Last May 15 – 19, 2023, ATI MIMAROPA conducted a Training of Trainers on Organic Livestock Production Technologies at ATI MIMAROPA, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Said training has a corresponding 12 CPD Points in agriculture.
This aims to capacitate AEWs and Farmers Leaders in organic livestock production technologies, specifically in hog production.
According to the participants, as AEWs, they were called a jack of all trades when it comes to extension works. For the longest time, they have been capacitated mostly on crops, but this time, it was new to them. Livestock is seldom training that they have attended; they said that it was a breath of fresh air attending to such training. In addition, what made the training more interesting was the inclusion of organic practices in livestock/hog operations. With the high inputs and cost of hog operations, they said that it was timely and relevant in their field of work. Moreover, they said that, unlike crops, the Philippine National Standards on Organic Animal Production is quite complicated; however, complying to this can guarantee safe and healthy produce.
Further, part of the training was the field/hands-on activities wherein they were able to visit the Center's Technodemo and identified different forage plants that can be fed to animals. Apart from this, they visited the Lababoy Technology of the Center which showcases odorless pigpen technology. Participants were amazed that they can really put up a pigpen near the household community using Lababoy. But what they appreciated most was the preparation of alternative feeds for hogs and forage silage. They said that the materials were mostly locally available and easy to make/prepare. They also prepared a farm plan and budget, specifically for hog production. During the presentation, most of their entry/plans were their ideal setup in their community or even on their own farm.
Lastly, at the end of the training, participants prepared their corresponding re-entry plans which will be implemented in their respective localities.
A total of 26 participants attended the training.
