Homebound Success: A Former OFW Turned Farm Owner

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

“I am not failing, yet my business is not growing” , says Fatima, a young smallhold pork producer in Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Filipinos are naturally capable of entering into different types of businesses. Adapting to trends seems to be an easy move for most. However, risking a big amount of finance to implement change is a bold decision to make. Consider half a million of investment in a small pig production. For others, this amount would mean renovation of an existing home, a new tiny house, another business, or probably enjoying life by exploring new places through travel. In the Philippine context, a bigger percentage (70%) of pork producers in the swine sector come from the smallhold. Since much of the production of meat are produced in small scale, the government provides opportunities in improving the industry. The question is, are the smallhold ready and capable to adapt? Ms. Fatima Peñaflor, 47, a wife and a mother of three paved the way of expanding her pig business by adapting to change. From merely a 5 sow level farm in 2017, she now enjoys the fruit of her labor in maintaining a 30 sow-level farm. Several factors contribute to a successful pig production. These indicators perhaps need financial means and in return provide a better outlook in the long run. If some are focused on purchasing the most affordable or the most expensive feeds to raise quality pigs, then most probably, much are still needed to be learnt. Feeds and breeds are not the only areas of concern in farming. Pens for example are basically the shelter of pigs. Housing and temperature are important considerations too in securing the safety, welfare, and health of animals. Therefore, it helps in the attainment of a high farm performance. Right after receiving a training at the Agricultural Training Institute – International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ATI-ITCPH), there was an immediate action from Fatima to improve her pig housing facilities. To sum up her investment in pig farming, around PhP 450,000 as of 2024 was spent in the improvement of her farm operations. Every time she profits from selling animals, she keeps a portion of money in investing proper facilities, equipment, and tools. Among Fatima’s interventions to grow her business were shifting to elevated farrowing and nursery pens, the construction of finisher pens, procurement of quality breeders, application of swine artificial insemination, administration of vitamins and vaccines, conversion of pig manure to fertilizer, and practice of biosecurity measures. The moment that Fatima knew that there is a better approach in generating profit from growing pigs, time was not put into waste. If farmers like Fatima have the urge to react immediately to their newly gained know-how, improvements may be more evident in pig farming communities in a shorter period of time. Since Fatima lack proper knowledge and skills in pig farming when she started, it took her five years to generate consistent profit. After improving the farm’s infrastructure and equipment, animals were also upgraded. High quality breeders known as Grand Parent (GP) stocks were purchased to supply breeder animals (F1) to fellow hog raisers. From merely the production of hogs ready for slaughter, Fatima was able to sell 3-month old F1 animals. Not only did Fatima’s investment in swine benefitted her family, but helped pig farming communities to prosper by upgrading their animals. Today, Fatima was able to encourage 15 farmers from her neighborhood in enhancing the genetics of hogs. Through this, increase in production is met. Likewise, one of her clients was able to run an artificial insemination center upon purchasing quality boar (male pig) from her produce. The extent of investing in swine was life-changing for Fatima. Her drive from experiencing losses in pig production proved that proper management in a pig farm results to a better business. Though pigs are considered a fragile business due to recuring animal diseases, investment in resources is essential. After all, there is a continuous quest on climate resilience and vaccine development to avoid dreadful diseases. Wise investment is necessary if only one understands the economic value of money against running a business. Once settled, the production keeps getting better and better. Unknowingly, years have passed, standards are met, business starts to flourish, and members of the community try to imitate how it was done. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

How does one evolve to be a good businessman? Today, most general public dreams of having their businesses flourish quickly. Without proper planning and analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, many tend to take off abruptly and face financial losses. Richard So known as Ricardo King, is a half-Chinese living on the island of Oriental Mindoro. Belonging to a family of businessmen, Ricardo did experience the corporate world before residing permanently in Mindoro. Through time he was able to be part of various communities including the Chinese communities, and fire volunteer groups among others. A few years later, he entered a community of farmers. In 2014, brown eggs were quite popular in the market. Unexpectedly, through the use of good friends, he ventured into this business. Since farming was a smooth sailing experience for Ricardo, he also thought of exploring the lechon business. With the aid of available seminars and lecture videos on YouTube, he delved into native pig production, three years later. But it’s not all about black pigs. White pigs offer a bigger opportunity in terms of expansion and making a profitable business. During the CoViD-19 and outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the country, Ricardo was offered to maintain a GP Landrace. Completely different from native pig production, he decided to study pig production and grow a pig farm. Among the courses he took at the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH) are the Short Course on Sustainable Pig Farming (May 8-12, 2023), In Cycles: Waste Management and Utilization (October 9-13, 2023), Course on Swine Artificial Insemination (June 5-9, 2023), and Course on Pig Husbandry (March 4-15, 2024), from 2023 to 2024. Geared towards pig farming, in mid-2023, he started to renovate an old pig housing facility owned by his in-laws. The said building was then divided into farrowing units, nursery pens, finisher pens, and replacement pens. With the knowledge and skills he gained at the Center and support from his network of farmers, Ricardo was able to transform the dilapidated building into a functional one. Currently, he manages a 20-sow level, farrow to finish production. Equipped with the scientific know-how in raising pigs, Ricardo also successfully maintained a partnership with a breeder farm to meet the demand of breeders in the municipalities of Gloria and Calapan. Early this year (2024), Ricardo started to market F1 gilts to various pork producers. From informal trainings in his early years of pig farming, Ricardo was able to shift into formal trainings that led him to be a successful businessman in swine. Understanding biosecurity directed Ricardo to minimize and avoid risks in pig production. In the last quarter of 2023, Mindoro was infected with ASF. With appropriate biosecurity measures in place, Ricardo’s pig farm in Sitio Nalbot, Dulungan Dos, Baco Oriental Mindoro was saved. “Somehow, we were able to replicate what ITCPH has been doing” , he shared. Some of the biosecurity protocols being implemented include stay-in staff, netting, footbath, disinfection, wearing of farm clothing, shower-in, shower-out, and downtime. Since many are unaware of the basic things to consider in preventing the entry of diseases, Ricardo together with his other friends, initiated a seminar on biosecurity. This was attended by more than fifty (50) smallholders from Gloria and Baco. Early this year, Ricardo successfully implemented his re-entry plan on establishing a Swine Artificial Insemination Facility. Currently, he has GP Landrace and one terminal boar. In August 2024, GP Large White and GP White Duroc are expected to arrive. The AI Center caters to more than 50 farmers in Calapan, Baco, Naujan, and Victoria, with 70% sales as to the total production of processed boar semen. A total of 12 doses are produced per 200 – 250 ml of ejaculated boar semen. “Sa una mahirap magpasampa ng barako, at mag process ng semilya, pero nakayanan” , he stated. Ricardo began to explore pig production as a backup plan to tending free-range chickens. Apparently, with available resources and patience to study how to grow white pigs, pig farming added to Ricardo’s source of living, and fun. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing

“College pa lang ako sikat na ang ITCPH sa College of Agriculture ng Western Philippine University [Aborlan, Palawan].” Jeffrey del Rosario works as an Agricultural Technologist in the Local Government Unit-Narra, Palawan. This 37-year-old man has been working devotedly in the LGU for nine years. His duties include certificate issuance for animal shipment & slaughter, animal blood collection, animal health care services, and other related technical services. To be trained in the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry, Lipa City Batangas has always been his dream. “Pangarap ko ang makapag-training sa ITCPH, halos lahat ng nakakapag-train sa ITCPH ay nagiging eksperto pagdating sa industriya ng pagbababuyan. Nakilalala ko sa mga seminar na nasalihan ko sina Mr. Ariel Colongan at Mr. Gomer Decano noong 2008 na kilalang alumni ng ITCPH na nagpapayo sa akin magsanay din sa inyong tanggapan, at 2022 nabigyan ng katuparan ng ITCPH ang isa sa aking mga pangarap”. Surprisingly, Mr. del Rosario was invited to participate in the National Trainers’ Course on Pig Husbandry (NTCPH), April 18 to June 17, 2022. The icing on the cake is that ITCPH will shoulder the round-trip ticket. “Pinayagan na ako ng aming opisina na pumunta ng ITCPH, sa wakas makakapag-train na ako” , he enthusiastically said. During the NTCPH training, Mr. Del Rosario noticed that his co-participants are highly engaged with farmers’ cooperatives or associations. Inspired by this, he took the courage to establish a cooperative, through the assistance of the pig raisers in LGU-Narra, Palawan. It led to the birth of the Kaagapay Livestock Agriculture Cooperative. In 2023, this farmers’ cooperative was registered, with the help of Mr. Lynil Torres, a NTCPH batchmate. Starting with 17 members, the Kaagapay Livestock Agriculture Cooperative has 109 active members, and of course, Mr. del Rosario serves as one of the Board of Directors. Currently, the Kaagapay Livestock Agriculture Cooperative is dispatching pigs to Iloilo and helping to establish a good farm gate live weight price. This cooperative envisions becoming a voice that unites the hog raisers in Narra, Palawan, and other municipalities of Palawan. Guided by the ATI-ITCPH principle of “Learning by Doing” , he is being called to serve as a resource person on various aspects of pig raising. It includes breeding, biosecurity, and other swine-raising concerns to government agencies and universities. “Napakaganda ng training sa ITCPH, sa lahat ng napuntahan kong Training Center ito ung pinaka-nagustuhan ko kase ung principle nila “Learning by Doing”. Natututo ka habang ginagawa mo ang isang bagay. Grabe ang pressure sa ITCPH, palalabasin nila lahat ng klase ng kaba mo pero pagkatapos naman ng lahat ng iyon ay aalis ka ng ITCPH na malaki ang confidence sa sarili pagdating sa kaalaman sa pagbababuyan at taas noo mong ipagmamalaki na ITCPH alumni na ako”. #ITCPHway #LearningByDoing