Fourteen new artificial insemination (AI) technicians completed a one-month Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Water Buffaloes, organized by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU). The training took place at the DA-PCC National Bull Farm in Brgy. Joson, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija from June 25 to July 24, 2024.
The participants are from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, staff of DA-PCC at MMSU, and DA-PCC at CLSU.
During the first week of training, the trainees actively engaged in lecture discussions led by the agency’s experts. The second and third weeks focused on hands-on activities, including pregnancy diagnosis and AI gun insertion. Trainees also visited various barangays in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, to perform pregnancy diagnoses and artificial inseminations under the guidance of the DA-PCC at CLSU AI team. In the final week, the trainees completed practical and written exams.
The program also featured a testimony from Merck Jovan V. Apolonio, a village-based AI technician from Victoria, Tarlac, whose experience inspired and guided the trainees in their future endeavors.
Representing DA-PCC at CLSU Center Director Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, Rebecca Ruby Gabriel, carabao-based enterprise development (CBED) coordinator, emphasized the important role AI technicians play in enhancing buffalo breeds for superior quality.
Dr. Peregrino Duran, head of Research and Development, congratulated the new AI technicians, recognizing their readiness to serve and contribute to the advancement of the carabao industry.
Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, stressed the importance of dedication to serving farmers as the essence of the program.
“Itong 30 days na training ay sana pahalagahan ninyo, bukod sa skills sana ay nadebelop din ang inyong commitment. ‘Yong commitment sa ginagawa na ‘di lang ‘yong kikita tayo sa pag-AI kundi ‘yong makapag serbisyo lalo sa mga magsasaka kasi ‘yon ang essence ng programa. Sana pagdating natin sa ating mga lugar ay pagsumikapan nating makatulong sa mga magsasaka at sana patuloy nating pagtibayin ang ating programa,” Dr. Salces said.
Erwin Encarnacion, regional AI coordinator, announced the results and training completion, where the new AI technicians were given certificates and AI guns.
The top three best performers in PD were Rhommel Gamponia (93.24%), Aldrin Jay Pastor (91.78%), and January Abad (89.33%). Meanwhile, the top three in AI gun insertion were Manuel Dominguez (48 seconds), Arfil Imperial (53 seconds), and Ryan Francisco (1 minute, 5 seconds).
The new AI technicians were asked to make written promises, which were projected on the screen during the closing ceremony. A ceremonial toast with glasses of milk sealed the unity among the technicians and DA-PCC officials.
Aldrin Jay Pastor from DA-PCC at MMSU expressed that he has gained valuable insights from the training, which he can also share with his clients.
Meanwhile, Marcial Bautista from Bayambang, Pangasinan, expressed his gratitude for being part of the training and thanked the trainers for their guidance.
Jerome Castro from Mabalacat City, Pampanga, also expressed his appreciation to DA-PCC at CLSU for his new skills in AI and PD, assuring that all the knowledge he gained will be used to help and serve others.
To conclude the program, Emma V. Venturina, head of the National Bull Farm, praised the new AI technicians for their excellent work. She also expressed her gratitude to all the participants for supporting the program of DA-PCC at CLSU.
The 30-day training was facilitated by Christine Helen Adriano, regional training coordinator; and Calvin Kim Dioses, assistant training coordinator, along with the DA-PCC at CLSU staff, its AI team, and the National Bull Farm staff.
