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The everyday life of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) seems to be a dream come true for many. But, do you want to know what the truth is? The dream for every Filipino is to enjoy the perks of their hard-earned money in the Philippines while experiencing the small and big occasions in the family.
“Nasa Dubai pa lang ako, nagpapa-alaga na ako ng baboy.” says Dennis.
Mr. Dennis C. Magsino, a pig producer in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro is determined to grow a pig farming business ever since. Way back in 2014, he entered into “paiwi” wherein the livestock owner entrusts his animals to a caretaker and sales are divided between them. Commonly, 20 heads of finishers are paiwi per cycle.
“Okay naman ang kita, kaya sabi ko ipursigi ko na kaya itong business.” he narrated.
After spending 11 years in Dubai, Dennis finally returned. During his time in managing the overall operations of a pig farm, he encountered big wins and losses.
In 2023, he took the chance of participating in the course offerings of the ATI-ITCPH, such as Sustainable Pig Farming; One-day Swine AI; and In Cycles: Animal Waste Management and Utilization for Small-hold in Lipa City, Batangas.
From merely the paiwi guy in town, Dennis adds on skills as he becomes one of the swine artificial insemination technicians in his community.
“Nagsisimula pa lang ako, pero meron na akong ilang clients” , he said. A fee of five hundred pesos is received for every successful AI he does. Aside from being an on-call AI technician, he also envisions upgrading his 8-sow level smallhold farm upon undergoing renovation this year.
The technologies on natural probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria serum (LABS) also paved the way for Dennis to fully acquire his source of income from agriculture and livestock.
“Naibebenta ko ang per litro ng LABS ng one-hundred fifty pesos” , he said. With the goal of lessening the production costs of medications and vitamins, Dennis was patient in championing the use of LABS.
“Nag try ako ng ibat-ibang klase ng gatas para makuha kung saan mas gaganda ang kalalabasan na LABS, tapos nag try ako sa aking vegetable farm, tapos nag-out na ako sa market” , Dennis narrated.
The use of LABS was found to be useful in growing plants and animals. Based on the feedback of chicken growers, with the application of LABS, there has been consistent egg production, healthy chicks and hens, no-odor farming, and zero visibility of flies around the poultry.
In terms of pig production, LABS serves as a natural growth enhancer to animals and are seen to be livelier. “Yung dati ko ring problema sa diarrhea, nasolusyunan din ng LABS” , Dennis added.
Proud of his achievements, Dennis is delighted to see other animal and vegetable producers maintain their production through sustainable farming. “Nasa 50 litters of LABS per month in an average ang nagagawa ko pansarili at pambenta” , he shares.
Aside from these technologies, Dennis also practices basic ethnoveterinary medicine in poultry and pig farming. Solid wastes collected from his smallhold farm are collected, dried, and used during land preparation. LABS is mixed with the soil and aids as an organic fertilizer to his vegetable garden.
Far from his usual routine as an OFW, Dennis enjoys his farming life from the benefits of engaging in agriculture and livestock.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
“Nasa Dubai pa lang ako, nagpapa-alaga na ako ng baboy.” says Dennis.
Mr. Dennis C. Magsino, a pig producer in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro is determined to grow a pig farming business ever since. Way back in 2014, he entered into “paiwi” wherein the livestock owner entrusts his animals to a caretaker and sales are divided between them. Commonly, 20 heads of finishers are paiwi per cycle.
“Okay naman ang kita, kaya sabi ko ipursigi ko na kaya itong business.” he narrated.
After spending 11 years in Dubai, Dennis finally returned. During his time in managing the overall operations of a pig farm, he encountered big wins and losses.
In 2023, he took the chance of participating in the course offerings of the ATI-ITCPH, such as Sustainable Pig Farming; One-day Swine AI; and In Cycles: Animal Waste Management and Utilization for Small-hold in Lipa City, Batangas.
From merely the paiwi guy in town, Dennis adds on skills as he becomes one of the swine artificial insemination technicians in his community.
“Nagsisimula pa lang ako, pero meron na akong ilang clients” , he said. A fee of five hundred pesos is received for every successful AI he does. Aside from being an on-call AI technician, he also envisions upgrading his 8-sow level smallhold farm upon undergoing renovation this year.
The technologies on natural probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria serum (LABS) also paved the way for Dennis to fully acquire his source of income from agriculture and livestock.
“Naibebenta ko ang per litro ng LABS ng one-hundred fifty pesos” , he said. With the goal of lessening the production costs of medications and vitamins, Dennis was patient in championing the use of LABS.
“Nag try ako ng ibat-ibang klase ng gatas para makuha kung saan mas gaganda ang kalalabasan na LABS, tapos nag try ako sa aking vegetable farm, tapos nag-out na ako sa market” , Dennis narrated.
The use of LABS was found to be useful in growing plants and animals. Based on the feedback of chicken growers, with the application of LABS, there has been consistent egg production, healthy chicks and hens, no-odor farming, and zero visibility of flies around the poultry.
In terms of pig production, LABS serves as a natural growth enhancer to animals and are seen to be livelier. “Yung dati ko ring problema sa diarrhea, nasolusyunan din ng LABS” , Dennis added.
Proud of his achievements, Dennis is delighted to see other animal and vegetable producers maintain their production through sustainable farming. “Nasa 50 litters of LABS per month in an average ang nagagawa ko pansarili at pambenta” , he shares.
Aside from these technologies, Dennis also practices basic ethnoveterinary medicine in poultry and pig farming. Solid wastes collected from his smallhold farm are collected, dried, and used during land preparation. LABS is mixed with the soil and aids as an organic fertilizer to his vegetable garden.
Far from his usual routine as an OFW, Dennis enjoys his farming life from the benefits of engaging in agriculture and livestock.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
Mr. Marianito “Nitoy” A. Tesorero is an extension worker who loves serving pig farmers and creating an impact on farmer’s lives. He is a graduate of BS Agriculture major in Animal Science and is currently taking PhD in Behavioral Management.
He started working in the Department of Agriculture –Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V) as a Science Research Assistant and has been in the field for almost eight years. He now works as a Senior Science Research Specialist and Manager of Albay Breeding Station (Swine) and Central Bicol Experiment Station (Poultry).
He was sent to ITCPH for training. He attended the 22nd National Trainers Course on Pig Husbandry in 2016 and was elected as the President of the “Pigbooks” during his batch. He participated in seven (7) courses, some of which are the National Trainers Course on Swine Artificial Insemination, Training of Trainers on Animal Feed Milling Technology for Small-hold Farmers, and Feednovation: 3Ps of Feed Production and Processing to name a few.
Mr. Nitoy had a prior learning on pig husbandry before he went to ITCPH. However, in his training on Artificial Insemination, the Center enhanced his stored knowledge, especially on the practical side.
After his training, he gained more confidence in imparting his acquired knowledge and skills on pig production through lectures and technical assistance to the pig farmers. He is also consulted on the formulation of feeds. His promotion is partly attributed to being an alumnus of ITCPH.
Back in 2015, Ms. Tesico and Ms. Laqui did the monitoring of Bicol and he was asked if he wanted to attend the Centers’ training, “Opo, please gusto ko pong umattend ng mga trainings ng ITCPH” he eagerly replied. “Kami na rin mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan para makapagtraining kami pati na rin yung aming mga kasamahan, kami na yung tumatawag sa ITCPH para magpa-invite” , he added.
Before the ASF outbreak in 2019, he used to raise pigs, however, when ASF hit the Bicol Region, he ceased his production due to conflict with his task as part of the ASF task force of DA-RFO V.
His re-entry plan is to establish an AI Business Center with two (2) boars (Chester White and Landrace). DA-RFO V had an AI Business Center before, then he proposed a re-establishment. Mr. Tesorero hopes that they could start selling processed semen within the year.
Recordkeeping is one of the subjects that he appreciates. “Nung may nagko-consult na sa akin, naidentify ko kung aling animals ang maganda ang production at for culling na. Ang hirap pag mata mata ang pag-iisip ng records. Napakalaking tulong ng Records sa isang farm lalo pagdating sa feed consumption. Napaka-simple ng recordkeeping at napakalaking tulong sa mga nag-aalaga ng baboy.”
Armed with improved know-how learned from ITCPH, Mr. Tesorero has captured the confidence of the pig producers.
“Personal satisfaction ang makapag-share ng learnings sa mga nangangailangan. It is also an additional income through speakership, I bought my laptop and other equipment that can be used during talks. ”
“Bilang alumni, at may kasamahan kaming graduate ng Agriculture at nasa field ng swine, pinapayuhan na namin na mag-train sa ITCPH, para hindi lang kami ang may alam, mas maganda kung sa isang opisina ay marami ang may kaalaman pagdating sa babuyan. ”
ITCPH sets a very high standard when it comes to communication, training preparations, evaluations, resource persons, and other related concerns. “Thank you for keeping the bar high” , he said.
His major responsibility is swine dispersal with an annual target of 280 heads (white) and 60 heads (native). Part of this is to assess the recipients if they are capable of and can do the swine production.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
He started working in the Department of Agriculture –Regional Field Office V (DA-RFO V) as a Science Research Assistant and has been in the field for almost eight years. He now works as a Senior Science Research Specialist and Manager of Albay Breeding Station (Swine) and Central Bicol Experiment Station (Poultry).
He was sent to ITCPH for training. He attended the 22nd National Trainers Course on Pig Husbandry in 2016 and was elected as the President of the “Pigbooks” during his batch. He participated in seven (7) courses, some of which are the National Trainers Course on Swine Artificial Insemination, Training of Trainers on Animal Feed Milling Technology for Small-hold Farmers, and Feednovation: 3Ps of Feed Production and Processing to name a few.
Mr. Nitoy had a prior learning on pig husbandry before he went to ITCPH. However, in his training on Artificial Insemination, the Center enhanced his stored knowledge, especially on the practical side.
After his training, he gained more confidence in imparting his acquired knowledge and skills on pig production through lectures and technical assistance to the pig farmers. He is also consulted on the formulation of feeds. His promotion is partly attributed to being an alumnus of ITCPH.
Back in 2015, Ms. Tesico and Ms. Laqui did the monitoring of Bicol and he was asked if he wanted to attend the Centers’ training, “Opo, please gusto ko pong umattend ng mga trainings ng ITCPH” he eagerly replied. “Kami na rin mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan para makapagtraining kami pati na rin yung aming mga kasamahan, kami na yung tumatawag sa ITCPH para magpa-invite” , he added.
Before the ASF outbreak in 2019, he used to raise pigs, however, when ASF hit the Bicol Region, he ceased his production due to conflict with his task as part of the ASF task force of DA-RFO V.
His re-entry plan is to establish an AI Business Center with two (2) boars (Chester White and Landrace). DA-RFO V had an AI Business Center before, then he proposed a re-establishment. Mr. Tesorero hopes that they could start selling processed semen within the year.
Recordkeeping is one of the subjects that he appreciates. “Nung may nagko-consult na sa akin, naidentify ko kung aling animals ang maganda ang production at for culling na. Ang hirap pag mata mata ang pag-iisip ng records. Napakalaking tulong ng Records sa isang farm lalo pagdating sa feed consumption. Napaka-simple ng recordkeeping at napakalaking tulong sa mga nag-aalaga ng baboy.”
Armed with improved know-how learned from ITCPH, Mr. Tesorero has captured the confidence of the pig producers.
“Personal satisfaction ang makapag-share ng learnings sa mga nangangailangan. It is also an additional income through speakership, I bought my laptop and other equipment that can be used during talks. ”
“Bilang alumni, at may kasamahan kaming graduate ng Agriculture at nasa field ng swine, pinapayuhan na namin na mag-train sa ITCPH, para hindi lang kami ang may alam, mas maganda kung sa isang opisina ay marami ang may kaalaman pagdating sa babuyan. ”
ITCPH sets a very high standard when it comes to communication, training preparations, evaluations, resource persons, and other related concerns. “Thank you for keeping the bar high” , he said.
His major responsibility is swine dispersal with an annual target of 280 heads (white) and 60 heads (native). Part of this is to assess the recipients if they are capable of and can do the swine production.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
A swine farmer, tricycle driver, and electrician; these are the skills of Mr. Rodireck Latonero to provide for his family.
Mr. Latonero is a native resident of Castilla, Sorsogon, and worked as an SK Chairman from 2007 to2010. He was also a member of the 4H Club of Burabod and a recipient of the Gawad Saka Award for the years 2009 and 2012. From 2010-2015, he served as Barangay Councilor and he was elected as the 4H Federation President for Municipal, Provincial, and Regional levels.
As a father who wants to give a better life to his family, Mr. Roderick left his political journey in 2013. He tried his luck abroad and pursued his chosen career in Saudi Arabia as a building electrician.
Two years later, he decided to go home. Being a member of 4H Club Burabod and a pig raiser, his coordinator asked him to go training in ITCPH to take the Practical Course on Pig Husbandry for Senior Stockpersons in 2017. Due to unforeseen activity, he did not make it to the training. However, the same year he took the National Trainer’s Course on Swine Artificial Insemination.
“Ang dahilan ay ang mahirap na malayo sa pamilya at mga kaibigan. Kaya nag-focus ako sa farming dahil sa ito ang aking kinasanayan nung bata pa ako, ang mag alaga ng baboy at mag tanim ng palay. Ang sabi ko kung kaya ko naman kitain ang kinikita ko sa abroad, bakit pa ako babalik sa ibang bansa. Medyo maliit lang ang kitaan sa babuyan kasi sa mahal ng pakain at nag babayad pa sa technician pati ang sa AI. Halos lahat babayaran kaya nag decide ako na mas matutunan ang mga basic na kailangan ng baboy hanggang sa paglaki. Nakapag training nga ako sa ITCPH ng pig husbandry at artificial insemination. Ito ang naging training ko na napakalaki ng naitulong sa aking buhay na hanggang ngayun ay nagagamit ko sa aking babuyan” , he recalls.
“Nag-umpisa ako sa dalawang biik, pinalaki ko hanggang maging fatteners pero gusto ko magkaroon ng sariling inahin kaya nung dumating na ung market day nila, ipinagbili ko tapos yung perang yun ang ibinili ng isang sow” , he added.
Prior to his training at ITCPH, he doesn’t know anything about artificial insemination and pigletprocessing. “Bumayad pako ng Php50.00 per head sa technician kapag may ika-castrate na piglet, sa injection nagbabayad ako ng Php 250-300 per litter.”
As Mr. Rodireck reveals, “Nung unang nanganak ang baboy ko, dun ako natulog sa tabi ng baboy ko, 8 ang naging anak pero dahil nga sa wala pa akong kaalaman, namatay lahat ng biik” .
Ms. Alice Jamoralin, 4H Provincial Coordinator, urged him to take training at ITCPH. With a limited knowledge about Lipa and its location, he still attended the National Trainers Course on Swine Artificial Insemination.
“Dito sa Bicol, may salyada (biglaang benta ng alagang baboy), kapag may emergency sales ng baboy ako na yung kumukuha. Malakas na ang loob kase may kaalaman na ako pagdating sa babuyan. Naalala ko pa, mayroong castration cart ang ITCPH, kaya nag-fabricate ako ng sarili kong cart na pwede kong gamitin kapag magka-castrate ako ng piglets.”
“At dahil sa marunong na akong mag-AI, ako na ang nag-AI sa aking mga alaga, sa halagang P150.00 at may kasama ng catheter. Ako na din ang nag-AI sa mga alagang baboy ng aking mga kapatid, na nanganganak ng 10 biik... Kung magkakaroon ako ng sapat na pondo, ipagsasakatuparan ko pa rin ang pangarap ko na magkaroon ng sariling AI Business Center.”
Mr. Latonero’s journey from being a tricycle driver, public servant, OFW, and a successful swine farmer shows how dynamic his journey has been. He still plans to attend training in the Center to enhance his skills and share them with his community.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
Mr. Latonero is a native resident of Castilla, Sorsogon, and worked as an SK Chairman from 2007 to2010. He was also a member of the 4H Club of Burabod and a recipient of the Gawad Saka Award for the years 2009 and 2012. From 2010-2015, he served as Barangay Councilor and he was elected as the 4H Federation President for Municipal, Provincial, and Regional levels.
As a father who wants to give a better life to his family, Mr. Roderick left his political journey in 2013. He tried his luck abroad and pursued his chosen career in Saudi Arabia as a building electrician.
Two years later, he decided to go home. Being a member of 4H Club Burabod and a pig raiser, his coordinator asked him to go training in ITCPH to take the Practical Course on Pig Husbandry for Senior Stockpersons in 2017. Due to unforeseen activity, he did not make it to the training. However, the same year he took the National Trainer’s Course on Swine Artificial Insemination.
“Ang dahilan ay ang mahirap na malayo sa pamilya at mga kaibigan. Kaya nag-focus ako sa farming dahil sa ito ang aking kinasanayan nung bata pa ako, ang mag alaga ng baboy at mag tanim ng palay. Ang sabi ko kung kaya ko naman kitain ang kinikita ko sa abroad, bakit pa ako babalik sa ibang bansa. Medyo maliit lang ang kitaan sa babuyan kasi sa mahal ng pakain at nag babayad pa sa technician pati ang sa AI. Halos lahat babayaran kaya nag decide ako na mas matutunan ang mga basic na kailangan ng baboy hanggang sa paglaki. Nakapag training nga ako sa ITCPH ng pig husbandry at artificial insemination. Ito ang naging training ko na napakalaki ng naitulong sa aking buhay na hanggang ngayun ay nagagamit ko sa aking babuyan” , he recalls.
“Nag-umpisa ako sa dalawang biik, pinalaki ko hanggang maging fatteners pero gusto ko magkaroon ng sariling inahin kaya nung dumating na ung market day nila, ipinagbili ko tapos yung perang yun ang ibinili ng isang sow” , he added.
Prior to his training at ITCPH, he doesn’t know anything about artificial insemination and pigletprocessing. “Bumayad pako ng Php50.00 per head sa technician kapag may ika-castrate na piglet, sa injection nagbabayad ako ng Php 250-300 per litter.”
As Mr. Rodireck reveals, “Nung unang nanganak ang baboy ko, dun ako natulog sa tabi ng baboy ko, 8 ang naging anak pero dahil nga sa wala pa akong kaalaman, namatay lahat ng biik” .
Ms. Alice Jamoralin, 4H Provincial Coordinator, urged him to take training at ITCPH. With a limited knowledge about Lipa and its location, he still attended the National Trainers Course on Swine Artificial Insemination.
“Dito sa Bicol, may salyada (biglaang benta ng alagang baboy), kapag may emergency sales ng baboy ako na yung kumukuha. Malakas na ang loob kase may kaalaman na ako pagdating sa babuyan. Naalala ko pa, mayroong castration cart ang ITCPH, kaya nag-fabricate ako ng sarili kong cart na pwede kong gamitin kapag magka-castrate ako ng piglets.”
“At dahil sa marunong na akong mag-AI, ako na ang nag-AI sa aking mga alaga, sa halagang P150.00 at may kasama ng catheter. Ako na din ang nag-AI sa mga alagang baboy ng aking mga kapatid, na nanganganak ng 10 biik... Kung magkakaroon ako ng sapat na pondo, ipagsasakatuparan ko pa rin ang pangarap ko na magkaroon ng sariling AI Business Center.”
Mr. Latonero’s journey from being a tricycle driver, public servant, OFW, and a successful swine farmer shows how dynamic his journey has been. He still plans to attend training in the Center to enhance his skills and share them with his community.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
The Sabang Ibaan Multi-Purpose Cooperative is a profitable organization established in the year 1993 with the help of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office led by Mrs. Zenaida Cantos, and the coop beneficiaries of Barangay Sabang. The cooperative started with just 29 members, and they collected a total amount of Php 29,000.00 as their initial fund. At present, they have a total of 540 members and counting. The cooperative is one of the recipients of the Community Adoption Project.
The Community Adoption Project is one of the unique extension modalities implemented by the Center in 1997. The said project is composed of five components such as pig enterprise development; capability building; animal health services; post-production and marketmatching services; and “e-Community” establishment. In the year 2017, the cooperative became an official beneficiary of the CA Project through a Memorandum of Agreement ceremony. Through Dr. Editha Cabilitazan (former Training Center Superintendent I), the project was coordinated with Ms. Ethel Salazar (LGU Ibaan), to find a possible beneficiary of the Community Adoption Project. As such, the Sabang Ibaan was recommended to be one of the beneficiaries and to conduct training for the members of the cooperative.
In this project, ITCPH provides the adopted community with excellent training and technical assistance in the field of Pig Husbandry and other related disciplines. They also provide Free-Range Chicken Modules, technical assistance, and support to the e-Community, and they give 8 Sows as part of this project.
"Napakalaking tulong po sa amin, lalo na po sa aming kooperatiba nitong Comm- Adopt Project. Nabigyan po kami ng sapat na kaalaman, ng training, sa aming mga miyembro, at sa lahat po ng aming empleyado tungkol po sa pagbababuyan/ paghahayupan" , says Ms. Nelia Castillo, General Manager, SIMPC.
During the implementation of the CA Project, they were able to produce 230 heads of piglets. Through this farrow-to-finish sow production became a great source of income for the members of the cooperative. To date, they were able to produce and give eight (8) sows to its members, particularly those who were affected by the ASF and they planned to give more to help their members who want to start their business in Pig Husbandry.
“Nawalan po sila ng mga alagang baboy dahil nga po pwersahan nilang naibenta ang kanilang mga alagang inahin, so nagbigay po kami sa mga miyembro para mapag-umpisahan po nila… "
"Dahil sa ITCPH kami ngayon ay isa ng medium category cooperatives dahil sa pamamagitan nga po ng Comm-Adopt Project ay yun pong ibinigay sa amin ay nadagdagan po ang aming kita" , says Ms. Nelia Castillo.
It was also suggested that the cooperative is ready to manage boars in the future as they became aware of the benefits of putting up a Swine Artificial Insemination laboratory.
This could be of great help in introducing superior genes from top performing boars into the herd.
The Sabang Ibaan Multi-Purpose Cooperative is forever grateful to the Center as it continues its mission of educating, guiding, and empowering farmer communities.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
The Community Adoption Project is one of the unique extension modalities implemented by the Center in 1997. The said project is composed of five components such as pig enterprise development; capability building; animal health services; post-production and marketmatching services; and “e-Community” establishment. In the year 2017, the cooperative became an official beneficiary of the CA Project through a Memorandum of Agreement ceremony. Through Dr. Editha Cabilitazan (former Training Center Superintendent I), the project was coordinated with Ms. Ethel Salazar (LGU Ibaan), to find a possible beneficiary of the Community Adoption Project. As such, the Sabang Ibaan was recommended to be one of the beneficiaries and to conduct training for the members of the cooperative.
In this project, ITCPH provides the adopted community with excellent training and technical assistance in the field of Pig Husbandry and other related disciplines. They also provide Free-Range Chicken Modules, technical assistance, and support to the e-Community, and they give 8 Sows as part of this project.
"Napakalaking tulong po sa amin, lalo na po sa aming kooperatiba nitong Comm- Adopt Project. Nabigyan po kami ng sapat na kaalaman, ng training, sa aming mga miyembro, at sa lahat po ng aming empleyado tungkol po sa pagbababuyan/ paghahayupan" , says Ms. Nelia Castillo, General Manager, SIMPC.
During the implementation of the CA Project, they were able to produce 230 heads of piglets. Through this farrow-to-finish sow production became a great source of income for the members of the cooperative. To date, they were able to produce and give eight (8) sows to its members, particularly those who were affected by the ASF and they planned to give more to help their members who want to start their business in Pig Husbandry.
“Nawalan po sila ng mga alagang baboy dahil nga po pwersahan nilang naibenta ang kanilang mga alagang inahin, so nagbigay po kami sa mga miyembro para mapag-umpisahan po nila… "
"Dahil sa ITCPH kami ngayon ay isa ng medium category cooperatives dahil sa pamamagitan nga po ng Comm-Adopt Project ay yun pong ibinigay sa amin ay nadagdagan po ang aming kita" , says Ms. Nelia Castillo.
It was also suggested that the cooperative is ready to manage boars in the future as they became aware of the benefits of putting up a Swine Artificial Insemination laboratory.
This could be of great help in introducing superior genes from top performing boars into the herd.
The Sabang Ibaan Multi-Purpose Cooperative is forever grateful to the Center as it continues its mission of educating, guiding, and empowering farmer communities.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
As we all know, the gene is considered the basic unit of inheritance. It transfers from parents to offspring and contains the information needed to specify physical and biological traits. In the same manner, environmental or family traits can also be passed, or acquired.
Marie Rachelle Jane C. Mangading (Doc. Corn) works as the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture. She was raised in a family of pet enthusiasts and of course, alumni of ATI-ITCPH. Her father, Mr. Roseller Cornejo attended the International Trainers Course in 1989 while her mother, Mrs. Edita Cornejo took the Basic Meat Processing in 2014.
In 2019, Doc Corn was encouraged to enroll in the National Trainers Course on Pig Husbandry to gain more knowledge on swine and extension. One of the integral parts of this course is the Backyard Raisers Course. They conducted a training needs assessment, analyzed objectives, designated workload, and facilitated training beneficial to small-hold farmers.
"Before ako pumunta ng ITCPH, kahit papano ay may background na din ako sa swine both theoretical and practical, pero iba pa rin ung Learning by Doing, most especially nung nag-traineeship kami, ang daming techniques, na kung saan ay maiaaply na ung mga tinuro sa amin sa loob ng classroom kase ituturing mong ikaw ang may-ari ng mga animals na ini-assign sayo"
Doc Corn is working on a research paper entitled Beyond Numbers: Determining the Socio-economic and Livelihood Impacts of African Swine Fever and its Control in The Philippines in which she applied all her Extension skills and knowledge.
"Yung natutunan ko sa National Trainers' Course on Pig Husbandry ay nai-apply ko dito lalo na Backyard Raisers Course, naghouse- to-house kami, then focused group discussion (FGD), kaya masasabi ko talagang naging foundation ang ITCPH when we conducted this study, mas malakas ang loob ko kase naexperience ko ‘to at kayang kaya ko ’to"
She also volunteered in a team that gathers data concerning the monitoring and surveillance activities for the early detection and prevention of African Swine fever (ASF) and related diseases in the municipality of Pamplona.
Her husband works as an Agricultural Extension worker where she shares acquired skills and abilities learned from the Center. It is further executed in pig farms in the LGU, especially in biosecurity concerns.
“At ngayon, nga po ay mayroon kaming winowork-out na project about biosecurity, especially with our problem in ASF and also not only for the ASF but for other diseases, once na may biosecurity ka na, meron ka na first line of defense na against those diseases"
The NTCPH extension activities also play a good part in her career. She became the coordinator of the Extension Services Department where she applied learned skills and values in dealing with farmers. In the future, she plans to attend another training that the Center offers.
"Malaki ang naitulong sa akin ng ITCPH lalo na sa aking professional career, kaya sisiguraduhin kong maka-attend ng Swine Production Medicine Course, mas maganda mag-share ng knowledge kung ikaw mismo nag nakapag-train, para hindi ka masabihan ng mga estudyante na hindi nagkukwento ka lang based sa internet. At masasabi kong isa ang ITCPH kung bakit ko gusto ang Swine Industry."
In her closing statement, she mentioned that no one needs to have a background in animal science to learn the principles and practices of ATI-ITCPH. It shows how the Center was able to reach a wide range of participants, not only in location but also across professions.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
Marie Rachelle Jane C. Mangading (Doc. Corn) works as the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture. She was raised in a family of pet enthusiasts and of course, alumni of ATI-ITCPH. Her father, Mr. Roseller Cornejo attended the International Trainers Course in 1989 while her mother, Mrs. Edita Cornejo took the Basic Meat Processing in 2014.
In 2019, Doc Corn was encouraged to enroll in the National Trainers Course on Pig Husbandry to gain more knowledge on swine and extension. One of the integral parts of this course is the Backyard Raisers Course. They conducted a training needs assessment, analyzed objectives, designated workload, and facilitated training beneficial to small-hold farmers.
"Before ako pumunta ng ITCPH, kahit papano ay may background na din ako sa swine both theoretical and practical, pero iba pa rin ung Learning by Doing, most especially nung nag-traineeship kami, ang daming techniques, na kung saan ay maiaaply na ung mga tinuro sa amin sa loob ng classroom kase ituturing mong ikaw ang may-ari ng mga animals na ini-assign sayo"
Doc Corn is working on a research paper entitled Beyond Numbers: Determining the Socio-economic and Livelihood Impacts of African Swine Fever and its Control in The Philippines in which she applied all her Extension skills and knowledge.
"Yung natutunan ko sa National Trainers' Course on Pig Husbandry ay nai-apply ko dito lalo na Backyard Raisers Course, naghouse- to-house kami, then focused group discussion (FGD), kaya masasabi ko talagang naging foundation ang ITCPH when we conducted this study, mas malakas ang loob ko kase naexperience ko ‘to at kayang kaya ko ’to"
She also volunteered in a team that gathers data concerning the monitoring and surveillance activities for the early detection and prevention of African Swine fever (ASF) and related diseases in the municipality of Pamplona.
Her husband works as an Agricultural Extension worker where she shares acquired skills and abilities learned from the Center. It is further executed in pig farms in the LGU, especially in biosecurity concerns.
“At ngayon, nga po ay mayroon kaming winowork-out na project about biosecurity, especially with our problem in ASF and also not only for the ASF but for other diseases, once na may biosecurity ka na, meron ka na first line of defense na against those diseases"
The NTCPH extension activities also play a good part in her career. She became the coordinator of the Extension Services Department where she applied learned skills and values in dealing with farmers. In the future, she plans to attend another training that the Center offers.
"Malaki ang naitulong sa akin ng ITCPH lalo na sa aking professional career, kaya sisiguraduhin kong maka-attend ng Swine Production Medicine Course, mas maganda mag-share ng knowledge kung ikaw mismo nag nakapag-train, para hindi ka masabihan ng mga estudyante na hindi nagkukwento ka lang based sa internet. At masasabi kong isa ang ITCPH kung bakit ko gusto ang Swine Industry."
In her closing statement, she mentioned that no one needs to have a background in animal science to learn the principles and practices of ATI-ITCPH. It shows how the Center was able to reach a wide range of participants, not only in location but also across professions.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
Mariel Leira Belenzo, 29 years old, works as a caretaker of a 3-sow level pig farm in barangay Hindi, Bacacay, Albay. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Education, major in Filipino and currently pursuing her second degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Her drive to learn the proper skills in pig husbandry started with not-sogood experiences with animal technicians in the community where she lives. For 2 years, she relied on the knowledge and skills of technicians performing the artificial insemination.
“Kasi di ba dapat kapag technician, sasabihin sa amin kung anu ung mga dapat gawin”.
She acknowledged the expertise of the animal technicians; however, she still experienced some difficulties. It involves unavailability to respond, and challenges in setting appointments. There were even times that she experienced a 2-liter farrowing rate.
Through the power of social media, she learned about ATI-ITCPH. In 2019, she attended two trainings such as Sustainable Pig Farming- LABS and Basic Course on Pig Husbandry. All questions, confusions, and misconceptions were answered during the training.
"Binuo ako ng ITCPH, kasi marami akong hindi alam na naituro nito; sa medicine, yung cycle, simula sa sow hanggang mabuntis, hanggang panganganak, pagwawalay, kailan magkakapon, anung gamot ang ibibigay"
She immediately applied to learn pig farming. From 2-litter size experience, she was able to record a 12-12-17 litter size from 3 sows. But it was a quick success. Soon after, ASF affected their area. Her farm may not be directly affected by the virus, but due to the zoning, it was depopulated. In 2023, she was able to repopulate, returning to pig farming and applying the learnings from ITCPH. She also takes this as an opportunity to help and reach out to people in the community.
"Kami [na] po ang nagseserve na technician. Ang laking tulong at ang sarap sa pakiramdam na kung anung natutunan mo, nai-sshare mo sa iba"
"Iba ang impact sa aking ng ITCPH, mas naging confident ako, binuo nya ako, yung mga mali, naitama nya lahat iyon. Gusto kong bumalik muli at mag train ng Meat Processing at Feednovation: iyon po ang gusto kong matutunan talaga"
Her major takeaway from the Center is the principle of Learning by Doing. She compared ITCPH with some institutions where learning is being realized through practical exposures and applications.
Not more of a suggestion, she recommends continuously capacitate farmers all over the country. With all these experiences, Mariel Belenzo proves that having first-hand experiences and formal education will resolve all questions, confusion, and misconceptions. All of these can only be resolved through attending training from authorized agencies and a pool of field experts, that ATI-ITCPH offers. This is the #TatakITCPH, the Center’s Learning by Doing brand.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
Her drive to learn the proper skills in pig husbandry started with not-sogood experiences with animal technicians in the community where she lives. For 2 years, she relied on the knowledge and skills of technicians performing the artificial insemination.
“Kasi di ba dapat kapag technician, sasabihin sa amin kung anu ung mga dapat gawin”.
She acknowledged the expertise of the animal technicians; however, she still experienced some difficulties. It involves unavailability to respond, and challenges in setting appointments. There were even times that she experienced a 2-liter farrowing rate.
Through the power of social media, she learned about ATI-ITCPH. In 2019, she attended two trainings such as Sustainable Pig Farming- LABS and Basic Course on Pig Husbandry. All questions, confusions, and misconceptions were answered during the training.
"Binuo ako ng ITCPH, kasi marami akong hindi alam na naituro nito; sa medicine, yung cycle, simula sa sow hanggang mabuntis, hanggang panganganak, pagwawalay, kailan magkakapon, anung gamot ang ibibigay"
She immediately applied to learn pig farming. From 2-litter size experience, she was able to record a 12-12-17 litter size from 3 sows. But it was a quick success. Soon after, ASF affected their area. Her farm may not be directly affected by the virus, but due to the zoning, it was depopulated. In 2023, she was able to repopulate, returning to pig farming and applying the learnings from ITCPH. She also takes this as an opportunity to help and reach out to people in the community.
"Kami [na] po ang nagseserve na technician. Ang laking tulong at ang sarap sa pakiramdam na kung anung natutunan mo, nai-sshare mo sa iba"
"Iba ang impact sa aking ng ITCPH, mas naging confident ako, binuo nya ako, yung mga mali, naitama nya lahat iyon. Gusto kong bumalik muli at mag train ng Meat Processing at Feednovation: iyon po ang gusto kong matutunan talaga"
Her major takeaway from the Center is the principle of Learning by Doing. She compared ITCPH with some institutions where learning is being realized through practical exposures and applications.
Not more of a suggestion, she recommends continuously capacitate farmers all over the country. With all these experiences, Mariel Belenzo proves that having first-hand experiences and formal education will resolve all questions, confusion, and misconceptions. All of these can only be resolved through attending training from authorized agencies and a pool of field experts, that ATI-ITCPH offers. This is the #TatakITCPH, the Center’s Learning by Doing brand.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
“It was a stroke of luck when I took ITCPH training.”
Marivic “Vic” A. Capalad, 44 years old, works as an instructor of Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC). She is the adviser of the Animal Science Club. She teaches Swine Production, Slaughtering of Farm Animals and Meat Processing.
In 2017, she attended the National Trainers’ Course on Pig Husbandry. It is the flagship training program the Center offers. It equips the participants with technical know-how in various disciplines of swineraising. She was part of the 21st Batch, called as Ha-Pigs.
“Sabi ng mga staff ng ITCPH, kapag nakapag-training ka dito, babalik at babalik ka pa din. Naisip ko, bakit ako babalik, kalayo-layo”.
After NTCPH, Ms. Capalad also took the National Trainer’s Course on Swine Artificial Insemination and Meat Processing: Utilizing Local and Natural Methods of Preservation.
"Totoo nga pala, maadik ka sa ITCPH, hindi ka makokontento sa isang training lang."
Learning by Doing ang main [ingredient] na meron ang ITCPH, kaya marami ka talagang matutunan.
With such exposure, BASC became one of the recipients of the “Nucleus and Multiplier Breeder Farms for Poultry, Swine and Small Ruminants Project” of the Stimulus Package for Agriculture Bayanihan Act II of the National Livestock Program (NLP). The project is worth five million pesos, which includes the 30-sow Level farm with two boars. She was designated as the Project Leader of the Multiplier and Techno-Demo Farm and applied the knowledge and skills she gained. It may be an additional responsibility, but she was happy of learning pig husbandry principles and practices from the Center.
"Kaya ako’y nagpapasalamat ng marami sa ATIITCPH at kay Doc Ruth."
As the Project Leader, Ms. Capalad was responsible for planning and directing all production phases on the farm, communicating with veterinarians to ensure herd health to complying with all bio-security protocols. From ordering feeds, supplies, and equipment to assisting with the breeding of sows, gestation, and farrowing of pigs.
In terms of biosecurity, she imposed a strict protocol. Animal caretakers are living within the perimeter of the building. Guests and visitors will take a 24-hour downtime before entering the building.
Currently, she is drafting a proposal for the Swine Artificial Insemination sa Barangay (SWAIB) Project. This project is also under the National Livestock Program- Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE).
"Ako ay umaasa na sa pakikipagtulungan ng DA-NLP, ATI-ITCPH at BASC ay maisakatuparan na maibalik ang swine raising dito sa Bulacan lalo’t higit dito sa San Ildefonso. Maraming windows at doors ang nag-open sa akin after ko magtraining sa ITCPH. Nakakaadik nga pala talaga."
Vic remains on her mission of contributing to the country’s effort on the recovery and expansion of the Philippine swine industry. This is the #ITCPHway of helping the industry become globally competitive, not just through learning-by-doing, but also learning from each other.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
Marivic “Vic” A. Capalad, 44 years old, works as an instructor of Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC). She is the adviser of the Animal Science Club. She teaches Swine Production, Slaughtering of Farm Animals and Meat Processing.
In 2017, she attended the National Trainers’ Course on Pig Husbandry. It is the flagship training program the Center offers. It equips the participants with technical know-how in various disciplines of swineraising. She was part of the 21st Batch, called as Ha-Pigs.
“Sabi ng mga staff ng ITCPH, kapag nakapag-training ka dito, babalik at babalik ka pa din. Naisip ko, bakit ako babalik, kalayo-layo”.
After NTCPH, Ms. Capalad also took the National Trainer’s Course on Swine Artificial Insemination and Meat Processing: Utilizing Local and Natural Methods of Preservation.
"Totoo nga pala, maadik ka sa ITCPH, hindi ka makokontento sa isang training lang."
Learning by Doing ang main [ingredient] na meron ang ITCPH, kaya marami ka talagang matutunan.
With such exposure, BASC became one of the recipients of the “Nucleus and Multiplier Breeder Farms for Poultry, Swine and Small Ruminants Project” of the Stimulus Package for Agriculture Bayanihan Act II of the National Livestock Program (NLP). The project is worth five million pesos, which includes the 30-sow Level farm with two boars. She was designated as the Project Leader of the Multiplier and Techno-Demo Farm and applied the knowledge and skills she gained. It may be an additional responsibility, but she was happy of learning pig husbandry principles and practices from the Center.
"Kaya ako’y nagpapasalamat ng marami sa ATIITCPH at kay Doc Ruth."
As the Project Leader, Ms. Capalad was responsible for planning and directing all production phases on the farm, communicating with veterinarians to ensure herd health to complying with all bio-security protocols. From ordering feeds, supplies, and equipment to assisting with the breeding of sows, gestation, and farrowing of pigs.
In terms of biosecurity, she imposed a strict protocol. Animal caretakers are living within the perimeter of the building. Guests and visitors will take a 24-hour downtime before entering the building.
Currently, she is drafting a proposal for the Swine Artificial Insemination sa Barangay (SWAIB) Project. This project is also under the National Livestock Program- Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE).
"Ako ay umaasa na sa pakikipagtulungan ng DA-NLP, ATI-ITCPH at BASC ay maisakatuparan na maibalik ang swine raising dito sa Bulacan lalo’t higit dito sa San Ildefonso. Maraming windows at doors ang nag-open sa akin after ko magtraining sa ITCPH. Nakakaadik nga pala talaga."
Vic remains on her mission of contributing to the country’s effort on the recovery and expansion of the Philippine swine industry. This is the #ITCPHway of helping the industry become globally competitive, not just through learning-by-doing, but also learning from each other.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
Training boar is never an easy task to do, particularly for first-timers. The difficulty of handling boars including its management, and technique are some of the factors to be considered if one is to enter into semen collection.
“Mahabang pasensiya talaga ang kailangan pero madali mo siyang matututunan kung talagang determinado ka” , a powerful message from a soft-spoken, and humble Ms. Eva.
Ms. Eva De Vera, 48, is a pig producer and a recipient of the “AI sa Barangay” Project of the Department of Agriculture – National Livestock Program (DA-NLP) through the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center II (ATI-RTC II) in 2020.
“Wala naman talaga akong alam sa AI pero baka nakitaan nila ako ng potensyal para bigyan ako ng ganitong proyekto” , she shared. At this time, Eva was ready to fly abroad and work overseas, to provide for her family. Grateful to the trust of people asking her to accept the project, Eva wholeheartedly welcomed the challenge of starting and sustaining a 300 thousand pesos worth of project from the government.
As a requirement, Eva joined the National Course on Swine Artificial Insemination in 2019 at the Agricultural Training Institute – International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ATI-ITCPH). This one-week training helped her acquire proficiency in semen collection, evaluation, processing, and insemination.
Returning to her hometown in Barangay Darubba, Quezon, she immediately planned on how to apply her learnings from the Center.
“Ang hirap, kasi takot talaga ako sa boar” , she stressed. Eva selected two uncastrated boars from his small-scale pig farm and trained them to mount a dummy. With much perseverance and dedication to venture into AI, Eva succeeded in training boars and collecting semen.
With zero knowledge about boar management, Eva did a pretty well job, enough to make her eager in taking the next steps towards building a competitive AI business center. Provided with a complete set of equipment and quality boars, Eva uses a binocular microscope to evaluate the motility of the freshly collected boar semen.
“Kumpara noong una, ngayon, kayang-kaya ko na talaga” , she said. Her 3 years of experience has sharpened a woman of courage and strength.
During the height of African Swine Fever (ASF), Eva was able to keep her livelihood. Technical assistance was provided through phone calls, clients are limited to getting near her household, pets were secured, and use of footbath and farm clothes were implemented. The presence of CoVid-19 and the occurrence of ASF had a drastic effect on the lives of pig producers. Eva eventually finished the project’s passing of the gift last February 2023, where 30% of the production from the AI business center was given to farmers for free. A total of 231 smallhold pig producers in the Municipality of Quezon benefitted from this repayment scheme, and are expected to improve their stocks’ genetic line and farm production performance. “Mga nasa lagpas 1,000 doses of processed semen po ang naibigay namin for free sa kanila” , Eva added.
As a mother of six, it is necessary for Eva to be resourceful and decisive in everything she does. Supplies for her AI business, are sourced from a reputable company and are delivered through pasa-bus. “May panahong gusto ko na tumigil kasi ang lalayo talaga ng pinupuntahan ko, minsan may 40 minutes travel time tapos may 20 minutes pa na lakarin sa bundok” , she narrated.
Fortunately, Eva could not resist to see her clients not move forward, so she trained them on the basics of swine artificial insemination. “Maganda rin naman kasi yung feedback nila sa akin na ang buhay na biik kada anakan nasa 15” , Eva said.
Daily, Eva sells a maximum of 10 doses of processed boar semen. An estimated 50 clients from private feed companies, small-scale producers, and LGUs are satisfied with the success of the AI sa Barangay.
Eva’s hard work in swine paid off as her first three children completed tertiary education. Being reluctant to own an AI business for a woman with zero understanding of boars is understandable. But Eva proved that lack of knowledge is no longer a barrier to achieve success.
Kaya, Iba ka Eva! Continue to BOAR high and be an inspiration to many.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
“Mahabang pasensiya talaga ang kailangan pero madali mo siyang matututunan kung talagang determinado ka” , a powerful message from a soft-spoken, and humble Ms. Eva.
Ms. Eva De Vera, 48, is a pig producer and a recipient of the “AI sa Barangay” Project of the Department of Agriculture – National Livestock Program (DA-NLP) through the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center II (ATI-RTC II) in 2020.
“Wala naman talaga akong alam sa AI pero baka nakitaan nila ako ng potensyal para bigyan ako ng ganitong proyekto” , she shared. At this time, Eva was ready to fly abroad and work overseas, to provide for her family. Grateful to the trust of people asking her to accept the project, Eva wholeheartedly welcomed the challenge of starting and sustaining a 300 thousand pesos worth of project from the government.
As a requirement, Eva joined the National Course on Swine Artificial Insemination in 2019 at the Agricultural Training Institute – International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ATI-ITCPH). This one-week training helped her acquire proficiency in semen collection, evaluation, processing, and insemination.
Returning to her hometown in Barangay Darubba, Quezon, she immediately planned on how to apply her learnings from the Center.
“Ang hirap, kasi takot talaga ako sa boar” , she stressed. Eva selected two uncastrated boars from his small-scale pig farm and trained them to mount a dummy. With much perseverance and dedication to venture into AI, Eva succeeded in training boars and collecting semen.
With zero knowledge about boar management, Eva did a pretty well job, enough to make her eager in taking the next steps towards building a competitive AI business center. Provided with a complete set of equipment and quality boars, Eva uses a binocular microscope to evaluate the motility of the freshly collected boar semen.
“Kumpara noong una, ngayon, kayang-kaya ko na talaga” , she said. Her 3 years of experience has sharpened a woman of courage and strength.
During the height of African Swine Fever (ASF), Eva was able to keep her livelihood. Technical assistance was provided through phone calls, clients are limited to getting near her household, pets were secured, and use of footbath and farm clothes were implemented. The presence of CoVid-19 and the occurrence of ASF had a drastic effect on the lives of pig producers. Eva eventually finished the project’s passing of the gift last February 2023, where 30% of the production from the AI business center was given to farmers for free. A total of 231 smallhold pig producers in the Municipality of Quezon benefitted from this repayment scheme, and are expected to improve their stocks’ genetic line and farm production performance. “Mga nasa lagpas 1,000 doses of processed semen po ang naibigay namin for free sa kanila” , Eva added.
As a mother of six, it is necessary for Eva to be resourceful and decisive in everything she does. Supplies for her AI business, are sourced from a reputable company and are delivered through pasa-bus. “May panahong gusto ko na tumigil kasi ang lalayo talaga ng pinupuntahan ko, minsan may 40 minutes travel time tapos may 20 minutes pa na lakarin sa bundok” , she narrated.
Fortunately, Eva could not resist to see her clients not move forward, so she trained them on the basics of swine artificial insemination. “Maganda rin naman kasi yung feedback nila sa akin na ang buhay na biik kada anakan nasa 15” , Eva said.
Daily, Eva sells a maximum of 10 doses of processed boar semen. An estimated 50 clients from private feed companies, small-scale producers, and LGUs are satisfied with the success of the AI sa Barangay.
Eva’s hard work in swine paid off as her first three children completed tertiary education. Being reluctant to own an AI business for a woman with zero understanding of boars is understandable. But Eva proved that lack of knowledge is no longer a barrier to achieve success.
Kaya, Iba ka Eva! Continue to BOAR high and be an inspiration to many.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
“Sa crop production, ang mga tanim puwede mo i-adjust, ipagpaliban ang pag-aabono, pag aapply ng preventive control, at pwedeng hindi na pagkagastosan para kumita, pero sa swine production yun ay hinding hindi pu-puwede. Kailangan talagang pakainin, gastosan pag may sakit, at kailangang puntahan araw-araw para maalagaan upang kumita”
, says Isaias, an Instructor I at Isabela State University (ISU), Cauayan Campus, Isabela.
True enough, no one seems to have control when it comes to growing pigs. Unlike crop production, animals need 24/7 care and maintenance. “Minsan Kahit tulog ako, kailangan bumangon kasi may manganganak” , he further adds.
Isaias C. Dela Peña, 31, also made a major adjustment and transition when he was asked to handle swine subjects in the academe. Familiar with other types of animals except pigs, Isaias is a well-versed person to crops. “Ang inaabangan ko talaga noon sa course ay yung feednovation, kasi yun talaga ang strength ko” , he narrated chuckling.
In 2017, Isaias completed the National Trainers’ Course on Pig Husbandry (NTCPH), where he was fully equipped with the technical knowledge and skills of operating a pig farm. Upon returning to ISU, he immediately handled the instructional unit and swine production project and made a specific makeover. With limited funding at that time, he started to make small steps in improving the current situation of the farm.
Out of the 24 fatteners, he selected 5 gilts, as an initial plan to start a farrow-to-finish production. The existing housing structures were also renovated accordingly. “Kasi dati bawat pen naka box type at ang nakalagay doon ay isang inahin kada kulungan, then ang ginawa ko, ginaya ko na yung nasa ITCPH, na may paipitan at hiwalay na paanakan” , Isaias narrated.
Aside from installing gestating pens and farrowing crates, he also succeeded in building a feed storage and quarantine area for incoming animals prior to entering the farm.
The 5-sow level farm was improved and served as a training venue for the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT) students at the Institute of Agricultural Technology. Among the hands-on activities being done are judging animals based on selection criteria, piglet processing, and artificial insemination.
To ensure that the students know how a pig farm is managed, strict biosecurity was also implemented through a 24-hour downtime and restriction on bringing pork products. Production results are also secured through proper record keeping and a heat check control after weaning. “Dati talaga sa ika 18 to 21 days namin nachecheck if naglalandi ang baboy, pwede pala na 4 to 7 days” , he shared. A vaccination program, deworming schedule, and administration of vitamins were also adapted.
Besides teaching in the four corners of the room, Isaias managed to serve as a lecturer in pig communities, as part of ISU’s extension project “Adopt a Barangay”.
Along with restructuring the school’s training farm, Isaias began to have his 3-sow level farm at home where he applied the technology of feednovation. Pre-germinated yellow corn seeds are fed to animals during the fattening period. “Binababad ko muna ng 30 mins sa tubig tapos i-pre-germinate ng 36 hrs at binibigay ko sa mga patabaing baboy pagkatapos nila kumain ng feeds” , he said. This is being done by Isaias to animals at 4 months of age until it reaches their target market weight.
Everything seems to fall into place both in his personal and professional career. However, there is no smooth sailing neither to crops and hog production. In 2020, African Swine Fever (ASF) rub out Cauayan’s swine production. “Dinispose talaga namin nang as in lahat, at sakto naman na pandemic, at sa online na lang din kami nakakapag turo sa mga estudyante” , he sadly narrated.
Fortunately, the ISU Cauayan Campus was granted a 60-sow level Nucleus Farm by the Department of Agriculture – National Livestock Program (DA-NLP) in 2022. Isaias as the College Extension Coordinator, together with his colleagues’ plans to expand the scope of their college’s “Adopt a Barangay” project and distribute F1 gilts to organized pig producers in Cauayan.
Apart from planning his career growth as a teacher, he is also enthusiastic to revive his farrow-to-finish production and set up an artificial insemination laboratory as an additional source of income for his family.
Today, Sir Isaias remains to be a confident and brilliant instructor at ISU, not only in crop production but also in swine production.
“Hindi na ako nag hesitate noong unang pinahawak sa akin ang swine subjects sa school and instructional unit farm, kasi alam kong kayang-kaya ko na, at tiwalang tiwala na ako sa aking kakayahan sa pagbababuyan” , he emphasized.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
True enough, no one seems to have control when it comes to growing pigs. Unlike crop production, animals need 24/7 care and maintenance. “Minsan Kahit tulog ako, kailangan bumangon kasi may manganganak” , he further adds.
Isaias C. Dela Peña, 31, also made a major adjustment and transition when he was asked to handle swine subjects in the academe. Familiar with other types of animals except pigs, Isaias is a well-versed person to crops. “Ang inaabangan ko talaga noon sa course ay yung feednovation, kasi yun talaga ang strength ko” , he narrated chuckling.
In 2017, Isaias completed the National Trainers’ Course on Pig Husbandry (NTCPH), where he was fully equipped with the technical knowledge and skills of operating a pig farm. Upon returning to ISU, he immediately handled the instructional unit and swine production project and made a specific makeover. With limited funding at that time, he started to make small steps in improving the current situation of the farm.
Out of the 24 fatteners, he selected 5 gilts, as an initial plan to start a farrow-to-finish production. The existing housing structures were also renovated accordingly. “Kasi dati bawat pen naka box type at ang nakalagay doon ay isang inahin kada kulungan, then ang ginawa ko, ginaya ko na yung nasa ITCPH, na may paipitan at hiwalay na paanakan” , Isaias narrated.
Aside from installing gestating pens and farrowing crates, he also succeeded in building a feed storage and quarantine area for incoming animals prior to entering the farm.
The 5-sow level farm was improved and served as a training venue for the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT) students at the Institute of Agricultural Technology. Among the hands-on activities being done are judging animals based on selection criteria, piglet processing, and artificial insemination.
To ensure that the students know how a pig farm is managed, strict biosecurity was also implemented through a 24-hour downtime and restriction on bringing pork products. Production results are also secured through proper record keeping and a heat check control after weaning. “Dati talaga sa ika 18 to 21 days namin nachecheck if naglalandi ang baboy, pwede pala na 4 to 7 days” , he shared. A vaccination program, deworming schedule, and administration of vitamins were also adapted.
Besides teaching in the four corners of the room, Isaias managed to serve as a lecturer in pig communities, as part of ISU’s extension project “Adopt a Barangay”.
Along with restructuring the school’s training farm, Isaias began to have his 3-sow level farm at home where he applied the technology of feednovation. Pre-germinated yellow corn seeds are fed to animals during the fattening period. “Binababad ko muna ng 30 mins sa tubig tapos i-pre-germinate ng 36 hrs at binibigay ko sa mga patabaing baboy pagkatapos nila kumain ng feeds” , he said. This is being done by Isaias to animals at 4 months of age until it reaches their target market weight.
Everything seems to fall into place both in his personal and professional career. However, there is no smooth sailing neither to crops and hog production. In 2020, African Swine Fever (ASF) rub out Cauayan’s swine production. “Dinispose talaga namin nang as in lahat, at sakto naman na pandemic, at sa online na lang din kami nakakapag turo sa mga estudyante” , he sadly narrated.
Fortunately, the ISU Cauayan Campus was granted a 60-sow level Nucleus Farm by the Department of Agriculture – National Livestock Program (DA-NLP) in 2022. Isaias as the College Extension Coordinator, together with his colleagues’ plans to expand the scope of their college’s “Adopt a Barangay” project and distribute F1 gilts to organized pig producers in Cauayan.
Apart from planning his career growth as a teacher, he is also enthusiastic to revive his farrow-to-finish production and set up an artificial insemination laboratory as an additional source of income for his family.
Today, Sir Isaias remains to be a confident and brilliant instructor at ISU, not only in crop production but also in swine production.
“Hindi na ako nag hesitate noong unang pinahawak sa akin ang swine subjects sa school and instructional unit farm, kasi alam kong kayang-kaya ko na, at tiwalang tiwala na ako sa aking kakayahan sa pagbababuyan” , he emphasized.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
The curiosity and motivation of specializing in swine began when Beth became an intern at the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry, Lipa City, Batangas, in 1999.
Besides training pig producers and extension agents, the Center managed to pull off successful projects and programs for private individuals and groups such as the internship program for agri-students in the early 90s. The conduct of these programs intended for college students showcased how a pig farm operates.
“Ayy ganito pala ang itsura ng forceps” , she uttered during the internship. Beth recalls when an ITCPH staff ordered her to bring a specific tool at the farm. “Bumaba ako sa farm para kuhanin yung forceps, eh hindi ko alam kung alin doon, kaya kinuha ko na lang yung tuckle box” , she shared. Both burst into laughter when Beth came running and narrated what happened.
Compared to the 20th century, agricultural colleges lack instructional materials and farm equipment to capacitate students. “Tanda ko noong college kami, yung ilang tools sa farm, nakakita lang kami kasi dinadala ng Prof namin yung mga gamit niya like fiber glass syringes, hypodermic needles and surgical scissors” , Beth added.
Why swine?
“Ito na yung nagamay ko, simula 1999” , her exact words when asked why she chose to specialize in pigs. This short response entails a huge impact on the training center. The ITCPH is proud to have opened the path for agri-students to share the same spirit of dedication to swine.
After finishing a Bachelor of Agricultural Technology, majoring in Animal Science, Beth managed to be part of private companies for seven years, and 10 years in the local government unit, before shifting to the academe in 2017.
Joining the fun in the academe helped Beth to set foot at the ITCPH after 18 long years. She joined the National Trainers’ Course on Pig Husbandry (NTCPH) and found pig production even more interesting. Excited to impart knowledge to students, her project proposal focused on establishing a 2-sow level pig farm to serve as a training ground for her class.
Determined of bringing the Center’s learning-by-doing principle to Isabela State University (ISU), San Mariano Campus, in Isabela, Beth successfully implemented her proposal. With only 2 Largewhite sows, Beth replaced the stocks with 3 F1 gilts, sourced from Villa Luna Cooperative, in Cauayan, until it became a 6-sow level farm.
With an actual training farm for students, Beth immediately applied her learnings from ITCPH. Keeping records was her first mantra to keep up with the production of animals. She also promotes the practice of dry cleaning, piglet processing, proper injection techniques, body scoring, and backfat measurement.
In charge of sustaining the project, Beth makes sure it attains acceptable farm technical results. Over the years, its farrowing index ranges from 2 to 2.3 cycles per year, with 12-13 piglets born alive, and 10 piglets weaned per litter.
Everything seems to be in place, as the farm is ready to upgrade to a 10-sow level farm until it was infected with African Swine Fever (ASF) in 2021. According to Beth, an estimated loss amounting to Php 226,000.00 was incurred during the outbreak.
For almost five years, the 6-sow level farm witnessed the learning and sharing of experiences between students and teachers during the actual conduct of farm classes. Students enjoy hands-on activities on tooth clipping, castration, iron injection, dry cleaning, feeding, and backfat measuring.
Even with limited resources, Beth pursues to transfer her know-how on pregnancy diagnosis and artificial insemination through the use of videos as instructional materials. “Natutuwa ako na kahit kulang pa ang kaya kong ibigay, marami na sa mga estudyante ko ang AI technician dito sa Isabela, effective kasi yung mga natutunan ko sa ITCPH” , she added as she explains how her internship and participation to NTCPH confidently equipped her on pig husbandry. Beth is also a proud teacher as the shared how the pig farm helped the academe in acquiring a level 3 accreditation.
Currently, Ms. Lilibeth S. Languido, 43, is an Associate Professor III and designated as the Project In-charge of Poultry and Pig Production in ISU, San Mariano Campus. This year, she handles 150 students taking swine production.
“Yung fullfillment ko ng pagiging isang guro yung makita na successful ang mga estudyante ko” , she said. Included in Teacher Beth’s plan is monitoring her students after five years to check if their chosen career is related to animal production.
Today, Ma’am Beth seeks to revive the school’s pig farm to continue bettering the learning experiences of her students, similar to how she felt during her internship days at the ATI-ITCPH.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing
Besides training pig producers and extension agents, the Center managed to pull off successful projects and programs for private individuals and groups such as the internship program for agri-students in the early 90s. The conduct of these programs intended for college students showcased how a pig farm operates.
“Ayy ganito pala ang itsura ng forceps” , she uttered during the internship. Beth recalls when an ITCPH staff ordered her to bring a specific tool at the farm. “Bumaba ako sa farm para kuhanin yung forceps, eh hindi ko alam kung alin doon, kaya kinuha ko na lang yung tuckle box” , she shared. Both burst into laughter when Beth came running and narrated what happened.
Compared to the 20th century, agricultural colleges lack instructional materials and farm equipment to capacitate students. “Tanda ko noong college kami, yung ilang tools sa farm, nakakita lang kami kasi dinadala ng Prof namin yung mga gamit niya like fiber glass syringes, hypodermic needles and surgical scissors” , Beth added.
Why swine?
“Ito na yung nagamay ko, simula 1999” , her exact words when asked why she chose to specialize in pigs. This short response entails a huge impact on the training center. The ITCPH is proud to have opened the path for agri-students to share the same spirit of dedication to swine.
After finishing a Bachelor of Agricultural Technology, majoring in Animal Science, Beth managed to be part of private companies for seven years, and 10 years in the local government unit, before shifting to the academe in 2017.
Joining the fun in the academe helped Beth to set foot at the ITCPH after 18 long years. She joined the National Trainers’ Course on Pig Husbandry (NTCPH) and found pig production even more interesting. Excited to impart knowledge to students, her project proposal focused on establishing a 2-sow level pig farm to serve as a training ground for her class.
Determined of bringing the Center’s learning-by-doing principle to Isabela State University (ISU), San Mariano Campus, in Isabela, Beth successfully implemented her proposal. With only 2 Largewhite sows, Beth replaced the stocks with 3 F1 gilts, sourced from Villa Luna Cooperative, in Cauayan, until it became a 6-sow level farm.
With an actual training farm for students, Beth immediately applied her learnings from ITCPH. Keeping records was her first mantra to keep up with the production of animals. She also promotes the practice of dry cleaning, piglet processing, proper injection techniques, body scoring, and backfat measurement.
In charge of sustaining the project, Beth makes sure it attains acceptable farm technical results. Over the years, its farrowing index ranges from 2 to 2.3 cycles per year, with 12-13 piglets born alive, and 10 piglets weaned per litter.
Everything seems to be in place, as the farm is ready to upgrade to a 10-sow level farm until it was infected with African Swine Fever (ASF) in 2021. According to Beth, an estimated loss amounting to Php 226,000.00 was incurred during the outbreak.
For almost five years, the 6-sow level farm witnessed the learning and sharing of experiences between students and teachers during the actual conduct of farm classes. Students enjoy hands-on activities on tooth clipping, castration, iron injection, dry cleaning, feeding, and backfat measuring.
Even with limited resources, Beth pursues to transfer her know-how on pregnancy diagnosis and artificial insemination through the use of videos as instructional materials. “Natutuwa ako na kahit kulang pa ang kaya kong ibigay, marami na sa mga estudyante ko ang AI technician dito sa Isabela, effective kasi yung mga natutunan ko sa ITCPH” , she added as she explains how her internship and participation to NTCPH confidently equipped her on pig husbandry. Beth is also a proud teacher as the shared how the pig farm helped the academe in acquiring a level 3 accreditation.
Currently, Ms. Lilibeth S. Languido, 43, is an Associate Professor III and designated as the Project In-charge of Poultry and Pig Production in ISU, San Mariano Campus. This year, she handles 150 students taking swine production.
“Yung fullfillment ko ng pagiging isang guro yung makita na successful ang mga estudyante ko” , she said. Included in Teacher Beth’s plan is monitoring her students after five years to check if their chosen career is related to animal production.
Today, Ma’am Beth seeks to revive the school’s pig farm to continue bettering the learning experiences of her students, similar to how she felt during her internship days at the ATI-ITCPH.
#ITCPHway #LearningByDoing