QUEZON CITY, October 18, 2021- Thirty-seven (37) Special Area for Agricultural Development Program implementers were trained on pests and diseases management by experts from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 8.

Headed by five SAAD provincial coordinators, 7 area coordinators from Samar, 6 from Eastern Samar, 7 from Northern Samar, 7 from Leyte, and five from Southern Leyte attended the training entitled ‘Major Pests and Diseases in Crops and Animals: Identifying and Countermeasures’. The lectures covered topics in taking care of SAAD crop, livestock, and poultry projects.

Two batches of training were conducted in Catbalogan City for the Samar provinces from October 5 to 7 and in Leyte for the Leyte provinces from October 11 to 13.

Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD)- Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) Senior Research Specialists (SRS) Lutgarda Francisco, Delfin Francisco, and Violeta Tiempo discussed how to identify rice, corn, and vegetables pests and diseases.

Also from ILD, Regional Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) Veterinarian Dr. Norietta Orsua provided guidelines to prevent illness in swine such as the African swine fever (ASF) and hog cholera.

Dr. Archie Lluz discussed goat diseases while Dr. Marion Grace Katangkatang tackled the manifestations of Newcastle disease.

The participants learned that monitoring is the heart of pests and disease management. It is important to know the manifesting signs and symptoms so they can properly diagnose, treat, and prevent further damage on the crops and animals.

The coordinators were trained to impart their knowledge to the associations. Hence, they  are the key actors in the implementation of the projects of the program. They act as community developers and coordinate with the local government units and other possible partners for executing the projects, overseeing the delivery of inputs to the beneficiaries, and assisting the farmers and fishers throughout the production of agriculture and fishery products, up to the marketing.

With this, SAAD Region 8 continuously equips its staff through regular training and workshops. The Region has been delivering its service to the marginalized areas in Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar since 2017, and in Leyte and Southern Leyte since 2018. It supports DA’s twin goals of Masaganang Ani at Mataas Na Kita through agricultural intervention and marketing. ###

Writer: Natalianne Marie O. Delos Reyes, PR and Comms Officer-SAAD NPMO
Source: Arnold Nombre, IT Officer- DA SAAD Region 8