The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at West Visayas State University (DA-PCC at WVSU) demonstrated the use and benefits of corn silage making to farmers at the Sipag Villar Training Center, Brgy. San Jose, San Miguel, Iloilo last
February 9.
Farmer cooperatives from Leon, Iloilo (Leon ConFed Farmers’
Dairy Association), Hamtic, Antique (Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative), Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo (Barotac Nuevo Multi-Purpose Cooperative), and Province of Guimaras participated in the event titled “Demonstration of Corn Silage as Feed Resource for Carabao-Kanding-Baka”.
Dr. Myrtel Alcazar, Genetic Improvement Program Coordinator of DA-PCC at WVSU, gave a review on corn silage making, highlighting its benefits and advantages when used as a feed source for ruminants, especially carabao.
Corn silage is a good high-energy source for dairy cows. It is great for dairy farm systems preventing under or overgrazing while improving animal health and increasing milk production.
Mr. Perlito Echeche, chairman of LECOFADA, together with his selected members
demonstrated the actual preparation of silage.
DA-PCC at WVSU Director Arn Granada extended his appreciation to Villar Sipag for the opportunity to hold the training in its training center recognizing the challenge of conducting one in this time where mobility and gathering are limited.
Senator Cynthia Villar, in a pre-recorded video message, commended DA-PCC at WVSU for the initiative saying this is a positive step toward advancing sustainable local milk production that will benefit Filipino children and increase the income of dairy farmers.
“Hiling ko sa Philippine Carabao Center na magsagawa pa kayo ng mga ganitong
pagsasanay sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa para suportahan natin ang ating mga
magsasaka sa pagpapabuti ng kanilang katayuan,” Senator Villar said in her message.
Michael Mayoga, staff under Villar Sipag, welcomed the training participants in a brief tour to the Sipag Villar Training Center which showcased projects such as the masonry, Villar Farm School, and a plastic factory which processes plastic wastes
into chairs.
In her closing remarks, Janice Cuaresma, DA-PCC at WVSU Carabao-Based Enterprise Development coordinator, thanked all the facilitators of the training and looked forward to conducting more related activities in the future.
Also present in the event were Isabelo Luscares, chairman of the Philippine Council for
Agriculture and Fisheries Iloilo; and Chesa Elenterio, representative from the office of Assistant Secretary to the Visayas.
