BraveHeart: A Bounce Back Success Story Against ASF

“For five years nagrent kami ng 1000 sqm na lupa, meron kaming anim na native na inahin that time, until nag build na talaga kami ng tunay na farm year 2022”. MJM Farm is a smallhold farm located in Sitio Paraig Lambak, Brgy. Tumalin, Nasugbu, Batangas, owned by the young, fun, and adventurous Camille Mae R. Quijano. The farm name – MJM, came from the initials of her name Mae, husband James, and son Miguel. Camille’s humble beginnings even started during her Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) days as a professional teacher in Thailand. She began attending seminars on native pig raising, which led her to adopt a native pig from a close friend during her stay in the Philippines. Successful in renting farm land, Camille did not realize that she had become very much acquainted with her six native sows. A few years had passed when she and her husband finally decided to build a pig farm. The next years brought tons of learning for Camille. She attended several courses at the ATI-ITCPH, and managed to upgrade her love for pig farming. “Nung may farm na kasi kami, zero knowledge naman talaga ako sa commercial pigs, so yung available ko na fatteners, yun yung ginawa ko na mga inahin” , Camille narrated. With seven finishers on her farm, three were marketed as slaughtered pigs, while the remaining four heads were used as breeders. Using breeder animals is crucial in any livestock production for better outcomes like increased production, faster growth rate, and high litter index. Finishers lack desirable traits for herd productivity. One out of the four finishers was unproductive, and later on was sold as a market animal. The fun and learning continue at MJM Farm. “At that time, wala rin akong farrowing pen, kasi isang klaseng kulungan lang naman yung meron ako, so yung mga piglets naiipit sila”, she happily reminisced. From the challenges in breeding, Camille then faced problems with housing. With her growing number of pigs, existing pens seemed to be an underlying factor in getting a high rate of mortality. “After ko umattend ng Swine Artificial Insemination Course sa ITCPH, year 2023, that was the time that I invested in F1 gilts (quality breeders), and improving our pig housing facility” , Camille added. Today, Camille maintains a 10-sow level farm, with a 2.25 farrowing index, and an average of 11 piglets born alive. Able to overcome the challenges of being a newbie in the industry, Camille continues to have fun growing the business. Commercial pigs are free-ranged for an ample amount of time, given that the weather conditions are fine. She practices manual feeding, dry cleaning, and pen netting as vector control. From having the usual four-corned pens for every sow, she proudly invested in gestating pens, farrowing pens, nursery pens, and finisher pens. Aside from keeping her small business in good shape, Camille also ventured into paiwi system. Two households within her community are provided with growers, and during the market, 50-50 profit is received by both the owner and seller. "Ang laking tulong ng mga natutunan ko sa ITCPH kasi dito sa lugar namin, marami ang na-ASF, and dati natawag pa ako ng technician, ngayon ako na lahat ang gumagawa pati paginject and process ng piglet" , says Camille. More than the joy of providing quality trainings and seeing big smiles during closing ceremonies, the Center is even happier and looks forward to witnessing these kinds of stories. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

“Sana through Pig Farming, maka-utay-utay,maiahon natin ang mga kabarangay na tutukan na lang nila ang pagbababoy, kasi may kita naman sila” Mr. Louie Gene Gadayan is the owner of El Caniss Farm, located at Barangay Balanac, Magdalena, Laguna. He was an active member of the 4-H Club. This is an international youth organization focused on developing Head, Heart, Hands, and Health through various educational programs and projects, particularly in rural areas. In the Philippines, the 4-H Club is supported by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and works with both in-school and out-of-school youth. Aside from being an active youth advocate, he serves as a Barangay Councilor in Balanac and the chairman of Agriculture. "Napasok ako as Barangay Councilor at hinawakan ko ang kumite ng agriculture, isa itong paraan upang maisagawa ko ang aking re-entry plan. At ito na din ang pagkakataon ko na makapagbahagi ng aking kaalaman para sa mga taga-Balanac." His Re-Entry plan focused on the implementation of best pig farming practices through the Paiwi system. This aids in the repopulation of swine in Balanac and the nearby community. He has been doing the Paiwi system since 2017. Through attending the Practical Course for Senior Stockperson in 2019, he was able to learn the most advanced practices and unlearn the traditional and non-standard way of pig farming. He also noticed a pressing environmental issue in his community. Quarries employ a significant number of people. The availability of building materials from quarries supports the needs of people in his community. "Ang kabuhayan ng tao dito ay quarrying. Ako ay nalulungkot talaga dahil syempre ang kalikasan ay nasisira. Wala naman tayong magagawa kasi kabuhayan iyan ng mga tao. Through pig farming, maka-utayutay, maiahon natin ang mga kabarangay na tutukan na lang nila ang pagbababoy, kasi may kita naman sila. Sa ganoong paraang, mababawasan ang mga nagtatrabaho sa quarry." He is aware of the negative impacts of quarrying. It includes the destruction of natural habitats & landscapes, noise & dust pollutio, increased traffic, the loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems. He had this realization that if he were able to introduce sustainable practices as a source of revenue to the people, then they could have alternative income streams while minimizing environmental impact. "Nag-organize ako ng grupo ng hog raisers, pinangalanan kong BAHOG, Balanac Hog Raisers Group. A group consisting of 20 members, that started in 2024." He made partnerships with feed companies in the area to capacitate members in basic pig farming and implementation of biosecurity practices. "Ang baboy sa Balanac ay titilaok na, dahil ang pakain sa kanila ay pangmanok. Kinausap ko sila, ipinaliwanag ko na dapat may susundin tayo ng sistema." The training also highlighted the proper feeding practices. Through this initiative, a local feed store was established. Pig farmers have learned that knowing the best feeds for pigs is crucial for their health, growth, and overall productivity. "So ngayon hindi na titilaok ang mga baboy nila, kasi tamang feeds na ang ginagamit. Natututo na sila ng tama." As a member of the Sangguniang Barangay, Gene Louie Gadayan continues sharing the #ITCPHBestPractices by providing advisory services through consultations and on-farm demonstrations. As an alumnus of the Course on Swine AI in 2019, he serves as the AI technician for smallhold farmers in Balanac and nearby barangays. “Sa pinakasimpleng salita ay lahat ng gusto ninyong matutunan [sa pagbababuyan], ay sa ITCPH ninyo matatagpuan. Ako ay patunay talaga na makakatulong ang ITCPH sa aming mga magbababoy. Naipakita ko din sa kanila ang resulta ng aking natutunan.” #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

“Before ako mag-train sa ITCPH, hindi ako humahawak ng biik, nang nalaman ko ang tamang pamamaraang ng paghawak, pagturok, pagpapakain, pagkakapon, pagkukuha ng semilya, halos lahat ako na ang gumagawa.” Ms. Mary Grace H. Jamero is one of the owners of Florentino Agriculture Farm, a family-owned farm located at Simata, Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur. She finished the Course on Pig Husbandry on May 20-31, 2024, and the Course on Swine Artificial Insemination on June 3-7, 2024. As a co-owner, Ms. Jamero initially served as the liaison officer, in charge of finding the appropriate stocks, feed, and other supplies for their family-owned pig farm. ITCPH was introduced to her by her brother, who asked her to attend training on pig husbandry. By attending this course, she acquired the ITCPH Learning-by-Doing practice. “Nakita ko ung mga high-tech na equipment na maaari ko ng magamit agad, upang mapadali ang proseso ng pangangalaga ng baboy tulad ng insemination, backfat testing, ultrasound, at iba pa. Lahat ito ay aking natutunan.” These experiences empowered her to facilitate hands-on practices inside her farm, including piglet processing, feeding, iron injecting techniques, and even food supplement practices (Madre de Agua). She even learned the proper biosecurity protocols and applied them immediately to their farm. Excited to learn more, she attended the Course on Swine Artificial Insemination, June 3-7, 2024. “Before ako nag-attend ng training sa AI, mayroon na kaming plans, but we need more knowledge. Though, may mga resources na kami, iba pa din kasi kapag alam mo yung tamang input.” After the training, she put up the proper pen positioning, such as the boar and collecting pen. She purchased the basic equipment for an AI laboratory including extenders, a microscope, cylinders, and biorefrigerators. All these things happened in three months after the training in ITCPH. In September 2024, they started selling extended semen. As an unpopular practice in their area, they saw this as an opportunity to introduce a better practice in pig production. As a promotional strategy, they offer free doses of semen to the customers until two reheats. Little by little, clients are appreciating the importance of swine AI. The Florentino Agriculture Farm is now supplying other farm owners in the area, serving approximately 50 farms in Zamboanga Del Sur, and nearby provinces such as Misamis Occidental and Cagayan de Oro with shipping options (bus-to-bus pick-up arrangement). “Marami nang nagtatanong ng process kung paano makakapasok sa ITCPH, kung magkano ang magagastos? Kinekwento ko ung mga natututunan ko. Hindi naman kasi tayo dapat makampante sa mga nakasanayan na natin, kasi from time-to-time, nag-iiba ang pangangalaga natin ng mga hayop.” Having this in mind she still wants to learn more about pig farming. This year, she will be attending a training in ITCPH, focusing on farm waste management, the course In Cycles: Waste Management and Utilization for Smallhold Farmers. The Florentino Agriculture Farm plays a vital role in the pig farming industry. Swine AI Business has been known to help farmers in various areas such as genetic improvement, operational efficiency, biosecurity, and economic benefits. This initiative leads to a more efficient and sustainable pork production system. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

Influenced by his father, Mr. Gerard Franklin Belazon, a young farmer from Alabat Quezon, learned the basic practices and routine of pig farming. “Lumaki po ako sa farm, ako ang pinag-aalaga ng baboy ng aking tatay. Dapat napakain at nalinis ko na muna ang kulungan bago ako manood ng telebisyon”. Frank is a qualified applicant for the Government Internship Program (GIP) at LGU-Alabat. It aims to provide young workers the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and skills in the field of public service with the ultimate objective of attracting the best and the brightest who want to pursue a career in government service, particularly in the fields and disciplines related to labor and employment. Generally, the program aims to provide opportunities to engage young workers to serve the general public in government agencies/ entities projects and programs at the national and local level. As an Agriculture student, he gained knowledge about ITCPH through his professor. “Kapag gusto mo ng magandang training sa baboy, sa ITCPH ka pupunta” , his professor said. Soon enough, Mr. Belazon worked as an Agricultural Technician in the Municipal Agriculture Office, Alabat Quezon. In 2022, he was sent to attend the National Trainers’ Course on Pig Husbandry, a flagship training program of ITCPH. “Malaki ang naitulong nito sa aking sarili, dati may mga nagko-consult saken tungkol sa pag-aalaga ng baboy, hindi ko alam kung paano ko sila sasagutin o tutulungan… Sobra-sobra ang mga natutunan kong kaalaman pagdating sa pag-aalaga ng baboy” This training has provided him with skills and abilities that boosted his confidence in assisting pig farmers in his community. “Pagkatapos ng training ko sa ITCPH, nagkaroon na ng focus sa trabaho, nakakatulong na din ako sa mga proposal ng ginagawa ng aming opisina pagdating livestock”. As a Livestock Inspector, he led the Biosecurity Seminar in all barangays in Alabat. This took him a month to accomplish. From being the Agriculture Technician, to Agricultural Technologist, he now works as the Officer-In-Charge of the Municipal Agriculture Office. ITCPH had a significant impact on his career. His gained expertise helped him perform better in his current role, revealed his leadership potential, and demonstrated his commitment to growth. His improved performance and alignment with the organization’s vision and mission needs led to his promotion. “Tuwing babalik ako ng ITCPH, laging may bagong facilities at may bago sa training, hindi tumitigil ang ITCPH kung paano pa mapapaganda ang pagpapatakbo nito. Makikita mo talaga ung mga rekomendasyon ng mga participants na iniaaply talaga ng ITCPH. Napaka-open sa feedback ng ITCPH.” Beyond his success, Frank lives with the commitment to motivate staff to work to their full potential and serve the community in the most efficient ways. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

Meet Bryan Ong, a 41-year-old farmer and entrepreneur from Oriental Mindoro, who started Bro Farm in Barangay Narra. Bro Farm is a breeder farm that produces F1 and purebred animals. The genetic pool of these animals is critical in producing quality grandparent stocks and finishers. Whether his clients are into finisher production or farrow-to-finish production, superior breeds are necessary in helping smallhold farms reach its full potential. With advance thinking, purpose driven, and goal-oriented attitude of Ong, his investment of being an overseas filipino worker (OFW) heavily poured into farming. Retiring from being an OFW takes a proactive approach. Regardless of education and wealth, building a big-picture context is necessary to start anew and learning something different. Decided to shift into farming, his first investment in poultry production was a success. At the time he put an end in working abroad, his integrated farm was in stable position. Enjoying the fruit of his well-earned money, Ong was desperate to expand his business. Geared towards acquiring more knowledge in agriculture and livestock, participation to various exhibits became a hobby. Joining an expo at the World Trade Center in 2016 opened more opportunities for this newbie. “I was shocked to see different breeds of pigs and it was really my first time to know that there are different classes of pigs” , he shared. Business trade shows or expos serves as an avenue to explore new products, meet potential suppliers, and exchange ideas among other farmers. Eventually the expo built his interest in pig production. Knowing nothing about raising pigs, attending the expo was a perfect guide. Aside from gaining the basics of housing and growing hogs, Ong was a risk taker to anchor his name as a known breeder farm. Initially, eight grandparent stocks (6 sows and 2 boars) were purchased. Considering the cost of investment, acquisition of breeder animals is 50-70% higher than the amount spent on purchasing low bred animals. In return, income generated is expected to be higher. Since 2019, Ong became a full-time farm owner and farmer. While on the peak of building the name of Bro Farm, he also managed to undergo formal trainings at the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry. To name a few are the Course on Swine Artificial Insemination, and Course on Pig Husbandry. “The return of investment (ROI) was only a year”, Ong said. As a result of his diligence and consistency in the quality of processed boar semen he markets, the business grew years after. At present, Bro Farm has a total of 13 breeders (LW/LD - F1 and purebred), and a 30-sow level production. Upon careful planning on how to utilize resources, Ong fulfilled his ideal business. Just like any other businessmen, it is important to know one’s strengths and weaknesses, be aware of the market trends, and more importantly be knowledgeable and skilled in the industry before venturing into any kind of business. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

“90% ng kaalaman ko, natutunan ko sa ITCPH”. Ms. Carmela Buan Escoto is the owner of Carmela Swine Farm in Candelaria Quezon. Influenced by a family of pig raisers, she revived the swine farm business by establishing a 2-Sow Level farm in 2012. As a farm owner, she merely relied on animal technicians for knowledge. She learned about the Center through social media. She decided to attend an ITCPH training course with so many questions in mind. In 2014, she joined the Basic Course on Pig Husbandry. “Dahil sa ITCPH natutunan ko ang tamang pangangalaga. Katulad na lang sa breeding system, dati akala ko na kapag mestizo, hybrid na, un na yon. Nasundan ko nang maayus ‘yong breeding system ng F1, F2. Pati sa health, kasi sa backyard, kapag namatay, stroke na, un na un, wala nang root cause” . Immediately after the training, Ms. Escoto applied the importance of the breeding system and health management and highlighted the relevance of housing. “Housing design, natutunan ko talaga. Noon magulo sir, basta kung saan may space dun ko ilalagay. Ngayon naisaayos ko na from farrowing pens, to weaners, and to finisher pen.” She returned to ITCPH training because the principles and practices in pig farming are dynamic. Pig farming keeps improving and enhancing, so she needed to adapt to innovations, technology, and development. In 2023, she attended the Course on Pig Husbandry, Course on Sustainable Pig Farming- LABS, Training on Animal Waste Management and Utilization for Manila Bay Cleanup, and the Course on Swine Artificial Insemination in 2024. Her passion for pig farming continues to live in the light of the ASF. ITCPH taught her standard biosecurity practices. “Noon, walang sistema, natutunan ko sa ITCPH ang tamang biosecurity practices. Natutunan ko ung tamang flow and structure ng biosecurity. Mula noon hindi na din ako nagpapasok ng mga buyer”. The ITCPH training enhanced her swine artificial insemination abilities. She learned about its vital role in reproductive success, improving herd genetics, ensuring animal welfare, and ultimately contributing to the sustainability and profitability of swine production. “May AI Center naman ako dati, pero nong pumasok ako ng ITCPH, ang dami kong nai-correct. Lalo na sa temperature, handling, etc. lahat ng proseso ko naging bago… Dati akala ko, basta maraming semilyang buhay, okay na. Hala noong pumunta ako sa ITCPH, marami pa palang akong dapat isa-alang-alang… Noong nagtipon-tipon kami ng mga nag-e-AI mula sa iba’t-ibang lugar, ako pa ang pinakamura. Ang akin ay 250 pesos lang.” Following the Center’s mission to provide practical training and information dissemination on pig technology, she applied the Farm Business Advisory Services and Knowledge Products development. “Dahil sa Agri-Vet, natutunan kong ibahagi ang aking mga natututunan mula sa ITCPH. Tuwing pupunta ako sa ITCPH, humihingi ako ng maraming IECs. Bawat nakakausap ko, binibigyan ko talaga, at sinisigurado ko naman na wala itong bayad.” Vlogging is also her way of disseminating information about pig husbandry. During the ASF outbreak, she dedicated her time to creating video tutorials on various aspects of pig farming. “Bago ako magpost ng Vlog, babalikan ko pa lahat ng mga modules ko. Baka mamaya may mali akong maituro, yari ako sa ITCPH”. The Center greatly recognizes her courage and initiative to share what she learned from ITCPH in a wider range, specifically through social media. She commits to pursue to create vlogs. “Kailangan nakapag-hawak ka muna ng baboy, upang mas matutunan mo ang wastong pamamaraan sa pagbabuyan”. Ms. Escoto reminds people that if they want to learn about pig farming, it is essential to expose themselves to pigs. They should learn about pig behaviors, what kind of environment suits them, and how to manage pigs & administer farms. When they attend training, they must apply it immediately. With so much information she shares with her clients & the people in the community, she always reminds them to capacitate themselves with proper training, and of course, from credible experts. “Kaya palagi ko sinasabi, sa ITCPH po talaga muna tayo mag aral.” #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

“Akala nila kapag agriculture ay magtatanim lamang… Ang layunin natin ay ma-encourage ang mga bata to engage themselves to agriculture”. This is a success story about engaging the youths/students and the school community in various aspects of pig farming. Mr. Richard Joyosa is the Teacher-in-Charge for the Kabulusan Integrated National High School- Saray Extension (KINHS). For this Academic Year, 2024-2025, the school serves 40 learners from Grades 7 to 12. It is located in the upland community of Sitio Maliliit-na-Bato, Brgy. Saray, Pakil, Laguna. “Nakita ko po ang ITCPH sa Facebook. As government employee, ang pinaghahandaan natin ay ang retirement, at ang pagbababuyan ang aking nasa isip. Pangalawa, habang ako ay nasa serbisyo ay [nais kong] maibigay ko ang mga kaalaman sa pagbababuyan sa mga studyante na may interest sa Agriculture.” Incorrect waste management and community issues are the main reasons why Mr. Joyosa engaged in pig farming. His parents-in-law had limited knowledge of pig waste management, which raised concerns from the community and caused them to cease operations. “Na-challenge ako dahil ang kanilang pamamaraan ay traditional. Kung makaattend ako ng training, maa-acquire ko ang modern technology in handling and management ng pagbababuyan.” Mr. Joyosa completed eight training courses at the Center. These include the Basic Course on Pig Husbandry, the National Trainers Course on Swine Artificial Insemination, the National Trainers Course on Basic Meat Processing, Meat Processing: Utilizing Local and Natural Methods of Preservation, Training on Feed Formulation, and the ITCPH Refresher Course. “When I attended NTCPH, nakita ko ung kagalingan ng AI.” Five of his students joined the Center’s farm immersion program. This is an ITCPH program for Senior High School students that offers the opportunity to get exposed to farm routines, practices, and procedures. “Nakapasok po kami sa farm, nakita namin ang tamang proseso ng artificial insemination” - Ruby Rebillion, a KINHS student. “Itinuro po sa amin kung paano ang pagsusumpit” , added Cyrel Consulta, a KINHS student. He also introduced ITCPH to the people in the Saray community. Parents learned about the Center’s thrusts & services and inspired them to attend training, such as swine artificial insemination, animal waste management, organic agriculture programs, and internship programs. “Isa sa mga napa-attend ko, si Aldwin J. Dayo, iyon ngayon ang ginagawa nya. May babuyan na saya at malaki na ang potential ng kanyang AI. Dati, lolo nya ang kilala dito, sya na ang technician dito. Mas lumakas ang loob nya because of the training na inattenan sa ITCPH.” Because of its geographic location, Mr. Joyosa envisions establishing a Rural Farm School under the Department of Education. Through this, the KINHS-Saray Campus shall offer a parallel learning system and an alternative delivery mode of secondary education. It provides for facilitative and experiential learning on the core subjects of secondary education curriculum with a focus on agriculture, designed to address the needs of children in rural and agricultural communities. “Akala nila kapag agriculture ay magtatanim lamang. Kung tayo ay magkakaroon ng tamang pamamaraan, facilities, at equipment, makikita nila na maganda pala talaga ang agriculture. This will encourage students to acquire basic knowledge of pig farming. This includes farm management, biosecurity practices, and proper handling of pigs. Such advocacy will never be realized without the assistance of ATI-ITCPH. “Pwede bang sabihin ko na lang na ang ITCPH ay Center of Excellence? Masasabi mo kasi talaga na kumpleto na ang quality ng training at masasabi mong hindi hilaw ang iyong kaalaman, nandoon ang totoong training. Because of the training, lumalakas ang loob natin.” Mr. Joyosa is forever grateful to the Center and is committed to continuously educating people in his community about the vision and values of ATI-ITCPH, the only specialized training center on pigs in Asia and the Pacific, known for its practical training that enhances not only knowledge, more so, the skills on improved swine management. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

As part of the responses to the ASF outbreak in the country, the ATIITCPH conceptualized a project that supports the Bantay ASF sa Barangay Program. This is the BioSMART (BioSecured Moneymaking and Replicable Technology-driven) Pigkabuhayan Project. Launched in 2022, the project safeguarded pig farms from infectious diseases by strict biosecurity protocols. This project covers the provision of a shower area, a perimeter fence, and enclosed pathways, thus increasing the food security and profitability of a pig enterprise. Completing the requirements, the Partnership and Networking Services (PNS) awarded the project to Mr. Raul Q. De Castro, a small-scale farm owner from Barangay Sto. Toribio, Lipa City, Batangas. Mr. De Castro is an active member of the Padre Garcia Development Cooperative. With a total of Php 162,000.00, the project covered the capital investment. "Nakaligtas po tayo sa ASF, dahil ngkaroon po tayo ng biosecurity, napakalaking tulong po" says Mr. De Castro. The Project was intended to capacitate pig raisers through training and on-farm consultations. It transforms farm operations from resource driven to technology-driven production. Since 2022, Mr. De Castro has been able to market finishers sustainably. As a model unit for a biosecured technology-driven backyard farm, the farm also serves as the Center’s external partner for swine farm benchmarking activities. Among the guests who visited his farm are the French government delegates, students from the Batangas State University Lobo Campus, and other pig raisers in the community. "Malaki ang naitulong ng ITCPH, mula sa pangangalaga at pagpapagawa ng shower room hanggang sa padaanan ng ating baboy" Mr. De Castro added. Furthermore, it was able to improve the farm’s competitiveness in the market and its profitability, provide continuous technical assistance and advisory on swine production and other related aspects, and ensure compatibility of the swine production with environmental conservation. The project provided support in ensuring farm biosecurity while enhancing profitability through the promotion of smart and digital technologies in swine production. As such, these Center-based initiatives support and educate farmers about the best swine biosecurity practices, allowing them to maximize farm productivity, ensure animal health, and minimize mortality & medication costs. This project continues as the Center looks for beneficiaries. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

The primary sources of learning are found in books, schools, and experiences. In terms of education, there are multiple levels of acquiring knowledge. For some, education is an investment. Others are privileged to receive special forms of education like trainings as part of their employment. How do people step higher in their chosen fields? It could be self learning, experimenting, grabbing scholarships, learning from other’s experiences, or acquiring formal instruction. A certain field further branches to numerous areas of specialization. The Agricultural Training Institute – International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ATI-ITCPH) located in Lipa City, Batangas for example specializes in pig production. It offers inter-related disciplines that direct trainees in all angles of growing pigs, from the scientific way of thinking up to the sustainable way of doing things. Aside from being a training center, the ATI-ITCPH is also a Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Accredited Training and Assessment Center. Partnering with TESDA steps-up the game in increasing the potential of students to master a career as a trainer, assessor, or work in the international scene as a producer. Why is there a need to advance in agriculture? For agricultural extension workers, additional know-how is the key in maintaining a good relationship with clients making them credible for promotion. Farmers on the other hand are always hungry for knowledge to keep their production high. One of the ITCPH alumni, Ms. Maria Lisa Fe Olaivar Tria, 54, from Pagbilao Quezon specializes in fishery. She has worked with various government agencies as a community organizer and teacher. After spending more than two decades of teaching technology and livelihood education to high school students, she crossed path of learning swine production. “I have zero knowledge in swine, poultry, and ruminants”, she shared. Her employment to TESDA QNAS made her pursue swine, and eventually aspired for more. Participating to a 2-month training at ATI-ITCPH supplemented Lisa with the updates in pig production. Equipping herself with the necessary knowledge and skills in pig farming, she was able to become an Instructor I, AC Manager, and NC II Assessor in Animal Production (Swine). "As an educator, there is a need to arm yourself with knowledge." she added. The Center is proud to see Lisa shine in the field of swine. Once a trainee, now a trainer and assessor. In the world of agriculture, mastering a subject is crucial. The ATI as the capacity builder of farmers is equipped with resources and instructional tools in upgrading the farmer’s way of living. TESDA on the other hand offers NCs to individuals who are competent in a particular area of field through a comprehensive assessment process. Training centers, schools, and other institutions intended for instruction may consider strengthening its array of specialization through partnering with TESDA. In an article published by TESDA, it emphasized that NC II and Dual Training System (DTS) play an important role in addressing job-skills mismatch. Studies have shown that DTS and other TVET modalities that promote industry partnerships result in high employment rates. Lisa is only one of the ITCPH graduates who serves the role of a TVET trainer and assessor in the Philippines. Would you dare to undergo an NC II Assessment? #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing