The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 equipped four (4) associations in Balabac, Palawan with improved crop and animal production skills through specialized training sessions. A total of 66 farmers benefited from the activities conducted on April 28 – 29 and May 5 – 6 in the municipality.
Twenty-four members of the Rural Improvement Club Caguisan (RIC Caguisan) in Brgy. Salang participated in the Specialized Training on Farm Biosecurity and Vaccination and Deworming for their goat production project on April 28.
Prof. Edda Chryselle I. Ami, Research Coordinator of the Palawan State University (PSU) – Balabac Campus, served as the resource speaker during the training. She emphasized the importance of farm biosecurity measures, such as controlled entry to communal areas and strict sanitation protocols, to prevent the spread of pests and diseases among livestock.
Participants also learned proper vaccination, deworming, and Body Condition Scoring (BCS), a practical tool used to assess an animal’s health condition and identify appropriate care and nutritional needs.
Meanwhile, members of the Samahan ng Maralitang Magsasaka ng Sitio Caguisan, Brgy. Salang (SAMAMACA), beneficiaries of SAAD’s vegetable production project, underwent a Specialized Training on Integrated Crop Management and Postharvest Practices for Lowland Vegetables on April 29.
During the training, Prof. Ami emphasized that proper land selection and preparation, soil testing, and the use of organic matter as fertilizers greatly improve crop production. She also discussed the importance of selecting quality seeds, proper water and nutrient management, and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to support sustainable production.
Prof. Ami further explained efficient postharvest practices, including proper harvesting, cleaning, storage, and packaging of vegetables help minimize losses.
On May 5, members of the CARDAMA Rural Improvement Club (CARDAMA RIC) participated in a Specialized Training on Swine Production, Raising, and Health Management to strengthen their knowledge and skills in preparation for their swine production project.
Dr. June Clyde B. Descallar, Veterinarian I of Palawan Provincial Veterinary Office, trained the farmers on proper piglet selection, age- and weight- appropriate feeding practices, administration of vitamins and medication, and sanitation measures to prevent the spread of diseases.
He also emphasized the importance of proper care for pregnant sows and piglets to prevent mortality. In addition, he reminded participants to strictly implement biosecurity protocols and conduct regular vaccination and deworming to sustain healthy and improved production.
Dr. Descallar also conducted a Specialized Training on Cattle Production for the members of Carwang Danglis Maubas Farmers Association (CARDAMA FA) on May 6. During the activity, he discussed the importance of proper animal management, adequate feeding, and disease prevention through the implementation of biosecurity measures and the early quarantine of affected animals to prevent the spread of infection.
The training sessions were successfully carried out through the active participation of the beneficiaries and the support of the local government through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO). Farmers thanked the program for providing continuous training opportunities that helped improve their knowledge and skills despite the municipality’s remote location.
