Mariano Marcos
State University

Solsona LGU taps MMSU experts for upskilling of livestock growers

By Joycel U. Lagrio, Contributor

Thirty-one livestock raisers from ten barangays in Solsona, Ilocos Norte, completed a two-day training on feed production and animal health care on August 13–14 at Eulogio Luz Function Hall.

Spearheaded by the Municipal Agriculture Office of Solsona in partnership with the MMSU Extension Directorate, the training was facilitated by experts from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) and the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) served as resource persons. The initiative is part of the University’s continued support for livestock raisers who are graduates of the School-on-the-Air (SOA) Program of MMSU and its partner LGUs.

Agricultural Technologist and Livestock Coordinator Liza Domingo stressed that the activity responds to the real challenges farmers face in caring for and managing their animals, adding that it equips them with knowledge and hands-on skills to improve practices.

Dr. Sean R. Vidad of CAFSD led the first-day lectures and hands-on sessions on feed formulation and silage making, while CVM faculty members Dr. Arlyn T. Chokowen, Dr. Randy Q. Pacsi, and Dr. Monaliz N. Nagrampa facilitated the second-day sessions on animal husbandry, animal health, and ethno-veterinary practices.

The training also drew appreciation from participants and partners. Ms. Katelyn Samuelsen, a volunteer from the USA working with MMSU on climate change education and adaptation, lauded the effort, calling farmers the “frontliners of Philippine agriculture.” Farmer-participants, including Magsasaka Siyentista Macon Dawey and Balik-Probinsya beneficiary Emelda Felipe, shared that the training provided them with valuable, practical knowledge they could immediately apply in their farms.

Representing Mayor Joseph E. De Lara, Municipal Administrator Antonio P. Ganotisi commended the collaboration, saying the initiative strengthens farmers’ capacities to ensure livestock health and boost community productivity.

Through sustained partnerships with local government units, MMSU continues to strengthen extension programs that equip communities and promote resilient agriculture.