USM Explores Partnerships with MAFAR, Hiroshima University, and Yokohama National University to Promote Peacebuilding through Cacao Production in BARMM
September 30, 2025
In celebration of its 3rd Alumni Homecoming and in partnership with the Extension Services Office (ESO) of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), the Mindanao Institute of Technology-University of Southern Mindanao Animal Science and Animal Husbandry (MIT-USM ASAH) Alumni Association Inc. extended its services to 30 goat raisers through a Training on Goat Production and Management and Community Outreach in Magatos, Kabacan, Cotabato, on September 26, 2025.
The training featured a series of discussions led by five experts from the field of animal science: Roy C. Ricabar (Feeds and Feeding), Janoz Xn Yesu Laquihon (Housing Breeds), Decx Laquihon (Goat Management Practices), Romeo Valdez (Animal Health Management), and Ildefonso Saligumba, Jr. (Heat Detection). The training was conducted at the ESO TIC Room.
The activity was made possible through collaborations with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kabacan, DA-Philippine Carabao Center at USM, National Dairy Authority (NDA) Southern Mindanao, and the College of Agriculture-Local Student Government (LSG).
The training was immediately followed by a community outreach in Barangay Magatos, where local goat raisers received essential animal health services including vitamin administration and deworming for livestock.
For local farmer Morsib Pedtamanan, the activity was both helpful and empowering: “Salamat dahil may natutunan ako kasi tinuruan ako kung paano magturok ng vitamin na makatulong talaga sa amin lalo na para mapanatili namin ‘yung maayos na kalusugan ng mga alaga namin,” he shared, expressing gratitude for the hands-on learning that will allow him to better care for his animals.
Through this initiative, MIT-USM ASAH, USM-ESO, and their partner agencies continue to demonstrate their commitment to bringing science-based animal health services to rural communities, fostering knowledge-sharing, and supporting farmers in building stronger and healthier herds.
