The Local Government Unit of Bacnotan, led by Mayor Divine C. Fontanilla, partnered with DA-PCC at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU) in conducting a training on silage production for the town’s buffalo raisers on August 24 in Bitalag, Bacnotan, La Union.
Said activity aimed to introduce silage commercialization as another income generating venture for buffalo farmers and to equip them on utilizing agricultural by-products as fodder for ruminants.
Among the topics discussed were Forage Production and Conservation Techniques by Vienna Kristel A. Grospe, Science Research Analyst; and Animal Health and Common Diseases of Buffaloes by Dr. Mac Erwin P. Perez, center veterinarian of DA-PCC at DMMMSU. The lectures were followed by hands-on training on silage production.
Federico R. Copuz, Sanggunian Bayan member and chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, expressed his appreciation for the participants’ and speakers’ unwavering commitment despite the inclement weather. “Maganda itong training na hatid ng PCC…. at sana dahil dito ay marami kayong matutunan, lalo na dito sa pagproduce ng pakain para sa mga alagang kalabaw,” SBM Corpuz said.
He also encouraged the farmers to carry on with their buffalo raising endeavors, assuring them of the LGU’s continuous support.
Currently, LGU-Bacnotan has distributed 47 buffaloes to the community, benefitting a total of 33 buffalo raisers in the area. They also recently registered their association in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the name Buffalo Raisers and Dairy Producers of Bacnotan La Union.
Said training was initiated by the Municipal Agriculture Office, headed by Dr. Divina Gracia G. Apigo, and facilitated by Jenesse May S. Arellano, buffalo monitoring staff.
