Author: Ma. Cecilia Irang-Mariano and Terese Ann E. Parero

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center National Headquarters and Gene Pool (DA-PCCNHQGP) has once again proven its commitment to excellence by successfully passing external audits on three management system standards.

The two-day audit, conducted by Worldwide Quality Assurance (WQA) on April 3-4, validated the agency’s adherence to customer requirements, legal obligations, and other requirements (LOR) in line with three management system standards: the Quality Management System (QMS) – ISO 9001, Environmental Management System (EMS) – ISO 14001, and Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) – ISO 45001 standards.

The agency’s consistent dedication to these standards is evident as it embarks on its 8th certification cycle for QMS and 5th cycle for both EMS and OHSMS. Each certification cycle spans three years, underscoring the agency’s sustained commitment to excellence without encountering Major Nonconformities during its annual audits.

The audit team also recognized the cooperation and strong commitment of the top management and key personnel in continuously improving the effectiveness and integrity of its management systems.

Minda Diloy, DA-PCC’s Integrated Management Representative, expressed her gratitude to the auditees and PCCeans for their unwavering dedication and contributions towards securing DA-PCCNHQGP’s recertification during her final audit year before retirement.

Dr. Liza Battad, executive director of DA-PCC, affirmed the agency’s resolve to address all observations and recommendations highlighted by the WQA. She emphasized DA-PCC’s determination to exceed expectations and continuously improve its operations.

The successful recertification underscores DA-PCC’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in its management systems, ensuring high standards of quality, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety across its operations.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) facilitated the Adopt-a-School Feeding Program for 145 pupils of Villa Santos Elementary School in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, today, April 2, 2024.

This activity is in support of the Batang Villa Santos Busog Lusog Feeding Program and is also part of the Women’s Month celebration.

Jeffrey E. Banawe, the school head, expressed his gratitude for selecting their school as the beneficiary of the feeding program, emphasizing its significance in ensuring the children’s well-being.

“Napaka swerte namin dahil kahit napakalayo namin sa city proper ay meron pa ring mga agency na lumalapit sa amin para tulungan at ibigay ‘yong tamang programa para itaguyod ang kalusugan ng mga bata. Maraming salamat po at napili ang aming eskwelahan sa mga ganitong programa,” Banawe said.

Students also conveyed their appreciation to the DA-PCC at CLSU staff through letters, expressing gratitude for the chocolate milk and bread they received. Each elementary student was provided with one chocolate milk and two breads.

The event was facilitated by Mildred T. Ramos, GAD focal person, Christine Helen M. Adriano, head of Procurement, Training, and Information Unit, along with the staff of DA-PCC at CLSU.

Mayor Michelle N. Rabat of Mati City made strides in boosting the city’s agriculture sector by meeting with Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., along with other key DA officials on April 1. Officials of the city of Mati presented their agro-industry revolution, with a particular focus on the city’s plans for advancing its carabao industry.

During the meeting, one of the topics discussed by Mayor Rabat was the city’s future endeavors and collaborations with government agencies aimed at enhancing the Carabao Development Program. These initiatives include establishing an institutional herd, intensifying breeding services, and producing high-quality products.

In addition, DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor B. Savellano took note of the city’s plans, acknowledging and supporting their strategies for their multi-sectoral benefits.

“Our city has gone from zero milk production to hundreds of liters, which signals a significant boost for our local dairy industry. We take pride in announcing that our carabao farmers are now venturing into dairy enterprise, poised to supply milk worth Php3 million to the Department of Education’s milk feeding program this year,” stated City Agriculturist Romelle Avance during an interview.

Since the inception of ALAB-Karbawan in Mati City, Mayor Rabat has been a proactive advocate for its implementation. This program has been beneficial to DA-PCC at University of Southern Mindanao’s assisted carabao keepers.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mindanao Livestock Production Center (DA-PCC at MLPC) led the soft opening of the Dairy Box on April 1, 2024. This marks the inauguration of the first-ever outlet dedicated to locally produced dairy products in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders including the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA), Ipil Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ICMC), and Local Government Unit of Ipil (LGU-Ipil) have made this venture possible.

Masdi A. Hasim, chairperson of the ICMC, expressed gratitude to local government officials for their support in providing the necessary land for the construction of Dairy Box. He emphasized the collective effort involved and acknowledged the contributions of different national agencies.

DA-PCC at MLPC Center Director Dr. Cecelio C. Velez, during the program, elaborated on the project’s rationale and highlighted its potential to boost farmers’ incomes significantly. The local government provided manpower for the outlet’s operations, building, and land, while the DA-PCC at MLPC provided dairy buffaloes, equipment, and structural enhancements to align with the Dairy Box’s design.

The Dairy Box serves as a platform for smallholder farmers to sell their products and improve their incomes. Charry de Tomas, Officer-in-charge of ICMC, will oversee outlet management, which offers a range of locally produced products such as flavored milk, fresh milk, soft serve ice cream, baked goods, and other nutritious products.

Other attendees at the event included, Jennifer A. Pidor, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Zamboanga Sibugay provincial S&T director; Rodolfo Mabalot from the Department of Trade and Industry IX (DTI), Jessie G. Patcho, PCA senior agriculturist; Nursalim L. Simpal, CDA Cooperative Development Specialist II; Serafin A. Ramos, SB Chairperson on Cooperative; Catherine M. Toralba of Sangguniang Bayan, ICMC Board of Directors and members and DA-PCC staff.

This initiative is part of the Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP), funded by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar. The project’s overarching goal is to augment farmers’ incomes, provide employment opportunities for local dairy farmers and cooperatives, and bolster the region’s dairy industry.

The launch of the fourth Dairy Box in the region, which promises a better future for local dairy farmers and communities, is welcomed by Ipil as a step toward sustainable agricultural development and economic prosperity.

Maricris Arangel Alipio, a 47-year-old entrepreneur from Tenejero, Balanga, Bataan, is a strong advocate for dairy products.

She launched her business named “Roming’s Food Products and Trading” in 2018.

At her café located near Bataan Peninsula State University, she offers a variety of beverages, including milk tea, frappes, and lemonade. As a staunch supporter of dairying, she also promotes dairy products in this establishment, featuring chocolate milk and ice cream produced from carabao’s milk. She even personally supervises the processing and marketing of these products. The chocolate milk she offers is priced at just PHP15 for a 100 ml sachet.

Maricris was able to hone her skills through a series of learning events conducted by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC). In 2019, she received two buffaloes from DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU), which eventually produced milk. This has become a primary source for her chocolate milk production, which she distributes to school campuses and various sari-sari stores.

“Iyong anak noong natanggap kong kalabaw ay nakapagbibigay na rin ngayon ng gatas. Nakatutulong ito sa paggawa ko ng produkto na choco milk at ice cream,” Maricris narrated.

In 2019, she ventured into product development by creating her ice cream using carabao’s milk. She dedicated her time to extensive testing to guarantee the quality of her products. Currently, the ice cream is available in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Additionally, she plans to expand her flavor offerings to include cookies and cream and ube macapuno, with the macapuno being sourced directly from her farm to ensure a steady supply for this flavor. The ice cream is also available in six different sizes: 3.5 ounces, 8 ounces, 16 ounces, 1 liter, half a gallon, and 1 gallon.

Maricris described the process of developing her ice cream as challenging, particularly in achieving the desired thickness, creaminess, and flavor perfection. She also shared how difficult and tiring it is to achieve the desired thick consistency of the ice cream. Despite the obstacles, her unwavering dedication and perseverance have led to significant improvements. Maintaining a positive mindset drives her to continually refine the product for superior outcomes.

“Sa paggawa ng ice cream, dapat i-consider ang tamang sukat at tamang lasa pati ‘yong thickness at ‘yong creaminess. Mayroon lang akong isang ice cream machine na ginagamit sa ngayon,” she said.

However, in terms of financial viability, the income she generates sufficiently sustains her family and supplements her daily expenses. Additionally, she intends to broaden her market in the future to help her neighbors and women in her community generate income. She firmly believes that effective promotion and marketing will fuel further growth for her business.

Maricris said that they were open to many possibilities, expressing her interest in exploring the creation of pastillas delicacies to ensure that the knowledge acquired during training would be applied.

Maricris expressed openness to various opportunities, particularly mentioning her interest in exploring the development of pastillas delicacies as a way to apply the knowledge gained from training.

She mentioned contemplating the possibility of making pastillas in the future, but currently, she prefers to concentrate on her present endeavors. She also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the DA-PCC National Headquarters and DA-PCC at CLSU for allowing her to learn and grow. The training has equipped her with valuable skills to support unemployed individuals and others in need.

Twenty-six Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in Region 1 satisfactorily completed the month−long Basic Artificial Insemination Training conducted from February 19 to March 22, 2024, at the Department of Agriculture Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment Center (DA-INREC) in Brgy. Cali, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. They were recognized in a graduation ceremony held on March 25, 2024.

The training was conducted through the collaboration of the DA-Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), which provided funding and logistics support, and the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mariano Marcos State University (DA-PCC at MMSU), which provided technical expertise extended by seasoned AI technicians and top performing village-based AI technicians.

In her message, Karen F. Paningbatan, Regional Livestock Focal of DA-RFO I, emphasized the responsibilities awaiting the AEWs post-training. She highlighted the importance of collaborating rather than competing with private village-based AI technicians in their roles. Paningbatan urged them to work hand in hand and enhance the livestock upgrading efforts that only a handful of VBAITs are equipped to perform. She also challenged them to broaden their perspectives and make significant contributions towards advancing the livestock sector within their provinces.

Joel Cabading, OIC Center Director of DA-PCC at MMSU, marked the training as a significant milestone in the careers of the attendees and encouraged them to apply their new knowledge within their local government units, despite the limitations they might encounter. He stressed the importance of continuing the partnership between the DA RFO I and the DA-PCC at MMSU to bridge training gaps, particularly the immediate provision of AI paraphernalia to the trainees. Cabading also committed to supporting future collaborations that could position the Dingras Breeding Station as a model training center in this part of the region.

The training participants included Livestock Inspectors (LIs), Provincial Artificial Insemination Coordinators (PAIC), Municipal Agriculturists (MA), and other DA RFO I staff.

Earlier this month, three female buffaloes were transferred to the DA RFO I from the DA-PCC at MMSU to be used as training animals and for other purposes.

The participants expressed their gratitude to both the DA RFO I and the DA-PCC at MMSU for coming up with this training, signifying their commitment to perform for the betterment of the livestock industry in their municipalities.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Ubay Stock Farm (DA-PCC at USF) conducted a two-day seminar on Dairy Buffalo Production (DBP) to the members of the KALIPI Dairy Producers Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association of Barangays Burabod and Matagangtang, Placer, Masbate.

The event was held at the training center of the town as part of the capability-building activities for the group last March 19-22, which was hosted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Region V.

Focused on equipping the SLP beneficiaries with carapreneurship, the seminar covered topics on Understanding the Potential of DBP, Milking the Buffalo Cow, Milk Quality Test, Milk-based Enterprise, Breeding Management, Forage Development, Feed Conservation, Animal Feeds and Feeding Management, Animal Health and Maintenance, and Dairy Animal Nutrition. Following the lectures, the beneficiaries were exposed to an actual milking demonstration at Pastor Eric Nugas’ dairy farm.

Guillerma Abay-abay, carabao-based enterprise development (CBED) coordinator of DA-PCC at USF, who was one of the resource persons, said the office is grateful that the association chose dairying as their SLP project.

“Moreover, after our discussions with DSWD-Region V, we are thankful for their eagerness to establish a strong partnership with DA-PCC after they requested us to submit a commitment letter for other potential carabao-related SLP projects,” Abay-abay added.

Dr. Bernard Bacule, CBED-Genetic Improvement Program (CBED-GIP) In-charge of DA-PCC at USF was also one of the lecturers during the seminar.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Asingan, under the leadership of Mayor Carlos F. Lopez Jr., rallies behind the Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BSNMPC) as it gears up to host the first-ever Carabao Meat and Milk Festival in the Philippines.

Scheduled to take place from April 19 to 21 in Bantog, Asingan, Pangasinan, this event aims to showcase opportunities anchored on the carabao industry.

Mayor Lopez expressed his support and provided invaluable insights to ensure the success of BSNMPC’s initiative. He emphasized the importance of highlighting the potential and significance of the carabao industry, not just locally but on a broader scale.

The much-anticipated three-day festival will include an array of engaging activities such as a motorcade and program to recognize co-op partner agencies, a drum and lyre exhibition, competitions such as carabao dress-up and street dancing, and cooking with carabao meat as the main course and milk as the dessert, among others.

BSNMPC’s carabao-based products, including meat and dairy delicacies, will be featured in booths throughout the festival grounds. Additionally, products from co-ops assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will also be showcased to highlight the collaborative efforts in promoting local products and sustainable livelihoods.

The LGU-Asingan offers support in event planning, communication, and guest invitations, provision of two trucks for the motorcade, and ensuring peace and order through the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Mayor Lopez’s personal commitment to the cooperative’s endeavors is evident in his proactive backing of its carabao business initiatives. Aside from his support for the upcoming festival, he has also initiated turning the carabao farms of the co-op members into tourist attractions, as this helps boost their livelihood and promote their products.

Recognizing the significance of the carabao, LGU-Asingan has prioritized it as a key commodity, as evidenced by their funding of the LGU-led Milk Feeding Program. They continue to steadfastly support related initiatives of assisted cooperatives like BSNMPC within the municipality.

With such valuable contributions to the Carabao Development Program implementation of the DA-PCC at DMMMSU, the LGU-Asingan received an award from the DA-PCC during the Luzon Cluster anniversary celebration at the CLSU gymnasium earlier this month.

The DA-PCC took this as an opportunity to extend its gratitude by recognizing its partners and supporters to build a stronger bond and foster potential partnerships.

LGU-Asingan is a strong supporter of DA-PCC at DMMMSU in its program implementation, which helps in shaping the lives of carapreneurs.

Records show that a crossbred buffalo at the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) reached a yield of 20 kg and maintained a daily yield of over 15 kg at its peak for two months during its second trimester of lactation.

Said crossbred buffalo maintained an average daily milk yield of 12.9 kg during its last lactation.

This, according to the agency’s National Coordinator of the Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) Dr. Ester Flores, is a groundbreaking record showcasing the program’s success.

This remarkable achievement was accomplished by a crossbred buffalo identified as 7UP15001, which yielded a total of 3883.7 kg of milk over a 299-day lactation period— the highest milk yield ever recorded among female buffaloes in the agency’s institutional herds.

It now holds the highest 100 days-in-milk average daily milk production (16.6 kg) and the highest 200 days-in-milk average daily milk production (15.6 kg).

7UP15001 has surpassed the typical lactation period of 265 days observed in dairy buffaloes within DA-PCC herds, which typically ranges from 200 to 369 days. Moreover, its milk production exceeds the 4.5 kg and 10 kg average milk yield per day per lactation for dairy buffalo and dairy cattle, respectively, during a 305-day lactation period under Philippine conditions.

This crossbred stands as a testament to the concerted efforts of DA-PCC’s GIP, specifically focused on backcrossing to harness the genetic potential of carabaos for enhanced milk and meat production. Born on January 6, 2015, at DA-PCC’s institutional herd at the University of Los Baños (DA-PCC at UPLB), this buffalo boasts a genetic composition of 87.5% Bulgarian Murrah and 12.5% swamp buffalo.

“7UP15001 is the result of our strategic backcrossing initiatives aimed at augmenting the population of dairy buffaloes in the Philippines while enhancing genetic selection to produce superior offspring,” Dr. Flores emphasized.

Backcrossing approach involves mating purebred riverine buffaloes with native swamp buffaloes (carabaos). The resulting offspring—crossbred carabaos—are bigger, meatier, and produce more milk than native carabaos, which can only provide an average of one to two liters of milk a day.

Imported purebred (riverine) buffaloes were initially used as semen donors in artificial insemination of swamp buffaloes. The resulting offspring are called crossbred carabaos. The resulting offspring, which has 50 percent riverine blood and 50 percent swamp blood, is called the first filial generation (F1).

The second filial generation (F2) is produced by mating a purebred bull with an F1 cow. They will now have 75% riverine and 25% swamp offspring. After that, the F2 cow is mated to a purebred bull to produce offspring that have 87.5% riverine and 12.5% swamp blood, leading to the third filial generation (F3). Mating a F3 cow to a purebred bull produces the fourth filial generation (F4), which has 93.75 percent riverine blood and 6.25% swamp blood. It is worthy to note that the DA-PCC’s backcrossing program follows a protocol of a no-father-daughter mating to avoid inbreeding depression.

When Murrah buffalo and Philippine carabao are crossed (mated), the resulting first generation crossbreeds grow up to 70%–100% quicker and yield 200% more milk than their native parents without compromising draftability or reproduction. A further increase in milk yield has come from the ongoing backcrossing of crossbreds with purebred Murrah.

The financial situation of small-scale farming households is anticipated to greatly improve as a result of the additional revenue brought in by this increased productivity.

“We are producing animals that can adapt to the tropical climate with little input and resource requirements. Our goal is to provide our farmers with the finest dairy carabao genetics through breeding,” Dr. Flores continued.

The processes of selective breeding and genetic evaluation under Philippine conditions include the recording of pedigree and phenotype, maintenance of pedigree and performance database, genetic evaluation and progeny testing, cryobanking of frozen semen, and continuous backcrossing.

“Animals like 7UP15001 are the result of a long-term effort to produce better buffalo with higher productivity. It didn’t come over night; it’s a series of actions. We cannot implement it without the sacrifice of the institutional herds using the semen of young bulls, recording the production of females, and doing it again from generation to generation,” Dr. Flores said.

Dr. Jesus Rommel Herrera, supervising science research specialist of DA-PCC at UPLB, clarified that there was no special treatment in raising 7UP15001, the animal just like carries favourable genes for high milk production suitable in a tropical climate.

“Even if a female has the genetic potential to produce more milk, this will only occur under the right management and feeding conditions. Effective management begins at birth,” said Dr. Herrera.

Wide-scale upgrading to benefit more families is being carried out through the judicious use of artificial insemination (AI) and natural mating (via the DA-PCC’s Bull Entrustment Program) in key carabao development areas.

Currently, DA-PCC has 12 institutional herds across the country collaborating to achieve the agency’s noble mission to conserve, propagate, and promote the carabao as an important source of milk and meat, in addition to draft power and hide.