Training boosts BARMM AEWs skills in native cattle production
Carolina Priscilla Elan P. Ebillo
The Agricultural extension workers and livestock practitioners from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) gathered for a five-day capacity-building activity.
The Training of Trainers (TOT) on Native Cattle Production and Management, organized by ATI in Zamboanga Peninsula, was successfully held from April 6 to 10, 2026, at the ATI-STC XII, USM Compound in Kabacan, North Cotabato.
It aimed to equip participants with the ability to conceptualize and develop pasture areas and forage systems in preparation for the distribution of cattle to identified farmers and farmer groups, and to strengthen their technical knowledge and skills in native cattle production and management.
The activity formally opened with a welcome message and training overview delivered by Mokles P. Buisan, OIC-ACD and CFIDP BARMM Focal Person. This was followed by an engaging session on transformational leadership facilitated by Dr. Gelyn V. Amilbahar of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), which set a positive and participatory tone for the entire training.
In the succeeding days, Dr. Jurhamid C. Imlan of USM provided in-depth discussions on the status, prospects, and challenges of the Philippine beef cattle industry. Participants also gained valuable insights into reproductive physiology, cattle breeds, and essential practices in native cattle production.
Key topics included disease prevention and management, silage making, roughage production, and overall cattle health management. To complement the lectures, participants engaged in hands-on field activities such as proper cattle restraining, identification of pasture and forage species, and the application of deworming and vaccination techniques. These practical sessions allowed participants to directly apply their learning and build confidence in managing cattle effectively.
The Participants expressed appreciation for the training and its relevance to their work. Badrudin S. Abdulrakim from OPAg Maguindanao del Norte, shared that the activity was a significant learning experience. He noted that although he is already engaged in native cattle raising, the training helped fill important knowledge gaps and provided practical techniques that he can share with farmers.
Meanwhile, Haniya J. Asalan from MAFAR Lanao del Sur, described the training as highly impressive, stating that all the topics met their expectations from the first day until the end of the program.
The successful conduct of the training highlights ATI-RTC IX’s continued commitment to empowering agricultural stakeholders and promoting sustainable livestock development across regions.
