Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa said that the backyard industry in the region looks promising because of the high number of small backyard raisers. “The (backyard) industry has a lot of potential that’s why we try to reach them and introduce these programs that might help them improve their production and income,” he said.

In his keynote address, Congressman Rico B. Geron of AGAP Partylist gave emphasis on the importance of organization of farmers’ groups so that they can better receive government interventions.

It is a full day of learning wherein the Livestock Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV CALABARZON invited experts to explain to our backyard raisers useful topics in backyard farming and various government programs.

Among the speakers were Engr. Reymer Martinez of Bureau of Animal Industry who discussed animal waste management program; Engr. Karmela Inna Mae Medrano of Department of Environment and Natural Resources who explained their Department’s regulations on livestock; Renato Bareiro of Agricultural Credit Policy Council who discussed credit facilities available for the farmers such Production Loan Easy Access and Survival and Recovery Loan Assistance; Eva Quiroz of DA CALABARZON Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division who discussed Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

Dr. Rene C. Santiago, Center Chief IV at National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center, discussed the prospects of Mallard Industry in the region; and Tomas Buizon, Specialist at International Training Center on Pig Husbandry, explained alternative options on animal waste management.