The Institute of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science (IAS-CAFS) led the 1^st Ruminant Production Forum (1RPF) themed “Pagpapaunlad ng Industriya ng Baka, Kalabaw, at Kambing: Pag-asa sa Kanayunan” via video conference, YouTube and Facebook Live last October 30.

In his video message, UPLB Chancellor, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. stressed the importance of the ruminant sector – goat, cattle, and carabao – to the livelihood of millions of farmers. He mentioned that UPLB recognizes the importance of the ruminant industry in strengthening the country’s food security and sovereignty, which is articulated in the new UPLB research agenda – the UPLB AGORA – Accelerating Growth through One Research in Action.

He also commended the IAS-CAFS for leading and organizing such timely and important forum on capacitating and strengthening the country’s small-hold ruminant sector and encouraged the participants to engage in the discussion.

Present to give his welcome remarks was CAFS Dean, Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., who expressed his aspirations to achieve the goal of sustainable, resilient agriculture and food systems for the country.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo, IAS Director, is hopeful that opening the discourse on scientific approach in ruminant production and nutrition will improve the livestock enterprise that will eventually flesh out the potential of raising ruminants, to which Dr. Amado A. Angeles, Director of the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) agreed. Dr. Angeles also acknowledged the importance of involving multi-stakeholders in forum such as the 1RPF to contribute and gradually address the problems facing the ruminant industry. He expressed DTRI’s full support in future fora to revisit issues that need immediate attention in the ruminant sector.

Among those who sent their message of support to the 1RPF were Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD); and Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril, Director of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) thru Assistant Director Joell H. Lales.

Sessions During the 1RPF

The forum was divided into four sessions. Each session caps with an open forum and discussion among the resource persons and attendees. Invited speakers for Session 1 in Goat Nutrition and Management were Dir. Neal A. del Rosario, Head of the Small Ruminant Center at Central Luzon State University (CLSU); Jeffrey Lim, owner of the JSJ Goat Farm in Gerona, Tarlac; and Dr. Jovita M. Datuin, former Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations – DA, Ilocos Sur.

To discuss topics on Cattle Nutrition and Management for Session 2 were: Dr. Agapita J. Salces, Associate Professor at the IAS-CAFS; Jose E. Tapay, owner of the Sta. Maria Dairy Farm; and Dr. Ma. Adena J. Detera, Farm Supervisor and Veterinarian at Hacienda Macalauan, Inc.

Following a one-hour health break, the forum resumed for Session 3 where Dr. Daniel L. Aquino, former Center Director of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) at CLSU; Dr. Arnel N. del Barrio, Professor at IAS-CAFS and chair of the organizing committee for the 1RPF; and Charlie C. Cruz of Candice Jean Farm in Taytay, Rizal gathered for a discussion on Carabao Nutrition and Management.

Finally, Session 4 on Animal Health, Biosecurity and Nutrition wraps the forum with Dr. Jessalyn L. Constante, Assistant Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, UPLB; and Dir. Paul Alan Brucal of Rumen Nutrition Solutions, Inc. (RumSol) represented by Darla Mae Hassan.

Finally, Dr. Veneranda A. Magpantay, Division Head of the Animal Production Division (APD) at IAS commended all speakers for their informative and engaging presentations. She is positive that IAS will continue holding similar events in the future to help improve the ruminant industry.

The 1RPF Team

The forum was intended to bring together academics and researchers, technical experts, government agencies, enterprise owners, students, and farmers in sharing practices and experiences on ruminant production. About 1,000 people pre-registered for the event, and 300 participants attended the online forum across all platforms.

The webinar was initiated by Dr. Arnel N. del Barrio and was organized through the collaboration of the Ruminant Team of APD, the Information Management and Technical Services Unit at IAS, technical staff from CAFS Extension Team, and marketing staff from RumSol.