Author: Wilmar Lamadora and Briendo Amor Ayon

The 8th Bohol Dairy Festival, held at the town of San Miguel in Bohol on July 17, 2024, highlighted the essence of agricultural innovation with the theme “Malungtarong Panggatasan, Malahutayong Panginabuhian” (Sustainable Dairy, Sustainable Livelihood).

The town was chosen as the venue for this year’s celebration because of the visible growth of the dairy industry, which contributes to regional development.

The First Consolidated Cooperative Along Tanon Seaboards-San Miguel branch is the recipient of the PHP40-million silage production and marketing enterprise from the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), a project that aims to enhance farmers’ and industry players’ access to a strategic network of infrastructure, market information, and support services.

The festival featured the good practice of the local government of San Miguel for the annual provision of milk supplies to every pregnant woman. Diverse dairy products and technologies for animal disease prevention tools were also showcased.

Dr. Maria Dinah Loculan, center director of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Ubay Stcok Farm (DA-PCC at USF), led a milk toast ceremony, symbolizing unity among the stakeholders and hope for an abundant flow of milk in the province.

Other dairy developments in Bohol, which were presented by Dr. Caro B. Salces, deputy executive director of DA-PCC, are the establishment of the Dairy Box-Tubigon, the Dairy Processing Plant with Retort Facility in Ubay, and the soon-to-rise Dairy Box in Candijay.

Other highlights include recognition of winners for best dressed carabao; awarding of the top 3 farmers who have the highest milk production for fiscal year 2023 in Bohol; signing of a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a community-based feedmill in San Miguel; distribution of production support equipment and supplies from PLGU Bohol and NDA; graduation of participants who completed the Basic Dairy Husbandry for Cattle conducted by ATI and NDA Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan (CFIDP); and learning sessions on the effects and impact of El Niño and entrepreneurial mind-setting for dairy farmers.

“This festival might be a great opportunity for us farmers and aspiring ones to learn about new technologies and advancements and improve our farming practices,” said Nestor Lozada, a local dairy farmer.

Dr. Stella Marie D. Lapiz, provincial veterinarian, shared the milestones of the Bohol Dairy Development Program, where attending dairy farmers were inspired to be part of the growing dairy industry in the province.
Dr. Lapiz emphasized that the dairy industry boosted the local economy of Bohol by generating more jobs and providing a sustainable livelihood.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) for the cooperative ‘Dairy Mentors’ development program under the CAFE-Dairy Project at the Office of the President, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, on July 17, 2024.

The CAFE-DAIRY stands for Cooperative Assistance and Farm Extension to Develop Agri-Enterprises of Indigenous Peoples and Rural Youth Project. This project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (GIZ), aims to promote peace through agriculture development using the value chain approach in the dairy and coffee industries in regions 9 and 10 to benefit 1,800 farmers, including indigenous people, women, and youth.

Moreover, this project is part of “Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace Development Agendas in Mindanao” (SPADe) as part of a broader program of the Mindanao Peace and Development Program (MinPAD RISE).

Dr. Lowell Paraguas, center director of DA-PCC at CMU, conveyed his appreciation and pledged to share the Center’s resources and technologies as well as to offer accessible channels for the advancement of carabao-related services.

“As part of the dairy industry, we commit to do our part as stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement to utilize our expertise and best practices in dairy production along with the value chain that could further enhance the knowledge of our target assisted dairy farmers,” Dr. Paraguas expressed.
Select dairy farmers from Paglaum Multipurpose Cooperative of Misamis Occidental and Oro Integrated Cooperative of Misamis Oriental will undergo an 8-month ‘Dairy Mentors’ capability building from July 2024 to March 2025.

Furthermore, CAFÉ DAIRY NATCCO project manager Alejandro Almendral shared the outcome of this “Dairy Mentor” project.

“As a step toward this direction, the partner cooperatives will develop their dairy technicians or mentors and dairy learning farms that can serve their nearby dairy farmers and members,” Almendral said.

The MOA was signed by Dr. Paraguas, Central Mindanao University President Dr. Rolito Eballe, NATCCO Chief Executive Officer Engr. Sylvia Paraguya, NDA-Department Manager Jester John Jadap, witnessed by DA-PCC at CMU CBED Coordinator Dr. Elena Paraguas, Dean of CMU College of Agriculture Dr. Judith Intong, Project Manager NATCCO Alejandro Almendral, and Department Chairperson of Animal Science of CMU College of Agriculture Ana Celina Soriano.

“The secret in life is diligence and skills. You are our hope to improve our agriculture industry, and I’m here to teach small farmers to make their lives better,” said Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, during the opening program of the Training on Dairy Buffalo Production and Management at the Villar SIPAG Farm School, Bacoor, Cavite, held on July 16, 2024.

Sen. Villar highlighted her concerns about locally produced milk at 1%, and dependence on the 99% imported milk supply. This not only affects local enterprises and agricultural sustainability but also malnutrition among Filipino children.

She emphasized that through the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB Karbawan) project, carapreneurs will be equipped to boost locally produced carabao milk.

Moreover, the project will support carapreneurs who will serve as milk suppliers for the Department of Education- (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-led milk feeding program under RA 11037, also known as the “Masustansiyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act,” addressing national concerns on malnutrition and sustainability.

The ALAB Karbawan project, which was inspired by models from India and Pagadian City, was officially launched in 2019 to boost carabao-based enterprises in the country, aiming to provide additional income and generate livelihood opportunities for farmers (as carapreneurs) through the province-wide Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) and Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP). Through the years, the project has been implemented across 61 provinces.

This initiative is under the leadership of Senator Villar and is funded by the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON, and the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority. The training is a joint effort of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (DA-PCC at UPLB), together with DA-ATI CALABARZON, Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) Farm School, and DA-PCA, aimed at equipping and empowering farmers with essential skills and knowledge in dairy buffalo management and production practices, including nutrition and animal health management practices. As part of the training program, the farmer-trainees will visit The Rosario Livestock and Agriculture Farming Cooperative (TRLAFCO), recognized as the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines Outstanding Livestock Cooperative 2024 and Outstanding Dairy Buffalo Farmer Cooperative for two consecutive years during the National Carabao Conference, to gain insights from seasoned players in the local dairy industry.

Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, expressed his gratitude to Sen. Villar, whom he described as a maternal figure, for her unwavering support of all the agencies that are collaborating to capacitate carapreneurs towards achieving the goal of a prosperous and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, DA-ATI CALABARZON Training Center Superintendent II, encouraged and inspired farmers to apply their knowledge and practices in dairy buffalo production and management in their respective provinces. Participating in the three-day training are 25 farmers beneficiaries of the CCDP from Quezon, Aklan, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Biliran, Samar, Leyte, Zamboaga Sibugay, and South Cotabato.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) has been recognized as an “Outstanding Development Partner” by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 for the successful implementation of the Carabao-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) program in Central Luzon.

The awarding ceremony took place today during the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) celebration at The Orchid Gardens in San Fernando City, Pampanga. The recognition highlighted DA-PCC’s significant contribution to providing market access for MSMEs through the CBED program.

The CBED is one of the major components of DA-PCC’s Carabao Development Program (CDP). It showcases carabao-based livelihood opportunities designed to address the continuing concerns of poverty alleviation, nutritional improvement, and farmers’ empowerment.

One of the criteria for the award states that the program must have verifiable and significant results and must be self-sustaining. This matched the mission of the CDP—to promote the economic benefits that the carabaos offer: incomes from milk, meat, and hide. Milk, in particular, contributes significantly to the improvement of the nutritional status of farming families and, at the same time, creates a ready market for the growth of carabao-based dairy enterprises.

DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad, who accepted the award, expressed her felicitations to the National Dairy Business Hub of DA-PCC, led by Dr. Cyril Baltazar.

“#TatakPCC: NIZ Value Creating Industry Partnership in Nueva Ecija. Big Congratulations! You are making us proud! Let us continue being changemakers for carapreneurship,” she stated.

The agency is also a regional nominee for the 2024 Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners.

Meanwhile, the Simula ng Panibagong Bukas Multipurpose Cooperative, one of the assisted co-ops of DA-PCC, was also recognized as among the Outstanding MSMEs in the region for its outstanding efforts to meet challenging standards of excellence and for consistently showing its commitment for growth, competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability in the country.to

The Integrated Farmers’ Cooperative (IFC), a co-op assisted by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU) is ready to start its venture on carapreneurship after completing the Buffalo Production Management Training held at DA-PCC at CSU National Swamp Buffalo Gene Pool and Dairy Buffalo Farm in Baung, Piat, Cagayan yesterday, July 12, 2024.

The activity is the final course that prepares the participants to become responsible carapreneurs. It is a part of the Carabao-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) program, one of the flagship programs of the DA-PCC that aims to support farmers, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of carabao-based enterprises.

The training provided IFC members with comprehensive knowledge in herd health management, disease control, and prevention.

The participants were also taught the basics of record keeping for them to effectively utilize their new skills and knowledge in dairying, which is considered the co-op’s main economic activity.

Romulo A. Salas, DA-PCC at CSU’s CBED coordinator, shared his insights about the commonly addressed issues regarding dairy buffalo and calf management such as proper feeding and care, government regulations, and rearing.

Dr. Aileen Bulusan, DA-PCC at CSU’s center veterinarian, discussed animal health concerns, sanitation, and the diseases that the animals may contract.

“It is important to know how to prevent our animals from contracting diseases. Just like humans, if they are ill or need medical attention, it is best to administer them with first aid and immediately inform our veterinarians,” Dr. Bulusan said.

Francis Harold Lumaban, a member of IFC, also shared his insights.
“My grandfather was a recipient of a crossbred buffalo, and he practiced dairying. Seeing its viability inspired me to seek better opportunities for my family. I am satisfied that we have learned about new technologies, proper management of carabao-based enterprises, and most of all, the provision of the best healthcare for our buffaloes that will surely improve the quality of our lives. Thank you, DA-PCC! I hope our next journey with you will be as fruitful. I am ready to be a carapreneur!” Lumaban ended.

Budding carapreneurs from the three cooperatives assisted by DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) in North Luzon gained know-how on animal nutrition and feeding technologies at the Cara-Aralan Farmers’ Field Day (FFD) held today at the DA-PCC at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU) National Swamp Buffalo Gene Pool and Dairy Buffalo Farm in Baung, Piat, Cagayan.

The participating cooperatives—Integrated Farmers Cooperative (IFC), Apayao Piat Agriculture Cooperative, and Pinoy Bagong Pag-asa Marketing Cooperative—are committed to achieving success in dairying.

The activity, organized by the Knowledge Management Division (KMD) of DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool (KMD-DA-PCC NHGP) in collaboration with DA-PCC at CSU, was designed to level up carapreneurs’ skills and knowledge to effectively implement new technologies to boost dairy productivity and income.

This event is a concise version of the Farmer Field School, a people-oriented learning approach developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application.

Dr. Daniel Aquino, former center director of DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU), provided technical insights on ensiling and proper animal feeding procedures to maintain their health and fitness.

Following the lecture, the KMD introduced the latest innovations developed by the DA-PCC to support carapreneurs. Participants engaged in hands-on activities where they learned the proper processes for ensiling, storing, and producing optimal carabao feed using DA-PCC’s innovative products.

Technologies such as Blockmate and Buro Booster were presented by Dr. Phoebe Llantada and Charity Castillo of the Production Systems and Nutrition Section.

“I am happy that we are having this great opportunity because the DA-PCC shared with us new and improved techniques. We have learned a lot, and this will surely help us improve our skills in dairying,” said Vilma Cabaddu, one of the participants.

Like Vilma, other participants expressed their enthusiasm for DA-PCC’s innovations, believing that attending learning events such as Cara-Aralan FFD will propel them forward in their carapreneurship journey.

Forty-eight identified farmers from the Lopez Raisers Dairy Cooperative were equipped and capacitated with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement the Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP) in Lopez, Quezon. The farmers underwent trainings on social preparation, dairy buffalo production, and milk processing at the Brgy. Hall Rosario, Lopez, Quezon, on July 8-9.

CCDP is a partnership project of DA-PCC and DA-Philippine Coconut Authority with its primary goal to provide additional income and generate livelihood opportunities to coconut farmers through carabao-based enterprises. This initiative is funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar.

Rebecca P. Tiama, municipal agriculturist of Lopez, Quezon, encouraged participants to maximize this learning opportunity. Additionally, Belen S. Ruiz, acting division chief I of PCA Quezon II, detailed the components of the CCDP project, highlighting the distribution of 60 carabaos and the establishment of a dairy processing facility to enhance livelihood opportunities for the beneficiaries.

Dr. Thelma A. Saludes, DA-PCC at UPLB center director, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting the beneficiaries by providing technical assistance and extension services.

The DA-PCC at UPLB training team included Director Saludes, Senior Science Research Specialist Engr. Jose C. Canaria, Science Research Analyst Reynald D. Amido, Regional Knowledge Manager Jeremie Marinella S. Ledesma, and Administrative Aide Richard A. Nepomuceno.

Carapreneurs or dairy carabao farmers in Nueva Ecija alongside staff members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform (CAFAR) participated today in the Cara-Aralan Farmers’ Field Day (FFD)—a technology showcase of DA-PCC’s innovative practices and research outputs for extension and advisory support.

The carapreneurs were invited to also participate in the “Senate CAFAR Consultation on Senate Bill 2558” held at the National Headquarters and Gene Pool of the DA-PCC, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

The CAFAR delegation was led by Senator Cynthia Villar’s chief of staff Atty. Rhaegie Tamaña and Atty. Philip Lina.

The Cara-Aralan Farmers’ Field Day, a learning event platform of the DA-PCC’s Knowledge Management Division, was designed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and technical skills. It showcased today various technologies aimed at boosting dairy productivity and income. Four key technologies currently implemented by the the DA-PCC in Nueva Ecija villages were highlighted for their potential to significantly improve dairy farming outcomes.

Mary Rose D. Uy, Senior Science Research Specialist and head of the Production Systems and Nutrition Section, led the demonstration. She first introduced the Enhanced Rice Straw technology (eRS). She said eRS supports better nutrition for carabaos. Enhanced feed quality is crucial for the health and productivity of dairy livestock, she added.

Edwin Gonzales, Science Research Specialist I, presented Buro Booster, a technology offering efficient solutions for food production. The Buro Booster helps farmers maximize feed efficiency, thereby improving the overall health of their livestock and boosting dairy production.

Psalm Joseph Lavarias, Science Research Analyst, explained the benefits of Blockmate, a nutrition block that provides essential nutrients to carabaos. This technology ensures the optimal growth and productivity of dairy animals, contributing to the sustainability of dairy farming operations.

Highlighting the techno-demo was the use of Agras T30 Drone developed by DJI. This agricultural drone can be used to effectively spray pesticides, fertilizers, and other crop treatments over large areas of farmland, demonstrating its practical application in Philippine agriculture.

The Cara-Aralan (FFD) is a concise version of the Farmer Field School, a people-oriented learning approach developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that emphasizes hands-on learning and practical application. It aims to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively implement new technologies.

The Masinloc Farmers’ Agriculture Cooperative (MFAC) received 18 pregnant dairy buffaloes under the Dairy Herd Buildup Program (DHBP) of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), facilitated through the initiative of Sen. Cynthia Villar. The ceremonial entrustment was held on June 28, 2024, at the Brgy. Sto. Rosario, Masinloc, Zambales.

Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, center director of DA-PCC at CLSU, beamed with pride as he announced the historic entrustment of the pregnant buffaloes to the MFAC farmers. He mentioned that these buffaloes will aid farmers in improving their livelihoods.

Engr. Noel Mirabel, speaking on behalf of Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Jeffry Nawen, shared invaluable insights on dairy buffalo production and management and highlighted the opportunity this program presents for farmers.

Dr. Caro B. Salces, deputy executive director of DA-PCC, emphasized the significance of supporting local produce, particularly products made from carabao’s meat and milk.

Engr. Sharlene Garcia representing Sen. Cynthia Villar, delivered Sen. Villar’s video message and emphasized the mission to achieve 100% of locally produced milk. The goal was to ensure that every child receives the nourishment necessary for them to grow strong, intelligent, and healthy.

“Ang mga kalabaw na ito ay dagdag sa naunang 40 head of dairy buffaloes na natanggap ninyo para sa inyong mga miyembro. Upang makamit ang layunin na mapataas ang local milk production ay dapat magkaroon ng tamang breed ng dairy animal, wastong pagpapakain, tamang kulungan, at tamang teknik ng paggagatas at processing nito para makarating sa ating mga kababayan,” Sen. Villar said in a video message.

In a subsequent video message, Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano underscored that the program exemplifies Sen. Villar’s unwavering commitment to improving farmers’ lives by providing essential support and facilities.

Hermenegildo Manglicmot, chairperson of MFAC, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the blessing their co-op received. He pledged to diligently care for the buffaloes and affirmed the cooperative’s commitment to sustaining such programs in the future.

The dairy buffaloes, raised and bred at the DA-PCC National Bull Farm, were carefully taken care of to ensure they were healthy and strong before being handed over to the farmers.