Through the initiative of the Livestock Program, the Center conducted its first AgriKids activity. This initiative of the Agricultural Training Institute is designed to cultivate young minds by immersing children in the realities and rewards of agricultural life. The activity was held on May 15, 2025 at the Dam-muh-han Hall, ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
Ms. Maribeth Ladu-an, Livestock Focal and the Project Officer, said that Agrikids activities are important for fostering a connection between children and the agricultural industry, promoting an understanding of the importance of farming, and cultivating future generations of farmers, agricultural scientists, and environmental stewards.
Exploring the world of agriculture and fisheries, the participants visited the fishlayan of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) located at Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet. Mr. Marx Garcia, Sr. Aquaculturist of BFAR, taught the children the basic concepts about fish, including their different kinds, physical features, natural habitats, and behaviors in a fun and easy-to-understand manner. The kids were exposed to the tilapia artificial insemination process and where the hatchlings are raised. The kids got the chance to feed the fish themselves, and the staff demonstrated how tilapia are harvested.
The second stop was at the Maki-BAKA Project, including the Poultry, Sheep, and Goat Project of the Benguet State University. Ms. Lenie Colcol, College Instructor under the Department of Animal Science, engaged with the children with a short trivia session and taught them basic information about cows, including what they eat. She also shared fascinating facts about native pigs and their piglets, which captured the children’s curiosity and excitement. A tour of the area showed various poultry animals such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Finally, the kids visited the sheep and goat barn, where they fed and petted the goats and sheep.
A total of 28 participants, composed of parent-and-child, attended the said activity.
