LUNA, Apayao – In a move to promote sustainable livestock farming and enhance the standard of living of local farmers, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET) announced Monday, August 12, 2024 that interested individuals can still take part in its Farmer Livestock Training Program (FLT) and receive some assistance.
The FLT program, which has been in operation since 2015, has seen important growth and success in livestock production. The program was primarily based on goats, but later sheep were introduced as they were found to bring more revenue to farmers.
The project is also a means to push for Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr.’s vision of making Apayao the “Sheep Capital of the North”.
“The Farmer Livestock Training Program is just one of the ways we are empowering our farmers to be the backbone of our province’s economy,” said Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Ralph Verzon.
“We are devoted to this goal. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge, abilities and resources were not only enhancing their standard of living but also contributing to the development of a more sustainable and food-secure future for our constituents,” he added.
According to PVET, the program is funded in 2024 with PhP7 million. Of that amount PhP3 million was set aside for FLS Sheep, PhP2 million for carabaos, PhP750,000 for poultry chickens and the rest of the fund for other activities.
Another training session is scheduled to take place from November to December and farmers who are interested are encouraged to enroll.
The training program lasts seven months and consists of one session every week. In order to take part in the training they need to arrange with the Municipal Agriculture Office and then proceed to the Provincial Veterinary Office.
Moreover, a distribution of 200 heads of sheep shall be done in the third quarter this year covering 40 individuals across two or three associations.
Applicants who are interested in this program must be willing to do their counterpart such as undergoing training, provide pasture land for the animals, and house them in order to be eligible for the program. By Joyce Arian Soria
