BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-RFO CAR), through the Regulatory Division–Livestock Program, hosted this year’s Regional Livestock Program Year-end Review, Assessment, and Planning Workshop. The event, held on December 3–5, 2024, at the DA-CAR New Conference Hall, Guisad Road, Baguio City, brought together provincial government counterparts and attached agencies.
Marlyn C. Tejero, Chief of the Regulatory Division, in her message and overview, encouraged the provinces to voice their queries and concerns during the partner agencies’ presentations. She also expressed gratitude for the presence of Benguet State University, represented by Dr. Maureen Theresa P. De Vera, and hoped for the participation of all state colleges in future assessments. “During this assessment, let us discuss everything so that we can identify potential problems, hindrances, or indirect factors encountered this year and in past years. This way, we can improve for FY 2025, especially with your recommendations and suggestions,” she said.
The activity highlighted updates from attached agencies, including the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, National Dairy Authority, Agricultural Training Institute–RTC-CAR, Agricultural Credit Policy Council, and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. Additionally, personnel from the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory provided updates on regional livestock parasitology, African Swine Fever, rabies, and case reports in livestock. The Regulatory Division also presented updates, including preparations for the 2025–2029 Investment Plan by the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division.
The event marked the first participation of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) in the livestock sector, following a memorandum from the Undersecretary for Livestock. Represented by Mr. Danilo D. Crobalde, Head of the LBP Programs Management Department I and Assistant Vice President, Land Bank introduced the Poultry and Livestock Value Chain Lending Program. This program aims to support farmers and agribusinesses in the poultry and livestock sectors by providing essential credit assistance throughout the value chain, from production to marketing. Crobalde also presented an overview of the AGRISENSO PLUS Lending Program, which addresses the credit needs of stakeholders, particularly farmers.
Following the reporting and discussions, Jayvee Canor, DA-CAR Regional Livestock Program Report Officer, facilitated the planning workshop for the 2025 cycle. The session included a summary of agreements and outlined ways forward.
To conclude the three-day activity, DA-CAR Livestock Program Coordinator Dr. Kevin Jim B. Luna commended the participants from the PVOs, APCOs, and partner agencies, as well as the presence of LBP. “On behalf of our executive director and RTDs, we would like to thank each and every one of you for attending and actively participating in our assessment,” he said.
Key personnel in attendance included staff from the six provincial veterinary offices: Dr. Jomarh B. Zales from Abra, Dr. Ralph M. Verson from Apayao, Dr. Purita L. Lesing from Benguet, Dr. Roland B. Pila from Ifugao, Dr. Ruth Ann Claire S. Dunwan from Kalinga, and Dr. Rodelio B. Bagawi from Mountain Province. Other participants included Dr. Gladys C. Bantog from the Baguio City Veterinary and Agriculture Office, Dr. Carmen M. Wanas from the Tabuk City Veterinary Office, and representatives from APCOs across the region. By Flor Jelyn D. Cariño
