Gamu, Isabela - The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA RFO2) had opened the Center for Native Animal Development, Production and Learning in Region 02 at the DA-Isabela Experiment Station (IES) in Barangay Upi here.
DA RFO2 Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo said the center will serve as a venue for producing native animals for distribution to interested parties.
“It will also serve as a training ground where the participants learn the proper techniques of poultry and livestock production,” Edillo said.
“This is in support of the aim of the government in achieving food security through crops and livestock integration,” he added.
Edillo cited that it is now a high time to give importance to native animal raising because of its health and economic benefits.
During the recent formal opening of the Center for Native Animal Development, the awarding of poultry animals to various associations; and the groundbreaking of the chicken pen with tunnel type range area was held.
Beneficiaries of native chicken and muscovy duck were the Mannalon ti Tumauini Agriculture Cooperative, Tumauini, Isabela; the Sulong Kabataan sa Umaangat ng Gandang Agri-Tourism, Tumauini, Isabela; the 5th Civil Military Operations Batallion of the army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Gamu, Isabela; the Salaknib Rebel Returnees Integrated Farm Association, Gamu, Isabela; and the Sto. Domingo – San Isidro Farmers Association, Luna, Isabela.
Edillo encouraged the participants to exert all effort in maintaining the stocks and ensure the success of this livelihood initiative by the government.
“Pakiusap namin na inyong pagbutihin ang pag-aalaga para kapag napadami na ninyo ay mabibigyan din ang iba pa nating kababayan. Hinihikayat ko din ang bawat isa na makisapi sa mga asosasyon upang makakuha ng proyekto na isinusulong ng DA at iba pang mga ahensiya," said Edillo.
(“We ask that you raise them well so that when they’ve multiplied, others can avail of them as well. I urge each association member to cooperate so we can get be recipients of more projects from the DA and its partner agencies.”)
Meanwhile, DA RFO2 Regional Technical Director Rose Mary G. Aquino said the initiative is one of the programs of the agency to help the farmers in coping - up with the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic and African Swine Fever (ASF).
Second Lieutenant Trisha Pascual of the army’s 5th Infantry Division underscored the DA’s effort in helping the communities as well as the rebel returnees in the Cagayan Valley Region.
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