Panglao BALAs to herd Livestock development

PANGLAO. STRENGTHENING livestock as another alternative livelihood to complement a brisk tourism program, 38 Barangay Livestock Aides (BALA) have completed two days intensive basic and refresher training course last April 20-21.

Municipal Agricultural Officer Carmelita Arboleras welcomed the participants while Generoso Madrona, Mayor Doloriech Dumaluan's private secretary and Municipal Administrator Francisco Montero pushed on the para-veterinarians' take advantage of the technology on livestock production. Both also pointed out the need for alternative livelihood of animal raising using modern technology to surmount the economic woes.

The training lecturers were Drs.Medallyn Dagandan, Frederick Madrinan, Josefina Ladera and Romeo Blazo Cano; Chief of the Animal Health Division of the Provincial Veterinarian Office. Aside from the usual lectures on the technicalities of the job, trainees were also exposed to actual field demonstrations on castration, vaccination, anti-rabies treatment, de-worming and application of vitamins on cattle and other backyard animals.

The trainees would be the town's multiplier effects while the need for more animal and livestock technicians still pose a threat to sustainable industry here. The Panglao BALA is the seventh town with a re-training and refresher course. The other towns were Dagohoy, Pilar, Calape, Corella, San Miguel, and Garcia-Hernandez. The series of intensive trainings was designed at re-sharpening capability of BALAs in attending animal care and services.

l