NARRA, PALAWAN – In the ongoing battle against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted a training on biosecurity entitled “Training on Biosecured Swine Production: Mitigating ASF at the Farmer Level” on April 3-5, 2024 at JS Pension, Poblacion, Narra.
With 26 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), the training aimed to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat ASF and implement effective biosecurity measures at the grassroots level.
Dr. Dyesebel D. Chavez, Municipal Agricultural Officer from LGU-Lobo, Batangas; Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo, Media Production Specialist II of ATI MIMAROPA; and Mr. Dandy Elefane, an insurance representative from Puerto Princesa City, served as resource speakers who covered various aspects crucial to ASF prevention and management.
During the three-day training, the participants learned about topics such as introduction to ASF, understanding the disease, government policies, and intervention programs. They also engaged in participatory biosecurity risk assessment, focusing on biosecurity measures for farms, personnel, transport systems, meat establishments, and slaughterhouses.
Moreover, hands-on activities were conducted at the Narra Slaughterhouse, where participants practiced proper blood sample collection and handling techniques.
Apart from theoretical knowledge, participants were also tasked with developing biosecurity plans for their farms, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding the swine industry against ASF and other diseases.
Reflecting on her experience, Violeta C. Magbanua from the Municipal Agriculture Office in Taytay, expressed gratitude for the training, emphasizing its significance in enhancing her understanding of ASF response procedures and farm biosecurity measures.
“Ang training na ito ay napakahalaga sa akin, dahil noong hindi pa ako nakakapag-training, akala ko na equipped na ako para makapag-response kung sakali mang darating ang ASF sa aming munisipyo. Ngunit sa pagpapatuloy ng training na ito sa loob ng tatlong araw, doon ko lang nalaman na napaka-unti pa lang pala ang aking kaalaman. Sa pamamagitan ng training na ito, marami akong natutunan kaya pag-uwi ko sa aming munisipyo, talagang alam ko na kung paano mag-response sa mga procedures,” she shared.
With the AEWs’ commitment, similar initiatives will continue to be rolled out in their respective municipalities, enabling communities to build resilience in the fight against ASF.
