Batch Papilio together with Dr. BL Caoili, Dr. MCT de Luna, and the resource persons of the Butterfly Ranching Course
A total of 17 delegates from Cebu, Leyte, and various regions in Mindanao convened at Agriya, Panabo City, Davao del Norte to participate in the short course on butterfly ranching and commercial breeding on May 8 to10.
The training was offered by the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) in partnership with the UP Professional School for Agriculture and the Environment (UP PSAE), Agriya, and PMCP Foundation, Inc.
The course was granted by the Professional Regulation Commission with 11 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units. This course was the first CPD-accredited training program offered by NCPC in collaboration with UP PSAE. Moreover, it is UP PSAE’s first on-site short course in Mindanao.
Dr. Barbara L. Caoili, NCPC director highlighted in her opening message the value of the short course in capacitating the participants on establishing butterfly ranch as a potential tourism and source of livelihood through the production of various souvenir products.
The participants learned about the biology, ecology, and pest management of butterflies from the discussions of Dr. Bonifacio F. Cayabyab, a retired university researcher from NCPC and Ms. Maureen Ceres dL. De Roxas, a university researcher. Dr. Cayabyab also discussed the legal aspects of butterfly ranching. Meanwhile, Ms. Romalene L. Miras and Mr. Genaro A. Katimbang, a university extension specialist and an agricultural technician, respectively discussed about the host plants of butterflies and their propagation which is another essential element of a successful butterfly ranching.
On the second day, the participants conducted a field inventory of butterflies and their host plants within Agriya. The participants reported the result of their inventory. Afterwards, Mr. Willie S. Sagado, a laboratory aide demonstrated how to preserve butterflies and make souvenirs. Each participant made souvenirs and lepidomosaic arts. Three of the best framed butterflies and lepidomosaic arts were recognized on the last day of training.
The other elements of establishing a butterfly ranch were tackled on the last training day. The participants brought home starter kits which will be used by some of the participants on the butterfly ranch they are planning to establish.
Dr. Maria Catalina T. de Luna, UP PSAE director, congratulated the participants after finishing the course. She also introduced the programs offered by UP PSAE during her closing message.
The participants from this training were named batch Papilio. Papilio is a genus of swallow-tailed butterflies.
(First published at the Aggie Green & Gold newsletter, May 2023 issue)
