To strengthen the local goat industry and equip farmers with essential knowledge and skills, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted a three-day “Training on Proper Management Practices in Goat Production” from March 19 -21, 2024 at the Simple Living Hotel, Brgy. Poctoy, Odiongan, Romblon.
Through the Resource Persons (RPs) from Romblon State University, namely, Mr. Ruel Galvero, Mr. Ely Ferancullo, and Mr. Ken Falculan, supported by Ms. Alma Mae L. Manalo, Training Specialist II/Livestock Point Person from ATI MIMAROPA, the training covered lectures on the status and potential of the goat industry in the Philippines; different goat breeds; proper housing management; feeds and feeding; health management; breeding management; recording system; and the economics of goat farming.
The RPs also guided the participants through hands-on activities, which provided them with practical skills, including identifying the age of goats, estimating body weight, and hoof trimming. Moreover, they learned how to produce feed supplements like Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks and preserve forage plants for use during limited resources for animal feed.
Engr. Benedict F. Orozo, one of the farmer-attendees, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the government, particularly the ATI, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in uplifting the livelihood of the goat raisers in the province.
“Sa tatlong araw ng pagsasanay, hindi lamang ako nagdagdag ng timbang kundi nagkaroon din ako ng dagdag na kaalaman. Ang unang bagay na nakapukaw ng aking pansin ay ang sinabi ng ating resource person na ang gobyerno ay may ginagawa para sa atin, at ito pala yun: ang pagbibigay ng pagsasanay para sa atin. Kaya naging inspirasyon sa akin ang pagpapahalaga sa programa ng ating gobyerno,” shared Engr. Orozo.
As requested by Mr. George Padua, Magsasaka Siyentista/President of the Romblon Goat and Sheep Raisers Association, the said training was actively participated in by 26 farmers.
