Twenty-four extension professionals (EPs) from Bohol support the vision of DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) to improve dairy buffalo production and the management of small-scale carabao farmers through the utilization of the Knowledge, Brokerage, Guidance, and Advisory Network (KBGAN) mobile apps–the iHealth and iFeed.
The KBGAN mobile applications are the products of the partnership between the DA-PCC, through its Knowledge Management Division (KMD), and the Grameen Foundation Philippines, known as the Extension and Advisory Services Information System (EASIS) in 2020. The partnership aims to modernize and improve the agency’s extension and advisory service delivery to its clientele.
DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants, Benjamin Albarece, commended the innovative steps made by DA-PCC.
“We were still contemplating such a project, but DA-PCC is already in the implementation phase. I hope that the KBGAN mobile apps can be replicated to serve more livestock animals,” Asec Albarece said.
The DA-PCC, alongside the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-VII and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian of Bohol, built a strong collaboration to enhance the dairy production management capacity of local dairy buffalo farmers in Bohol.
ATI Region VII pledged the provision of 24 tablets for the training of EPs.
During the Training of Trainers (T o T) held at the ATI Regional Training Center VII in Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol from May 7-9, 2024, participants engaged in intensive training and practical field testing. The DA-PCC team facilitated proper navigation and troubleshooting of basic issues encountered with the KBGAN mobile apps.
Subsequently, a hands-on activity demonstrating the application’s functionality took place at DA-PCC at Ubay Stock Farm.
The training also received positive feedback from the participants, citing how the mobile applications can aid the health issues of dairy carabaos in the region.
“Maganda at mahalaga ang mobile apps lalo na sa mga technicians dahil pag-open ng app ay andoon na lahat. Nakakapag-provide pa siya ng mga nutritional requirements at mga pamamaraan kung paano malulunasan ang sakit ng mga kalabaw,” shared Dr. Domino Bayron, a veterinarian from the OPV of Bohol.
