In support of the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development Program, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture MIMAROPA Region, conducted the first batch of the “Training on Beef Cattle Production and Enterprise Development” on April 28–30, 2026, at ATI-MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of farmer-participants in modern beef cattle production systems, including proper feeding management, animal health care, and livestock-based enterprise development.
In his opening message, ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos emphasized the importance of establishing stable and sustainable livelihood sources, especially amid rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of basic commodities.
“Sa ganitong panahon, mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng alternatibo at pangmatagalang kabuhayan. Ang maayos na pamamahala sa pag-aalaga ng baka ay hindi lamang nakatutulong sa seguridad sa pagkain kundi nagbubukas din ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa mga magsasaka,” he said.
The three-day training focused on the proper care and management of beef cattle to ensure effective enterprise implementation. It covered key topics such as animal housing systems, feeding strategies, and health management practices. The resource persons also introduced the advantages of beef cattle production in the Philippines and discussed cattle breeds suited to tropical conditions, including Brahman and Batangas-type breeds.
A strong emphasis was placed on climate-resilient technologies such as silage making, which is essential during dry seasons when natural forage becomes limited. Participants were likewise trained in the preparation of urea molasses mineral blocks, an important supplemental feed resource for both small and large ruminants.
The training highlighted good animal husbandry practices, biosecurity measures, and sustainable farm management principles. It also introduced ethno-veterinary medicine, emphasizing traditional and indigenous practices that complement modern animal health care approaches.
“As to experience, zero knowledge ako pagdating sa cattle farming. That’s the reason why I wanted to attend this seminar kasi gusto ko matuto when it comes to cattle farming. Marami na rin akong na-attendan na training, and actually, first time na hindi ako nakatulog sa isang training. Usually, pag nag-a-attend ako ng training, palabas-labas ako. Dito, naka-focus talaga ako. Most of the topics are very useful, and all discussions encouraged participation and interaction,” shared Mr. Garrick G. Ting, one of the participants.
Technical experts served as resource persons during the training, including Ms. Monette De Castro-Naagas, Instructor II of Mindoro State University, and Ms. Alma Mae L. Manalo of ATI-MIMAROPA.
A total of 20 livestock raisers successfully completed the training.
