Capitol Recognizes Outstanding AI Technicians

The Cebu Provincial Government through the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office (PVO) recently recognized five outstanding local artificial insemination (AI) technicians.

The award, which was given during the year-end review and planning workshop last November 27 to 28 at Dohera Hotel in Mandaue City, recognizes the exemplary performance in the implementation of the AI program.

The recipients were Bobby Aledon of Asturias, Leonito Manzanades of Argao, Edwin Dotillos of Borbon, Victorino Lañojan of Sibonga, and Isagani Trinidad of Barili.

The five awardees produced a total of 785 AI offspring with an estimated value that would not make less than Php 11,775,000. A six-month-old AI-produced animal is guaranteed a market price of Php 15,000.

Leonito Manzanades, president of the Artificial Insemination Practitioners Association of Cebu, said their job is not easy.

“Once you have found a patronage, you have to be ready to answer to their needs. Otherwise, the farmers will take it against you and they will not believe you anymore. You must learn to love your job,” he said.

Manzanades, who was one of the awardee, is a former barangay captain of Apo, Argao.

He reiterated that one of their challenges remains to be multi-tasking. He believed AI program needs full attention because of the exigency of the work.

Nenita Jaganas, chief of PVO’s Animal Production Division, said the awardees were not only able to hit the target from January to October this year, they also reached the outstanding performance level based on the standard set by the Civil Service Commission.

Each AI technician were given a monthly target of 12 services, seven impregnated cattle or carabaos and seven or six calf drops or AI broods.

In line with the thrust of the national government, the Capitol promotes AI as the key to uplift the lives of the farmers.

AI technicians received Php 100 for every AI offspring born or calf drop from Unified National Artificial Insemination Program. Another Php 200 cash incentive is given from Philippine Carabao Center and Php 500 from National Dairy Authority.

There are 50 AI technicians in Cebu Province. Not all are active while some are newly trained. (Xerxes Alkuino)

www.cebu.gov.ph