CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — In support of the national effort to revitalize the local hog industry, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) conducted the Training in Swine Farm Business Management (Batch 1) from May 20 to 22, 2025 at the Ladrera Integrated Farm, Brgy. Old Mahayag, Catbalogan City, Samar.
The three-day training was specifically designed for beneficiaries of the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP) and gathered 19 farmers and six agricultural extension workers (AEWs) representing three farmers’ organizations: the Rawis Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (RAFFA), Cantongtong Youth Association (CUYA), and Lucerdoni Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (LUFFA) gathering a total of 25 participants.
The training aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills on swine production and marketing, with a focus on farm business management and entrepreneurship. Key topics included basic swine requirements, nutrition and feeding management, animal health care, waste management and utilization, and planning a swine farm as a viable business.
Serving as the main resource person was Mr. Reynaldo C. Aniban, a seasoned farmer-entrepreneur and accredited trainer on the Farm Business School (FBS) modality. Mr. Aniban mentored the participants developing innovative and realistic farm business plans that are aligned with their ongoing SIRP projects.
Participants engaged in in-depth sessions using the FBS modules and were tasked to craft and present their own group business plans, which were then critiqued for improvement and refinement. The collaborative workshop allowed participants to apply what they learned and develop enterprise strategies to sustain and expand their swine ventures.
One participant, Vernaliza Padrigano, shared that as a young farmer, it was a privilege for her to be part of the training because it would be a big help to their association. “Aside from the teaching us on how to develop a business proposal, they are also teaching us to be entrepreneurs.” she added.
“Thank you ATI-RTC 8 for conducting this training.” said Renie Boy D. Labago, another participant, a 4-H municipal President from Jiabong, Samar. “Because of this we were able to acquire a lot of knowledge, and we will be equipped enough to start our SIRP Project full of knowledge and skills.” he added
The Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP) complements the government’s INSPIRE program by enhancing swine livelihood clusters and reinforcing biosecurity measures to prevent future disease outbreaks. It aims to normalize hog population levels, restore livelihoods, and ensure a sustainable pork supply across the country. Through this continuing capability-building effort, ATI-RTC 8 remains committed to strengthening the capacities of local farmers and stakeholders by promoting resilient, knowledge-based, and market-oriented swine farming systems in Eastern Visayas.
