Author: Maximo Peralta Jr.

Members of the Surong Dairy Farm Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) have pledged their dedication to the Gatasang Kalabaw Kontra Kahirapan at Kagutuman (GK3K) project, following the completion of a four-day Buffalo Production and Management Training. The closing ceremony was held on February 14, 2025, at Balay Pavilion, Poblacion, Bani, Pangasinan.

“Pinapangako namin na pagbubutihan, pagsisikapan, at isasapuso namin ang pakikipagsapalaran sa larangan ng pagkakalabawan,” Rey Vica Tabalon, president of SLPA, committed.

Thirty members underwent a lecture series that aims to provide them with practical knowledge and skills to manage buffalo farming operations, increase productivity, ensure animal welfare, and maximize returns through sustainable practices in breeding, feeding, disease management, and milk handling.

With the beneficiaries’ commitment to their livelihood, DA-PCC at DMMMSU Center Chief Vilma Gagni promised to support them by providing five pregnant buffaloes and offering additional training and interventions as their livelihood progresses. She also hopes that the unity among the members will lead to the success of the project, serving as an inspiration to other farmers interested in the buffalo enterprise.

In addition, Municipal Councilor Ronaldo Catabay, expressed his appreciation for the sustainable livelihood the members have chosen to venture into. He congratulated the members, encouraged them to do their best for the project’s success, and assured them of LGU-Bani’s support.

“Asahan niyo ang aming suporta. Kung ano man ang inyong mga kailangan, lapitan niyo lang ang lokal na pamahalaan sapagka’t handa kaming tumulong sa proyektong ito sa ating bayan,” Councilor Catabay said.

Sheila Carlit, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer in Bani, envisions that the 1st District in Pangasinan will be able to produce dairy products, which will not only be recognized in Bani but in the whole province. She assured the members that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and DA-PCC would support and assist them.

“Magiging madali ito para sa inyo kapag isinasapuso niyo ang ibinigay na pangkabuhayan. Nasa inyong kamay kung paano niyo ito palalaguin at ipapanalo,” said Rozel Arig, PDO II of DSWD-SLP Region 1, to further encourage and motivate the members of the project.

The GK3K in Bani is one of the many projects of the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP) in Pangasinan that aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiaries through sustainable enterprises and boost the carabao and livestock industries.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mariano Marcos State University (DA-PCC at MMSU) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ilocos Norte signed an agreement on February 14, 2025, for a shared service facility on the buffalo milk development project to boost the production, processing, and marketing of buffalo milk.

Amelia E. Galvez, provincial director of DTI Ilocos Norte, shared that the project will provide essential support, including machinery for milk processing, packaging, and storage.

Joel F. Cabading, OIC-center director of DA-PCC at MMSU, underscored that this agreement could further help farmers to produce dairy products because of the convenience these machines give and also can foster sustainable production, given that dairy products are highly in demand in the local market.

This partnership underscores DTI and DA-PCC at MMSU’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, especially for carabao raisers and small-scale dairy producers.

DTI Ilocos Norte has provided equipment including two milking machines, two chest freezers, one upright refrigerator, and two stamping sealers.

DTI Ilocos Norte emphasized the role of collaborative projects in transforming the agricultural sector. This initiative is expected to strengthen the carabao milk value chain and benefit farmers, entrepreneurs, and the wider community.

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Aurora successfully held the first-ever Pista ng Kalabaw on February 13 at the Capitol Grounds, Brgy. Suklayin, Baler, Aurora.

The event served as a platform to highlight the importance of agriculture and the carabao industry in the province while raising awareness about the challenges faced by farmers. It also showcased carabao-based products and initiatives aimed at boosting local livelihoods.

Aurora Governor Reynante Tolentino reaffirmed the province’s commitment to supporting initiatives that benefit both farmers and the carabao industry.

Board Member Lordan Roxas, chairperson of the SP Committee on Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, underscored the essential role of carabaos in the agricultural sector. He expressed his hope for the continued growth of the carabao population, recognizing its benefit as a valuable source of nutritious milk that supports overall health of the Filipino people.

Dr. Eduardo Lapuz Jr., regional executive director of DA Region III, also emphasized the multifaceted contributions of carabaos to farming communities.

“Lubos po naming pinahahalagahan ang kalabaw dahil ito ay nagbibigay ng gatas, karne, at maaaring pagkunan ng kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka. Bukod dito, katuwang natin sila sa pagtatanim at pag-aani, kaya ang mga ganitong pagkilala sa kanilang sipag ay nararapat lamang na isagawa,” he said.

Dr. Ericson Dela Cruz, center director of the DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University, shared his vision for strengthening carapreneurship in Aurora and encouraged more locals to engage in carabao farming. He also introduced Cara Cuero, a genuine leather product made from carabao hide, as part of efforts to expand carabao-based enterprises.

A ceremonial turnover was also held, symbolizing the commitment to advancing the Carabao Development Program. Dr. Renato Reyes, president of Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), received the individual animal record from Dr. Kenneth Vir Magalong, head of the National Bull Farm.

Dr. Reyes further pledged ASCOT’s commitment to enhancing carabao farming and dairy production in Aurora.

“Bilang pangulo ng ASCOT, aming tutugunan ito bilang isang hamon at pangako. Kasama ang ASCOT, pagsusumikapan naming paramihin ang mga kalabaw upang mapakinabangan ng mga mamamayan ng Aurora,” he stated.

The Pista ng Kalabaw 2025 featured various activities, including a carabao parade, best-dressed carabao contest, best talent competition, best body conformation contest, carabao body painting, carabao photo contest, carabao meat cooking competition, and a best-upgraded carabao contest.

Dr. Apolinario Salazar Jr., head of DA-PCC at CLSU’s Training and Information Unit, served as one of the judges for the float competition. The event was also attended by PCC at CLSU unit heads and staff, along with local officials, farmers, and carabao industry stakeholders.

Dr. Liza Battad, DA-PCC executive director, talked about the global relevance of DA-PCC’s initiatives as one of the speakers at the Texas Farmers Union’s 123rd Annual Convention held on January 24-26, in Abilene, Texas.

In her address, Dr. Battad highlighted the DA-PCC’s mandate, programs, and services. She emphasized the agency’s efforts to advance the carabao industry through its flagship program—the Carabao Development Program (CDP), which plays a crucial role in improving food security and providing livelihood opportunities to farming families through carabao entrepreneurship.

“To this date, the DA-PCC is producing 50,000 genetically improved water buffaloes annually,” Dr. Battad shared. She underscored that these efforts contribute significantly to building the carabao herd, as the improved breed ensures better milk and meat production, ultimately uplifting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

The convention focused on key topics such as the Texas Farm Bill, Fairness to Farmers, and advancements in agricultural practices to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the sector. It also provided a platform for international knowledge exchange, which gave Dr. Battad a chance to share DA-PCC’s initiatives while gaining insights into innovative U.S. agricultural policies and practices.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU) and the Province of Bukidnon signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Carabao Development Program (CPD) on January 17, 2025, at Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The partnership aims to promote agricultural development by providing policy frameworks, public investments, support services for agricultural business enterprises, and technical assistance to livestock clients.

The Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), an Indigenous Peoples’ cooperative in Bukidnon, was identified as a conduit cooperative in the program’s implementation.

According to Dr. Lowell Paraguas, center director of DA-PCC at CMU, the center will take the lead in organizing learning events for farmers and business owners that will increase their competitiveness in the dairy industry and, as a result, improve the province’s local dairy industry.

“Hopefully, the expansion of this program will succeed through meaningful collaborations and strong partnerships that can reach other areas of Bukidnon,” Dr. Paraguas added.

Provincial Governor Rogelio Roque shared his message of support that the province and co-op will closely cooperate with local government units and other partners to ensure that the resources will be used to improve the livelihood of the community.

“The Provincial Government Unit of Bukidnon will share its available resources and support, creating collaborative opportunities in the implementation of the Carabao Development Program of DA-PCC, and providing assistance to all carabao owners,” Governor Roque said.

The MOA was signed by Dr. Paraguas and Gov. Roque, and witnessed by DA-PCC at CMU CBED Coordinator Dr. Elena Paraguas, and Acting Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Kharinine Escasinas.

More than 30 indigenous people (IP) farmers and their families in Mizpah, Talakag, Bukidnon, are set to benefit from an PHP8 million Carabao Development Program (CDP) project aimed at improving their livelihoods.

The initiative, which focuses on Carabao Herd Build-Up (CHBU), was formally introduced during an orientation session on January 15.

The DA-PCC at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU) is implementing the project in partnership with the Balugto Hope Agriculture Cooperative (BHAC), which serves as the conduit cooperative.

During the orientation, DA-PCC at CMU Center Director Dr. Lowell Paraguas outlined the benefits the farmers can expect from the program, including support in production, marketing, and extension services.

“We will continue to uphold our mandate for the benefit of the rural farmers, especially our indigenous brothers and sisters,” Dr. Paraguas said.
Dr. Elena Paraguas, DA-PCC at CMU’s Community-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) coordinator, highlighted the business opportunities in dairy farming.

“Do not settle for less. Your crossbreds are potential sources of milk. You can soon engage in the dairy business, which can give you more income,” she said.

Randy John Uy, chairperson of BHAC, gave the farmer-beneficiaries a heads-up on how they can fulfill all the requirements before the animals can be released to them.

“As members of the cooperative, our farmers will be prepared to take on the project and prosper in this new endeavor. The co-op will be supportive of them in this cause, and we will see them through until they succeed,” Uy assured.

Under the program, the farmers will undergo training in dairy buffalo production and management. A total of 100 crossbred carabaos will be entrusted to qualified farmers. These animals will serve as a source of milk for the Dairy Box-Talakag, a local dairy processing hub. Key BHAC officers, including Vice Chairperson Felipe Batistil and Board Director Napoleon Lancin, facilitated the workshops to prepare the farmers for their new roles as carapreneurs.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) marked another milestone with the inauguration of the 48th Dairy Box store in the country during a turnover ceremony held on December 19, 2024, in Barangay Pajo, Tabuelan, Cebu.

The newly established Dairy Box-Tabuelan is the fourth in Cebu and the first to be managed by the First Consolidated Cooperative Along Tañon Seaboards (FCCT). The facility aims to empower local dairy farmers by providing them with a dedicated marketplace for their products.

In her statement of purpose, Guillerma Abay-abay, carabao-based enterprise development (CBED) coordinator of DA-PCC at Ubay Stock Farm (DA-PCC at USF), highlighted the agency’s mandate to boost farmers’ income through carabao-based enterprises.

Estella Valiente, the Community-Based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) project focal person of DA-PCC, praised the cooperative’s governance system, emphasizing the importance of cooperativism, hard work, and the adoption of modern dairying technologies for a successful venture. She also acknowledged the significant funding support from Senator Cynthia Villar’s office, which made the project possible.

A message from DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., delivered by DA-PCC at USF Center Director Maria Dinah Loculan, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to agricultural excellence, innovation, and sustainable development. Secretary Laurel Jr. expressed his hope that the Dairy Box would expand market opportunities for local dairy farmers, enhancing their livelihoods.

In a video message, Senator Villar’s office emphasized the role of the Dairy Box in uplifting farmers by providing a platform to market their dairy products.

Magdaleno Bargamento, CEO of FCCT, expressed gratitude for the support from various agencies and stressed the cooperative members’ responsibility to ensure the facility’s success. “Kung dili nato ni ayuhon pagdumala, mahimo ra gyud ning box, without the dairy (If we will not manage it properly, it will only remain a box, without the dairy)”. It should be a complete dairy box where there are farmers, and we, the coop, as an enabler to connect their produce to the market,” he remarked.

Representing Mayor Raul Gerona, Municipal Agriculture Officer Antonio Luyao reaffirmed the local government unit’s commitment to support the project. He encouraged farmers to milk their carabaos, ensuring a steady supply for the ready market provided by the Dairy Box.

The Dairy Box initiative is one of DA-PCC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the local dairy sector and enhance the lives of smallholder farmers through sustainable enterprise development.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) inaugurated the second Dairy Box in Nueva Ecija and the ninth in Region 3 during a turnover and blessing ceremony held on December 20, 2024.
The facility, located in Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, was turned over to the Catalanacan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CAMPC).

In her welcome remarks, Estella Valiente, DA-PCC’s Community-Based Enterprise Development (CBIN) project focal person, highlighted that this marks the second Dairy Box in Muñoz. She expressed her gratitude for the collective efforts behind the project and congratulated CAMPC for the milestone.

Dr. Ericson Dela Cruz, center director of the DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU), assured continued support for CAMPC. He acknowledged the funding assistance provided by Senator Cynthia Villar’s office, which was crucial in bringing the project to fruition.

Dr. Jerry Rigos, city agriculturist of Muñoz, praised CAMPC for its resilience as the city’s last remaining cooperative. He emphasized the cooperative’s role as a model organization and pledged his ongoing support to its initiatives.

Meanwhile, DA-PCC Executive Director III Dr. Liza G. Battad, underscored the purpose and vision behind the Dairy Box project.

“Building a Dairy Box is just the beginning. The ultimate goal is for it to remain profitable and contribute to increasing the income of CAMPC members and the 50 other Dairy Boxes nationwide. This cooperative has shown dedication and hard work, proving the power of trust and collaboration despite challenges,” she said.

Dr. Edwin Atabay, OIC Deputy Executive Director of DA-PCC, lauded the partnership between DA-PCC at CLSU and CAMPC, while extending gratitude to Dr. Battad and the DA-PCC engineering team for ensuring the project’s success.

A video message from Senator Villar’s office emphasized the Dairy Box’s critical role in improving farmers’ livelihoods by providing opportunities to market their dairy products.

Dr. Cyril Baltazar of the National Dairy Business Hub of DA-PCC, representing DA-PCC at CLSU, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the carabao industry and ensuring the Dairy Box’s successful operation.

CAMPC Chairperson Rudy Say expressed gratitude for the support from various agencies and vowed to effectively manage the Dairy Box.

“We are aware of the challenges, but we promise to give our best to make this project successful,” he said.

The Dairy Box initiative is part of DA-PCC’s efforts to strengthen the local dairy sector and improve the lives of smallholder farmers through sustainable enterprise development.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) successfully conducted a turnover ceremony and blessing of the Dairy Box for the Lubao Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Cooperative in Brgy. Sto. Tomas, Lubao, Pampanga on December 12, 2024.

Lubao Mayor Esmeralda Pineda commended the simple packaging of the products and the freshness and nutritional value of the buffalo’s milk. She expressed her gratitude for the turnover of the Dairy Box, thanking the DA-PCC at CLSU team for their efforts and Sen. Cynthia Villar for spearheading the initiative. Mayor Pineda also expressed her hope that the cooperative will maintain the operation of the Dairy Box.

She added that the Dairy Box is more than just a store, it symbolizes a commitment to providing nutritious food, where it helps deliver fresh milk and sustenance to those in need, particularly in Lubao.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ericson Dela Cruz, center director of DA-PCC at CLSU, highlighted that Lubao, Pampanga, has the only Dairy Box equipped with an automatic rolling gate. He also acknowledged the support of the Municipal Mayor to the farmers of LFFAC in establishing the shed for the carabao.

Gil David, livestock program coordinator, representing Regional Executive Director Eduardo Lapuz, Jr., congratulated all the members of the LFFAC on their new Dairy Box. He also commended Hon. Pineda’s efforts, emphasizing that the cooperative is deserving of this project as it will contribute to their income growth.

Dr. Jasmin Santos-Manlutac, Pampanga’s provincial veterinarian, expressed her gratitude for the establishment of the Dairy Box in Pampanga, located in Lubao. She also extended her thanks to everyone involved in its successful construction, enabling customers to access a variety of dairy products made from carabao’s milk.

A ceremonial milk toast and a symbolic act of unity was also held as a commitment to advancing the carabao industry.

Lubao Vice Mayor Jay Montemayor expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices, dedication, and hard work of everyone who contributed to the successful turnover of the Dairy Box.