Faculty and researchers from the Institute of Animal Science (IAS) served as Resource Speakers on Seminar-Workshop on Characterization of Production System, Morphology, and Morphometrics of Pigs organized by the Batanes State College (BSC) held at BSC IQUAME Room last 7 November 2022.

The training-workshop was aimed to capacitate junior faculty and researchers at BSC in conducting training and research on swine production.

To express his message of support and deliver the opening remarks, Dr. Djovi R. Durante, BSC President, graced the morning session. Dr. Synan S. Baguio, Director for Livestock Research Division at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), was also invited and expressed his optimism on the improvement of native pig production system in the province of Batanes. Also present was Ms. Nora T. Garcia, Provincial Director of the Batanes Provincial Science and Technology Center, who encouraged the BSC researchers to explore on product development of native pigs as part of its research and development agenda.

The morning session was facilitated by Ms. Kamla Zyra G. Lavadia, University Researcher at the Information Management and Technical Services Unit at IAS, who delivered a lecture on Training Needs Analysis as a Requisite for Effective Training Program. This was followed by the lecture-demonstration on the use of Native Pig Breed Information System by Ms. Katrina U. Aquino, University Research Associate at the Animal Breeding Division. Asst. Prof. Jorge Michael D. Dominguez also delivered a lecture and workshop on the Characterization of Local Pig Production System Relevant to Genetic Improvement.

The workshop ended with a closing remark from Mr. Leobert L. Banzali, BSC Director for Research and Extension.

Following the training-workshop, the BSC research team also organized a field visit to various local sites with known production of native pigs held last 8 November 2022. BSC and IAS teams are hopeful for future collaborations for the improvement of pig production system in Batanes.