In an effort to enhance the capabilities of AI technicians in carabao breeding and health management, the DA-PCC at West Visayas State University (DA-PCC at WVSU) organized a comprehensive Paravet Training for AI technicians held on August 23-24.
This initiative marked the first-of-its-kind training in Western Visayas, aimed at improving the skills of AI technicians in the region.
The training included lectures on the Basic Herd Health Protocol of Carabaos, Common Diseases and Nutritional Deficiencies and Anomalies, Body Condition Scoring, Basic Drug administration procedures, Basic Milk Testing Procedures Interpretation and Recording, and Basic Laboratory Procedures for Routinary Herd Health Activities, and practicum on Castration Procedures, Ultrasonography as Reproductive Diagnostic Tool, Proper Handling and Restraining Techniques in Large Ruminants, Proper Animal Identification (Ear tagging, Bolus Insertion, RFID reading), blood sample collection, and TB testing.
Acknowledging the important role and challenges faced by AI technicians and paravets, DA-PCC at WVSU Center Director Arn D. Granada emphasized the importance of continuous learning. He underscored the significance of prioritizing client satisfaction and leveraging feedback to enhance services. Dir. Granada expressed that this training marked just the beginning of their ongoing learning journey, with mentors at PCC always ready to enrich their knowledge.
Fedelinoper D. Lopez, a project-based AI technician and a participant, expressed his gratitude for the training. “The skills I acquired from the training will enable me to offer enhanced services to farmers within my designated area. With DA-PCC’s unwavering support through training initiatives like this, I’m committed to delivering my utmost in the field as long as I’m capable,” Lopez said.
Dr. Myrtel C. Alcazar, Training and GIP coordinator deems AI technicians as “full-package” agents capable of delivering exceptional veterinary services to farming clients. Dr. Alcazar also commended the enthusiasm displayed by the AI technicians throughout the training and hoped that their learning journey would continue beyond the training’s conclusion.
The training’s closing ceremony also saw the graduation of five new AI technicians from the Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Large Ruminants, which took place from July 24 to August 24.
Donald Rey Magbanua, a technical staff member from the Department of Agriculture– UNAIP and one of the newly trained AI technicians, shared his insights. He commended the active involvement of PCC at WVSU in artificial insemination and expressed his gratitude for the knowledge and skills he gained through the training.
Reflecting on its commitment to capacity building, DA-PCC at WVSU has successfully trained 25 AI technicians since 2020. The current batch of graduates marks the 8th time the center conducted its in-house training.
