The livelihood training titled “Growing Opportunities through Enhancing Coffee Production for Livelihood Development” was conducted for farmer-beneficiaries of the UC-EC Plan 12 Watershed Rehabilitation Project in Barangay Victory, Lantapan, Bukidnon. The livelihood training aimed to enhance farmers’ technical knowledge and practical skills in sustainable coffee production to improve productivity, income, and long-term livelihood stability.

The activity featured Mr. Lemuel R. Cabataña from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Lantapan and Mr. Cornelio G. Eraya Jr., a PULWAT coffee farmer-beneficiary and owner of Eraya’s Highland Coffee. Both speakers shared technical expertise and real-world experiences in coffee farming, covering the entire production cycle from nursery establishment and site selection to planting, crop management, pest and disease control, harvesting, and post-harvest processing.

During the training, participants learned proper nursery establishment techniques, including seedbed preparation, shade management, watering, fertilization, and hardening of seedlings. Discussions on coffee growing highlighted land preparation, planting methods, sprout selection, and triple-stem training, as well as essential maintenance practices such as pruning, de-suckering, fertilization, and rejuvenation of old coffee trees to improve yield and bean quality.

The speakers also emphasized integrated pest and disease management, focusing on common coffee threats such as coffee rust, stem borer, berry borer, scale insects, and sooty mold. Proper cultural practices, timely pruning, sanitation, and correct post-harvest handling were underscored as effective preventive measures. Farmers were likewise guided on proper harvesting timing, processing methods for Arabica and Robusta, drying techniques, dehulling, sorting, and storage to ensure high-quality green coffee beans.

An open forum followed the lecture and hands-on discussions, providing farmer-beneficiaries with an opportunity to raise concerns, clarify technical processes, and share local farming experiences. The exchange of ideas strengthened farmers’ confidence and readiness to apply improved coffee production practices in their respective farms.

The livelihood training not only supports income generation for farmer-beneficiaries but also aligns with the broader goals of the watershed rehabilitation project by promoting sustainable land use, reducing soil erosion, and maintaining ecological balance within the Manupali sub-watershed. Through capacity-building initiatives like this, PULWAT continues to empower farming communities while advancing environmental conservation and sustainable development.

MARAMAG, Bukidnon — Farmer-beneficiaries of the UC-EC Plan 12 Watershed Rehabilitation Project participated in an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activity titled “Upgraded Goat Raising and Production” held in Barangay Dagumbaan, Maramag. The activity aimed to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills on improved goat management as a sustainable livelihood initiative that complements ongoing watershed rehabilitation efforts.

The IEC focused on upgraded goat production practices, including proper breeding, feeding, housing, health care, and herd expansion. Resource persons from the Municipal Agriculture Office–Maramag discussed suitable goat breeds for meat and dairy production, selection of quality foundation stocks, and appropriate breeding systems to improve herd performance and productivity. The training also emphasized the importance of feed resource management using locally available grasses, legumes, agricultural by-products, and proper feeding systems to ensure healthy and productive goats.

A significant portion of the discussion tackled common infectious diseases of goats, their symptoms, prevention, and control measures. Participants were oriented on respiratory diseases, parasitism, and other health concerns that commonly affect goats, highlighting the role of proper sanitation, nutrition, vaccination, and biosecurity in preventing losses. The session aimed to strengthen farmers’ capacity to manage animal health and reduce risks that could affect productivity and income.

The activity also supports the project’s long-term goal of enhancing community resilience within the watershed. As part of the livelihood component, a goat dispersal program will be implemented for selected farmer-beneficiaries, providing them with an immediate source of income and a sustainable means to improve food security and economic stability.

An open forum concluded the activity, allowing participants to raise questions and clarify concerns related to goat raising and production. Farmers actively engaged in the discussion, reflecting their interest and readiness to apply the knowledge gained. Organizers expressed optimism that the IEC will contribute to improved livelihoods while reinforcing the community’s role in protecting and sustaining the watershed.

A livelihood training titled “From Goat to Growth: A Livelihood Training through Upgraded Goat Management” was recently conducted for the farmer-beneficiaries of the UC-EC Plan 11 Watershed Rehabilitation Project. The training aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills on modern goat management practices, including breeding, feeding, housing, health care, and sustainable herd expansion.

The initiative forms part of the project’s integrated approach to watershed rehabilitation by promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmer-beneficiaries. By strengthening income sources at the community level, the activity supports the project’s long-term goal of enhancing resilience while reducing pressure on watershed resources. As part of the program, a goat dispersal component will be implemented for selected beneficiaries, providing both an immediate source of livelihood and a long-term income-generating opportunity that contributes to food security and economic stability in the watershed community.

During the training, Ms. Leah L. Salvaleon of LnM Integrated Farm discussed the Basics of Goat Raising, covering breed selection, proper housing, breeding management, and general care. She emphasized the importance of understanding goat behavior and needs to ensure healthy growth and productivity, while also sharing practical tips on cost-effective housing and proper record-keeping for small-scale goat enterprises.

The session on Goat Nutrition and Feeding, led by Ms. Maria Luz L. Soriano, PhD, highlighted the vital role of proper nutrition in improving goat health, reproduction, and meat or milk production. Participants learned about ruminant digestion, locally available feed resources such as grasses, legumes, crop residues, and farm by-products, as well as appropriate feeding strategies. The discussion also covered the preparation of Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks (UMMB), concentrate feeds, and silage as supplemental feeds to enhance nutrient intake, especially during periods of limited forage availability.

Goat health management was discussed by Ms. Cynthia C. Tabaco, DVM, who presented essential practices on disease prevention, early detection of illnesses, vaccination schedules, deworming, and sanitation. She underscored the importance of maintaining a clean environment and applying biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of disease outbreaks and improve overall herd performance.

An open forum concluded the activity, allowing participants to raise questions and share experiences related to goat raising. Farmers inquired about the availability of forage seedlings, mineral and vitamin supplements, and feed ingredients, with assurances given that planting materials would be provided prior to goat dispersal. The discussion also became a venue for peer-to-peer learning, as participants exchanged insights on existing practices and challenges. Organizers expressed optimism that the IEC activity has strengthened farmers’ preparedness for the upcoming livelihood dispersal program and contributed to building a more resilient watershed community.

A livelihood training on “Upgraded Goat Raising and Production” was conducted for the farmer-beneficiaries of the UC-EC Plan 11 Watershed Rehabilitation Project. The livelihood-oriented training aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills on modern goat management practices, including breeding, feeding, housing, health care, and sustainable herd expansion.

The activity supports ongoing watershed rehabilitation efforts by promoting sustainable livelihood options for farmer-beneficiaries while advancing the project’s long-term goal of building community resilience. As part of the program, a livelihood dispersal component will be implemented through the distribution of goats to selected beneficiaries. This initiative is expected to provide both immediate income support and long-term economic opportunities, contributing to improved food security and stability within the watershed community.

The technical sessions were led by resource persons from the Municipal Agriculture Office–Maramag. Mr. Johann Vincent Obedencio discussed Goat Breeds and Breeding, introducing participants to suitable meat and dairy goat breeds such as Boer, Anglo-Nubian, Saanen, Toggenburg, and Philippine native goats. The session emphasized proper selection of foundation stocks, determining goat age, breeding objectives, reproductive parameters, and appropriate breeding systems, including upgrading and crossbreeding, to improve herd performance and productivity.

Participants were also oriented on feed resource management and feeding systems, highlighting extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive production methods. Discussions focused on age-appropriate feed requirements, the use of grasses, legumes, agricultural by-products, and concentrate feeds, as well as practical feeding strategies such as cut-and-carry, pasturing, and tethering to ensure balanced nutrition and optimal growth.

Another key session was on Common Infectious Diseases of Goats, presented by Mr. George S. Tampon Jr. Topics included respiratory diseases, parasitism, external and internal parasites, and other common conditions such as orf, caseous lymphadenitis, bloat, tetanus, and caprine arthritis encephalitis. Emphasis was placed on disease prevention through proper management, sanitation, vaccination, biosecurity measures, and timely treatment to reduce mortality and production losses.

An open forum followed the lectures, allowing participants to clarify key points and raise concerns related to goat breeding, feeding, and health management. Farmers actively engaged in the discussion, reflecting their interest and readiness to apply the recommended practices. The exchange also enabled participants to share experiences and practical insights from their existing goat-raising activities.

During the forum, several agreements were reached among the participants, PULWAT, and the Municipal Agriculture Office–Maramag. Farmers committed to adopting proper breeding practices, implementing improved feeding and management systems, and maintaining close coordination with technical experts for continuous assistance in disease monitoring, artificial insemination, and record-keeping. Participants also expressed their willingness to share the knowledge gained with other goat raisers in Barangay Panalsalan to help promote sustainable goat production across the community.

A livelihood training entitled “From Goat to Growth: A Livelihood Training through Upgraded Goat Management” was successfully conducted for the farmer-beneficiaries of the UC-EC Plan 12 Watershed Rehabilitation Project. The activity aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills on modern goat management practices, including breeding, feeding, housing, health care, and sustainable herd expansion, as part of efforts to strengthen livelihood opportunities in the watershed community.

The training complements the ongoing watershed rehabilitation initiatives by promoting sustainable, agriculture-based livelihoods among UC-EC Plan 12 beneficiaries. It also supports the project’s long-term objective of improving community resilience. A key component of the program is the planned livelihood dispersal through the distribution of goats to selected farmer-beneficiaries, which is expected to provide both immediate income support and long-term economic benefits, contributing to improved food security and household stability.

The activity featured a series of technical modules facilitated by invited resource speakers. Ms. Leah L. Salvaleon of LnM Integrated Farm led the session on the Basics of Goat Raising, introducing participants to the fundamentals of goat production such as breed selection, housing, breeding management, and general care. The discussion emphasized understanding goat behavior and needs to ensure healthy growth and productivity, as well as practical tips on cost-effective housing and proper record-keeping for small-scale goat enterprises.

Meanwhile, Ms. Maria Luz L. Soriano, PhD, discussed Goat Nutrition and Feeding, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition in improving goat health, reproduction, and meat or milk production. Farmers were trained to identify locally available feed resources, formulate balanced rations, and apply feeding strategies suitable for ruminants. Topics included forage and concentrate supplementation, nutrient requirements, and the use of grasses, legumes, crop residues, and farm by-products to maximize productivity.

Hands-on discussions were also conducted on the preparation of supplemental feeds such as Urea Molasses Mineral Blocks (UMMB), concentrate mixes, and silage. These feeding innovations were presented as cost-effective strategies to improve digestibility, nutrient intake, and overall herd performance, especially during periods of limited forage availability.

The session on Goat Health Basics, facilitated by Ms. Cynthia C. Tabaco, DVM, focused on essential health management practices. Participants learned about disease prevention, early detection of illnesses, vaccination schedules, deworming, sanitation, and biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and maintain herd health.

An open forum was held following the lectures and workshops to address participants’ questions and concerns. Farmers raised inquiries regarding the availability of forage seedlings, minerals, and vitamins needed for goat production. Resource speakers assured participants that planting materials for grasses and legumes would be provided prior to the goat dispersal to ensure adequate feed supply. Recommendations on locally available supplements and proper storage and administration were also shared.

The open forum further served as a platform for farmers to share their experiences and challenges in goat raising, fostering peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. The active participation demonstrated the beneficiaries’ readiness to apply improved goat management practices and strengthened the community’s preparedness for the upcoming livelihood dispersal program.