AI technicians, LGUs in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol regions commit to intensified carabao upgrading

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at UP Los Baños (DA-PCC at UPLB) conducts an In-House Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination (AI) and Pregnancy Diagnosis (PD) in Large Ruminants last August 28 at Obdulia Sison Hall, UPLB.

Said training is one of the banner programs under the Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) of DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) that aims to develop and equip partners from CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol regions to increase the population of high quality carabao breeds and increase milk production as additional income for farmers.

“The training will equip you with all the knowledge, wisdom, and skills that you will be needing as you render services to farmers. You will be the partners of DA-PCC at UPLB in the field,” DA-PCC at UPLB Center Director Dr. Thelma Saludes said in her welcome remarks.

In addition, DA-PCC at UPLB Carabao-based Enterprise Development (CBED) coordinator Anna Reylene Montes, inspired the trainees undergoing the program with her message, “You will be the bearers of hope after this training. You will not only be bringing hope to the undernourished children but also to the whole nation.”

On the other hand, DA-PCC at UPLB CBED coordinator Engr. Jose Canaria reminded the trainees of the importance of learning the module to heart for the purpose of serving the farmers better. This will be another source of income for the AI technicians, he said.

The trainees are expected to learn reproduction management, artificial insemination, and pregnancy diagnosis. Another aspect of the program is the hands-on practical training of the trainees in the field. The trainees are expected to complete the program in September 2023. The DA-PCC at UPLB training team is composed of Dr. Jessica Gay Ortiz (AI and BL coordinator), Ariel De Chavez (AI technician), Pinky Bril (research assistant), Danica Cervantes (encoder) and Jeremie Marinella Ledesma (Information and Communication Officer).