To strengthen the management of community-based livestock enterprises, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) SOCCSKSARGEN officially launched its month-long Lakbay-Aral for farmer-beneficiaries across SOCCSKSARGEN, providing hands-on learning experiences in cattle and poultry production through visits to successful demonstration farms.
The activity aims to improve the technical knowledge and management skills of SAAD-assisted farmers by exposing them to proven production practices that they can adopt in their own livelihood projects. Through firsthand observation and interaction with experienced farm operators, participants gained practical insights on improving productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
The first leg of the Lakbay-Aral was held on June 23, 2026, at Great Arch Farm in Barangay Glamang, Polomolok, South Cotabato. The activity gathered members of the General Titulok Farmers Association of Sultan Kudarat, Colon Mahayahay Farmers Association of Sarangani Province, and Kematu Farmers Association of South Cotabato, all beneficiaries of DA-SAAD’s cattle production project.
Owned by Emmanuel Piñol and Arnel Corpuz, Great Arch Farm serves as a demonstration site for cattle production and livestock management. Participants attended lectures and demonstrations on cattle production, herd management, and silage making, facilitated by resource persons Joseph Garces, Judilyn Loplop, and Julius Ludicho.
The discussions focused on proper cattle nutrition, housing, animal health, and the preparation of quality silage to ensure a stable feed supply, particularly during periods when forage is scarce.
For Janice Tiwan, president of the General Titulok Farmers Association, the activity provided valuable lessons that their association can immediately apply to improve their livestock enterprise.
“Ang wala ko na tun-an before, subong nabal-an ko na. Ang mga natun-an ko diri i-apply ko man sa amon didto. Very thankful gid ako sa tanan nga staff sang SAAD.”
(I learned many things here that I didn’t know before. I plan to apply what I learned when I return home. I am very grateful to all the SAAD staff for giving us this opportunity.)
The learning sessions continued from June 24 to 26 at Miel Poultry Farm in Barangay Palkan, Polomolok, South Cotabato, where participants observed the daily operations of a commercial layer farm.
Situated on a two-hectare property, the farm currently operates four poultry houses. Two buildings house around 9,000 to 10,000 ready-to-lay chickens, one serves as a pullet house, while another is under construction. The farm produces approximately 600 to 630 trays of eggs daily.
Members of the Gandungan Farmers and Fishing Association, Bulol Awang Farmers Association, and Kapimpilan Fisherfolk and Farmers Association attended the June 24 session. On June 25, the Dumangas Nuevo Rural Women’s Farmers Association, Tuburan Farmers Association, and Takepan Gardener’s Association participated, followed by the Maculan Farmers Association, Hnomi Farmers Association, and Maltana Farmers and Fisherfolk Association on the final day.
Before entering the poultry facilities, participants strictly observed biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction of diseases. The visit also allowed them to see how commercial farms consistently implement sanitation and disease prevention measures to protect their flock.
Resource persons Karen R. Abelo and Carl Lloyd T. Asebes discussed poultry housing, flock management, feeding schedules, pest and waste management, common diseases affecting ready-to-lay chickens, biosecurity protocols, and first aid practices.
Highlighting the importance of preventive measures, Asebes encouraged farmers to establish good management practices early.
“Habang gamay pa aton nga manok, mas nami nga gina-practice na naton ang mga biosecurity measures para mas prepared kita sa mag-abot nga dugang nga manok.”
(While our chicken flock is still small, it is important to practice biosecurity measures early so we will be better prepared for the arrival of additional chickens. )
According to Jimboy A. Ago of the Food Production and Livelihood Unit, the Lakbay-Aral was designed to bridge classroom discussions with actual farm experiences.
“We aim to improve our farmers’ knowledge on proper management of their projects. This Lakbay-Aral activity aims to reach that goal. By allowing our farmers to witness firsthand how these demonstration farms operate, they may apply these practices to improve their income,” Ago said.
Beyond the technical sessions, the activity gave farmers the opportunity to exchange experiences, learn directly from successful farm operators, and gain confidence in managing their own enterprises. Seeing efficient cattle and poultry production systems in operation helped participants better understand how proper management contributes to healthier livestock, higher productivity, and more sustainable sources of income.
Through capability-building activities such as the Lakbay-Aral, DA-SAAD Region 12 continues to empower farmer-beneficiaries with practical knowledge that enables them to maximize their livelihood projects. By promoting the adoption of proven technologies and sound management practices, the program supports rural communities in building resilient and sustainable agricultural enterprises while contributing to food security across SOCCSKSARGEN.
