BAYBAY CITY, Leyte – Rabbit farming in the Philippines is regaining recognition as a viable protein source, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. The Department of Agriculture promotes rabbit meat as an affordable and space-efficient alternative to pork and chicken, though cultural perceptions and limited market availability remain a challenge.
In support of this feat, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) conducted a three-day Training on Rabbit Production and Enterprise Development on August 5–7, 2025, at the ATI-RTC 8, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte.
Twenty-eight participants, composed of 25 learning site farmer-cooperators and three young farmers, attended the training, which aimed to equip them with best management practices in rabbit raising. Topics included an overview of rabbit production in the Philippines, nutritional requirements, disease and pest management, return on investment computation, and good hygienic slaughtering practices.
During the training, participants visited GN Integrated Farm for a benchmarking activity on breeding and production techniques. They also learned practical skills in hygienic slaughtering, butchering, and vermicast production using rabbit manure. Resource persons highlighted the potential of rabbit farming to contribute to food security and provide additional income.
“In my point of view, raising rabbits before is just for pets or recreation,” said Kienth Francis Arnado, one of the participants. According to him, the training made him realize the importance of rabbit production in augmenting the country’s food security. “There are so many positive attributes of the rabbit as human food, [as it is] healthier and sustainable.” It may be a challenge for them to promote the rabbit industry, yet he encouraged his fellow participants to work hand in hand in this endeavor.
Consequently, Fatema Dalmacio, another participant, appreciated the benchmarking activities at GN Integrated Farm as it showcased the technologies for a small-scale farm that are doable. “Raising rabbits as an additional commodity in our farm is an asset, taking advantage of fast-growing characteristics and breeding prolificacy,” she explained.
To jumpstart production, each participant received three breeder stocks as a starter kit, serving both as production support and promotion for the rabbit industry. “Hopefully, with our three breeder starter kits and the technologies we gained through lectures and benchmarking, we can produce quality rabbits fit for human consumption,” Fatema said.
