Little did I know of Hanoi, Vietnam. I know its not far from the Philippines and that they produce much rice that at some point the Philippines imports rice from them. It's an amazing experience for me to go to Hanoi and watch how they do their free-range chicken farming. Although I went there as two personality. First, as a free-range chicken farmer & general manager of my company, Pamora Farm, and secondly as the president of PAFPAI (Phil. Asso. of Free-range Poultry Advocates, Inc.). I may say neither personality did learn from that trip :)
Day 1 - Seminar!
I receive an email on October 1st from ASVELIS Vietnam director/veterinarian Dr. Patrice Gautier, who happens to be a French guy :) like my partner :) regarding the final workshop of the STOP AI Project with USAID. Although I was already in communication with him in mid February of this year for the ILDEX fair, also was in Hanoi, Vietnam which unfortunately for me, I didn't had the chance to visit. Then we meet in Manila in early June 2010 when he visited the Philippines for meetings with certain organizations for the Stop AI Program as well.
I am very excited to visit Vietnam, so I did. Call airlines for direct flight Manila-Hanoi but none... So quite a long trip Manila-Hongkong-Hanoi :) It was great though, just waiting the time to board... no rush... walking.... window shopping... :-D and meeting other Pinoys in transits... :)
In this picture, Dr. Patrice Gautier on his welcome remarks.
Day 1 of the USAID STOP AI Final Workshop
October 13, 2010 - Hilton Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
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At first I told myself, what am I gonna do there? But since, I haven't had any vacation yet for this year, not even a single day :( I thought this could be a great opportunity for me. To hit two birds with one stone! Learn & Relax! I did! Worth every penny that my company paid for my trip!
Me and my beautiful smile :-D
Great to experience Hanoi's 1,000 years Anniversary!
Me & Mr. Nguyen Quoc Kiet, one of the many Cooperatives' Director
Day-1: USAID STOP AI Program Final Workshop
October 13, 2010 - Hilton Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
After the seminar, Me and all ASVELIS (Asian Veterinary & Livestock Services) Team
with USAID, DAI, Cooperatives & Vietnam Agriculture Sector representatives
Picture! Picture!
I did learn many things during my 4 days trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. I learn that they are new in free-range chicken farming. Only at second year of production. People there are not that particular with dressed poultry meat, yet. Vietnamese are buying more live birds than dressed. Thus the USAID STOP AI Program is all about. Lessen, if not prevent the live birds in the market to prevent immediate spread of the HPAI (highly Pathogen Avian Influenza) in case there is.
During the seminar at Hilton Hotel, Naturally Vietnam Free-range Chicken was introduced! People, farmers and the Asvelis team involve in teaching the free-range chicken method to vietnamese had presented on power points their experiences, lesson learnt, future plans, and marketing concerns. It was a fruitful day for everybody. Plus...we had a great lunch eating free-range chicken and duck meat! SARAP....
Day 2 - Field Trips!
Day 2: Field Trip in Free-range Chicken Farms & Slaughter House! We didn't see that much, as farmers are raising only few birds. 200 the most. They are just starting on marketing dressed poultry meat. Free-range chicken farms are being monitored/check by Asvelis team. Great system! Headed by Dr. Patrice Gautier, Asvelis team are there to teach and guide farmers on how to grow properly and dressed hygienically the poultry products. Our visits is an experience for everybody. The international delegates and vietnamese visitors were divided into two groups. Most of the foreign nationals, including me, went to Bac Giang distric, a two hours and half drive from Hanoi. Most of the Vietnamese went to the other farm tour that requires travel time of four hours one way :) But indeed, both farm tours worth the visits! Congrats again to the efforts on organization of the Asvelis team!
Day 3 - Round Table Forum
Me presenting the Pamora Farm Free-range Chicken 10 Years operation :)
I was asked by Dr. Gautier to make a power point presentation regarding our Pamora Farm 10 years free-range chicken operation. About the challenges, and how we deal with those, as well as the evolution of our production/business.
I did it! I may say, I'm proud of myself. Though before that day and the time of my presentation to the international delegates, I texted my husband and I told him how nervous I am! He simply said to me, "You know you can do it". And yes, I did it!
I was able to share to Vietnamese people our experience and somehow I guess I inspired them with how far we are now :) Great feeling!
Once again, thank you Vietnam!
I hope to visit again Hanoi, soon... :)
