng panibagong oportunidad sa produksyon ng itlog at karne,” shared Mr. Fitero C. Camot, Manager of Camagbabata Agriculture Cooperative, Rizal, Palawan.
A total of 26 participants, composed of farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), successfully completed the training.
