NAFC showcases 4 US PL480 livestock projects at AgriLink 2012

DA Sec. Proceso Alcala and FRLD Chairperson Dulce Gozon lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the 2012 AgriLink, FoodLink, and AquaLink trade fair held at the World Trade Center on October 4.

The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), in collaboration with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and National Dairy Authority (NDA), showcased four major livestock projects of the of the Department of Agriculture (DA) funded under the United States Public Law 480 (US PL480) Title I Program during the 2012 AgriLink, FoodLink and AquaLink held by the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development Inc. (FRLD) from October 4 to 6, 2012 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

The projects were the Goat Production Project for the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program and Accelerating the Genetic Resource Improvement Program for Beef Cattle and Small Ruminants (AGRIPBeS) implemented by NAFC and BAI and the Multi-year Dairy Animal Procurement and Breeding Program to Upscale Heifer Production for the Local Dairy Industry and Milk Feed Plus Project which are being implemented by NAFC and NDA.

NAFC Executive Director Ariel Cayanan joined DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, FRLD Chairperson Dulce Gozon, DA Assistant Secretary for Livestock Davinio Catbagan, US Department of Agriculture Counselor Philip Schull, French Ambassador Gilles Garachon, AgriLink/FoodLink/AquaLink 2012 Chairperson Ricardo Alba, Bureau of Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Region-3 Director Remedios Ongtangco, and International Federation of Organic Advocate Movements President Andre Leu in formally opening the exhibits last October 4.

This year, the country’s premiere international trade exhibit in agriculture, food and aquaculture highlighted the theme “Improving Animal Productivity Beyond Medication” and gave focus on livestock and poultry sectors including its products and services.

Sec. Alcala, Mr. Schull, Asst. Sec. Catbagan and Exec. Dir. Cayanan also led the awarding of certificates of appreciation to six dairy multiplier farms for their participation in NDA’s Dairy Multiplier Farm Program under the Multi-year Dairy Animal Procurement and Breeding Program to Upscale Heifer Production for the Local Dairy Industry.

A certificate of animal ownership was also awarded to Pedro Gabilo, Jr. of Angono, Rizal who had received one buck and five does Saanen goats under the AGRIPBeS. Certificates of recognition and appreciation were given to four AGRIPBeS beneficiaries as well.

Aside from the exhibit, NAFC, BAI and NDA also spearheaded seminars on “Corn Silage, Cassava and Malunggay as an Alternative Feed and Feed Supplement for Dairy Cattle” and “Native Chicken Production”. Resource speakers were Prof. Myrna Galang, Prof. Noe Velasco, Ms. Jeddah Lyn Sanchez and Dr. Rene Santiago.

After taking quick drinks of bottled goat’s milk, USDA Counselor Philip Schull and NAFC Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan pose with NAFC, BAI and NDA employees for a group shot at the booth.

In his message, Exec. Dir. Cayanan expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to NAFC to join the said expo.

“Joining the exhibit and trade fair has given us a chance to bring NAFC closer to the public, particularly the farmers, fishermen, livestock growers and the like. This year, we are once again privileged to take part in the 2012 AgriLink, Aqua-Link and FoodLink,” he said.

Aside from the US PL480 projects, NAFC also highlighted the 25th anniversary celebration of the agency’s consultative bodies, the Agricultural and Fishery Councils and National Sectoral Committees, during the exhibit.

http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/2012/agrilink.html