With the aim of underscoring the low output in artificial insemination (AI) in 2019, the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC@USM) conducted the 10th Artificial Insemination Forum last February 6-7, 2020 at the Agricultural Training Institute Satellite Office, Kabacan, North Cotabato.
There are almost 90 AI technicians coming from Region XI, Region XII and Maguindanao who participated in and tackled the 2019 accomplishment report, issues and concerns; laid down the strategies to be used in increasing AI-related services; and presented their 2020 target and commitment.
“The solution for our problem is not only about the efficiency of the technology (AI), the person (AI technician) also matters,” DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro B. Salces said.
Dr. Salces added “being effective AI technicians means they need to be a salesman who is good in marketing a product and for us our product is our technology.”
Part of the program is the presentation of Dr. Antonio Obsioma, retired professor of UP Mindanao, on the recent updates about increasing AI efficiency in cattle and buffaloes along with strategies to be used.
PCC@USM Center Director Benjamin John C. Basilio emphasized that the key to well-coordinated program implementation, monitoring and evaluation is to equip the program implementers with integrated competencies.
Aside from addressing the concerns in AI, PCC@USM AI Coordinator Jeffrey A. Rabanal gave recognition to the most outstanding AI technicians in Region XI and Region XII; and Most Outstanding AI Program Implementer in terms of AI services, calf drop monitoring, and calf drop output covering Calendar Year 2017-2019.
“Determination to work as an AI technician and orienting the farmers about the benefits of PCC programs are the tools I use to encourage the farmers to adopt the technologies being offered to them,” Mary Jane Edquila, AI Technician LGU Mongkayo and Most Outstanding AI Technician for Region XI, said.
