DA, Japanese volunteers to hold seminar on animal disease eradication

The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers-Philippine Animal Science Association (JOCV-PASA) is holding its 17th National Annual Seminar Workshop on March 10-12, 2004 in Paras Resort, Camiguin Island. Themed "Strengthening Partnership among Stakeholders Towards Disease Eradication to Improve the Livestock and Poultry Industry", the event is designed to develop the farmers’ potential for livestock and poultry enterprises.

Highlights of the event are plenary sessions, presentations of current research undertakings, discussion on issues and prospects concerning the animal industry. It also includes presentation/projects by Japanese volunteers and outreach extension programs conducted by the association.

Knowledge and experiences to be gained by the participants will form part of the group’s motivational process for efficient delivery of productive programs.

Members of JOCV-PASA are Japanese volunteers and Department of Agriculture personnel, among them are those from Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIC), and the DA-Regional Field Units (DA-RFUs). Other members come from the provincial/city agriculture/veterinary offices and municipal agriculture offices of the local government units (LGUs) and state colleges and universities. There are 143 regular members and 68 honorary members.

The objectives of the organizations are designed to increase productivity through: (1) Promotion of livestock and poultry with researches, technology transfer; (2) Promotion of mutual understanding and cooperation with sharing of work experience and technical skills; (3) Attainment of self-reliance in JOCV-PASA-assisted projects in technical and financial capabilities; (4) identification and implementation of viable projects of members in government and private entities; (5) Monitoring and evaluation activities for advice on improvements.

Founded and organized by 55 Japan overseas cooperation volunteers and Filipino technical counterparts the JOCV-PASA as a non-stock, non-profit on May 4, 1987 it attained its legal status through Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Registration No. AN 093-003376. – Ramon Ma. Epino