Author: France Joseph Pascual and Miguel Capariño

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) recently held the second phase of its #OhmAIKalabaw! (OMK!) Campaign in Capiz, bringing the benefits of artificial insemination (AI) technology directly to carabao farmers and technicians.

The campaign, which was conducted on October 29-30, 2024 reached communities in barangays Binuntucan, Pontevedra, and Mainit, Cuartero, aiming to increase farmers’ awareness on AI both as a reproductive technology tool for upgrading the breed of carabaos and a reliable income source for farmers and AI technicians.

Led by the Knowledge Management Division (KMD) and the DA-PCC at West Visayas State University (DA-PCC at WVSU), a total of 280 attendees from the said areas, consisting of carabao farmers, AI technicians, and carabao-based cooperatives, attended the campaign.

“Layon ng OMK!, isang kampanyang isinasagawa ng DA-Philippine Carabao Center, na palaganapin ang serbisyong AI sa buong bansa at pataasin ang populasyon ng mga kalabaw na may mataas na lahi,” DA-PCC OIC KMD Chief and OMK! Campaign Program Director Rowena Galang said. She added, “Sa paraang ito, tataas ang produksyon ng gatas sa bansa at lalago ang mga industriyang salig sa iba’t iba pang produkto na galing sa kalabaw.”

Dr. Edwin Atabay, DA-PCC’s OIC deputy executive director and national AI and Bull Entrustment program coordinator, shared insights on breeding practices to boost dairy production, while Dr. Myrtel Alcazar, officer-in-charge center director of DA-PCC at WVSU, highlighted best practices in increasing AI efficiency.

“Ang OMK! campaign ay nagsisimbolo ng commitment ng DA-PCC para i-professionalize ang AI as a viable source of income ng ating mga magkakalabaw sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalawig at pagpapaunlad ng lahi ng kalabaw,” DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad said as she graced the OMK! activation program in the Visayas cluster.

Additionally, Henry Tumlos, municipal mayor of Pontevedra, also shared the potential of the city to enhance its calf and milk production through AI.

In support of the campaign, Cuartero Mayor Tito Mayo also expressed, “Sa kampanya ng DA-PCC, malalaman ng mga tao rito sa Cuartero kung ano ang mga kahalagahan ng artificial insemination. Mawawala rin ang takot nila sa paggamit ng teknolohiya, tulad ng AI, sa pagpaparami ng kalabaw.”

The OMK! Campaign was first launched in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat last October 3. It is set to be launched in Luzon in the province of Isabela before year-end.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) marked Mental Health Awareness Month with activities promoting wellness and inclusivity on October 30, 2024, at its national headquarters in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

Organized by the Human Resource Management Section, headed by Cecilia C. Abo, and the Management Systems Audit Office, led by Alvin David, the event aimed to foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

The activity included classic Filipino childhood games like Patintero, Chinese Garter, and Touch Ball, bringing a sense of fun and connection while helping to reduce stress. These activities encouraged employees to unwind, reconnect with their playful side, and build stronger bonds with colleagues.

DA-PCC also hosted a Trick-or-Treat activity for employees and their children, who came dressed in their favorite costumes and enjoyed receiving candies and chocolates as treats.

Another activity conducted by DA-PCC was a Mental Health Bingo card game, where participants completed tasks beneficial for mental health. To win, all bingo tasks had to be finished for a “Black-out.” Eduardo Nastor Jr. and Ma. Cecilia Mariano emerged as winners by submitting their completed Blackout Bingo cards before the deadline.

These activities highlighted DA-PCC’s commitment to supporting mental wellness and creating a healthy work-life balance for employees and their families.

The Cara-Aralan Farmers’ Field Day (FFD) held on October 23 in San Juan, Siquijor, became a platform for DA-PCC at La Carlota Stock Farm (DA-PCC at LCSF)-assisted champion farmers to share their inspiring journeys in carapreneurship, under the theme “Kwento at Kwenta ng Tagumpay.”

Corazon Badie, a pioneering carapreneur from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, opened the session with a narrative on how dairy buffalo farming has become a lifeline for her family. She highlighted the transformative potential of dairy buffalo farming as a sustainable income source for rural families. Recounting her personal challenges, she expressed, “Life as a carapreneur is not easy, but my unwavering perseverance has shaped who I am today.”

Her success has been life-changing; she shared, “Through carabao farming and carabao milk, we now earn a minimum of PHP30,000 monthly, with twice-a-day milking—far more than the PHP150 we used to earn for a full day of work in the fields.” This additional income allowed her to support her family and send her children to school. Corazon encouraged fellow farmers to persevere, saying, “Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga.”

Following Corazon, Randy Florentino from Murcia, Negros Occidental, shared his expertise in sustainable dairy buffalo farming. Randy emphasized that “forage and feed production are essential to sustainable livestock management” and described how selecting the right plant species and effective feeding practices can enhance livestock health and productivity. He highlighted the use of silage, noting, “Silage production is not just about preserving fodder—it’s a strategic approach that improves buffalo nutrition, reduces costs, and fosters sustainability.”

Randy envisions his farm as a partner learning site in collaboration with the DA-PCC, aiming to inspire more farmers to become carapreneurs.

The event also featured engaging hands-on activities, allowing participants to learn dairy processing. Under the guidance of DA-PCC at LCSF Food Safety Compliance Officer Louie Jee Huelar, attendees learned how to make strawberry-flavored pastillas using carabao’s milk. This demo session equipped farmers with essential skills in milk processing and quality assessment.

The event drew over 100 farmers from Siquijor’s various municipalities, reflecting a growing commitment among Filipino carapreneurs to transform their livelihoods through sustainable carapreneurship.

Four research and development papers from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) were recognized during the 61st Scientific Meeting and Annual Convention of the Philippine Society of Animal Science (PSAS) held on October 22-25 at the Acacia Hotel in Davao City.

With the theme “Progressive and Food-secure for the Philippine Animal Industry,” this year’s convention highlighted the commitment to advancing the country’s animal farming sector while ensuring sustainable food production.

Over the four-day event, the best papers were recognized in different categories:
Maureen Gajeton’s study on the “Application of Microsatellite Multiplex Panels for Parentage Verification in Water Buffaloes and Cattle” was chosen as the best paper under the applied research category. The other authors of the study were Dr. Melinda Reyes, Maria Rica Yusi and Dr. Ester Flores.

Scientist II Dr. Eufrocina Atabay’s study bagged the best paper under the biotechnology category entitled “Improved A.I. Efficiency through an Ovarian Structure-based Controlled Breeding Program in Post-partum Water Buffaloes.” Her co-authors were Dr. Edwin Atabay, Dr. Carlito Dela Cruz, Dr. Excel Rio Maylem, Jhon Paul Apolinario, and Roseline Tadeo.

The research entitled “Application of Parentage Verification in Selected Cattle Farms in the Philippines,” authored by Millen Angeline Garcia, was awarded the best paper in the development category. Her co-authors included Yujiner Dela Cruz, Maureen Gajeton, Maria Rica Yusi, Melinda Reyes, and Dr. Ester Flores.

Finally, the study “Effectiveness of KBGAN Learning Videos on Improving the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Dairy Carapreneurs” was chosen as the best paper under the socioeconomics category presented and authored by Dr. Eric Palacpac. The other authors of the study were Ronaline Canute, Camille De Gracia, Rowena Galang, and Ma. Cecilia Mariano.

Meanwhile, select DA-PCC researchers were also recognized:
Dr. Peregrino Duran as 2024 COMPANIA J.M. INC. Distinguished Researcher in Animal Science Awardee; Dr. Lawrence Belotindos as 2024 PSAS-Vethealth Corporation Outstanding Young Professional in Animal Science Research Awardee; and Joel Cabading as 2024 PSAS-Superior Stock Farm Outstanding Young Professional in Animal Science Research Awardee.

The PSAS is a professional non-profit organization comprised of veterinarians, animal scientists, and practitioners in related fields across the country conducting research that is relevant to the developments in the field of animal science. Its annual scientific seminar and convention serve as a venue for knowledge-sharing through presentations of scientific papers and posters, as well as plenary sessions tackling issues and challenges confronting the industry.

Despite the heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Kristine, the DA –Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) conducted a ceremonial entrustment of 22 pregnant buffaloes, along with one calf, to the Mulawin Bata Irrigators Association, Inc. (MBIA) as part of the initiative facilitated by Sen. Cynthia A. Villar’s Dairy Herd Build-up Program (DHBP), on October 23, 2024, at Baliwag, Bulacan.

Elenita Hernandez from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Baliwag, Bulacan, expressed her joy that the farmers are finally receiving their buffaloes and thanked the DA-PCC at CLSU for entrusting the animals to them. She hopes the farmers will take full responsibility in rearing the buffaloes and that the association will greatly benefit from this initiative.

Dr. Reinalyn Quinaquin, Veterinarian I of the City Agriculture Office of Baliwag, Bulacan, emphasized that the Provincial Veterinary Office is ready to assist farmers in maintaining the health of the buffaloes. She added that the buffaloes will provide an additional source of income to support the farmers’ daily lives.

Rebecca Ruby Gabriel, head of the DA-PCC at CLSU Carabao-based Enterprise Development program, emphasized the importance of cooperation in her remarks.

“Sana maging maayos ang inyong pag-aalaga sa mga kalabaw dahil kung hindi sa kooperasyon ng Local Government Unit at DA-PCC at CLSU at sainyo na aming farmer partners ay hindi ito magiging matagumpay. Dito nagsisimula ang ating partnership at dito namin kayo masusubukan at ang inyong magiging responsibilidad ay ‘di dito natatapos dahil ito ay simula pa lamang,” she said.

In his response, Erwin Malacca, chairperson of the MBIA, expressed his gratitude to the DA-PCC at CLSU for the buffaloes they received. He acknowledged that the long wait was finally over and expressed his gratitude for the successful outcome. He also urged his fellow members to take excellent care of the buffaloes.

Also in attendance was John Christian Carreon, who represented Sen. Cynthia A. Villar. The event was also organized in collaboration with the City Government of Baliwag.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mariano Marcos State University (DA-PCC at MMSU) in partnership with the Suyo Multi Purpose Cooperative (SMPC) conducted a training workshop from October 14 to 18, 2024, focused on enhancing dairy farming skills among cooperative farmer members.

With the theme “Anan-Nuang: Comprehensive Training Program on Dairy Buffalo Production and Management for the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB) Karbawan Project,” this initiative aimed to equip farmers with essential knowledge and practical skills for effective carabao management, with support from DA-PCC at MMSU.

The workshop began with a three-day lecture series at the SMPC training hall, where participants learned best practices on dairy buffalo production and the fundamental principles of dairy farming.

Following the lectures, a two-day hands-on workshop provided farmers with invaluable practical experience in various areas such as carabao milking, silage preparation, forage planting, and milk quality testing.

Joel F. Cabading, OIC Center Director of the DA-PCC at MMSU, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the farmer members and the board of directors of SMPC for their commitment to the challenge of raising dairy buffaloes.

“Agkakadwa tayo nga mangpadakkel kadagitoy a dingwen, tulungan dakami tapno matulungan dakayo (We are all partners in nurturing these efforts),” he said.

He assured that the DA-PCC at MMSU would provide full support and assistance for the management of carabaos that will be entrusted to the farmer members.

ALAB Karbawan is funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform chaired by Sen. Cynthia A. Villar.

As a significant outcome of this training, 10 SMPC farmer members are set to receive buffaloes once the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is finalized between DA-PCC at MMSU and SMPC. This initiative not only enhances the skills of local farmers but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable dairy production in the region.

More than 90 farmers from different municipalities and cities in Bukidnon participated in the Cara-Aralan Farmers’ Field Day (FFD) on October 17 to advance their knowledge and skills in animal nutrition and feeding technologies.

The FFD, structured as a concise version of the Farmer Field School initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focused on equipping farmers with the skills to adopt innovative technologies aimed at increasing dairy productivity and profitability.

DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU) Agriculture Center Chief IV Dr. Lowell Paraguas welcomed the participants and expressed his appreciation to the Municipality of Don Carlos, Bukidnon, led by Mayor Ma. Victoria Pizarro, for its continued support of local farmers, particularly carapreneurs.

“An event like this provides a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and knowledge sharing, fostering innovation and collaboration within our agricultural community. The workshops and demonstrations you will participate in today are designed not only to elevate your skills but also to improve productivity and sustainability in our dairying practices,” Dr. Paraguas added.

Charity Castillo, Science Research Specialist I from the DA-PCC’s Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS), presented the topic on “Forage and Feed Production, Conservation, and Utilization.”

“Forage and feed production are critical components of sustainable livestock management and play a vital role in ensuring the health and productivity of animals. Effective forage production begins with selecting appropriate plant species suited to local climates and soil types, which can optimize nutritional value,” Catillo highlighted.

Dr. Phoebe Lyndia Llantada, Science Research Specialist II also from the DA-PCC’s PSNS, provided valuable insights into effective ensiling techniques and proper feeding practices to ensure the health and productivity of livestock.

“Silage making is not just a method of forage preservation; it is a strategic approach that enhances livestock nutrition, reduces costs, and supports sustainable agricultural practices,” Dr. Llantada said.

During the afternoon session, participants engaged in hands-on activities to learn about the latest innovations from DA-PCC. They explored techniques for ensiling, storing, and producing high-quality carabao feed using innovative technologies like Blockmate and Buro Booster, which were presented by Dr. Phoebe Llantada and Charity Castillo.

Elma Ormillo, one of the participants, expressed her appreciation to DA-PCC for sharing valuable practices and improved techniques in feeding and conservation of forage intended for large ruminants.

“On behalf of many attendees here, we wanted to take this opportunity to say “Daghang Salamat” to DA-PCC and LGU-Don Carlos for giving us this impactful training. As a farmer, I am excited to share the new knowledge I have gained with my fellow farmers in our barangay,” Ormillo happily shared.

The activity, held at the Tourism Hall, Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos Bukidnon, was organized by the DA-PCC’s Knowledge Management Division in collaboration with the DA-PCC at CMU and hosted by the Municipal Agriculture Office of Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

Research collaborators from various private and government agencies engaged in the livestock industry participated in a Consultative Meeting and Knowledge Sharing on Optimized Cryopreservation Protocols on Swine, Goat, and Cattle Semen at the National Livestock Cryobank facility of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) on October 14-16, 2024.

Led by the Cryobank Section and supported by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, the activity included hands-on training on basic semen cryopreservation techniques, frozen semen handling, and semen processing for farm application.

“I hope this engagement will entice more private agencies to use the livestock cryobank facility as a laboratory for applied research,” Executive Director Liza Battad said. She also added that it is high time to share the success of buffalo semen cryopreservation and expand its success to other livestock animals.

Dr. Edwin Atabay, OIC deputy executive director of DA-PCC, hoped that this kind of activity would promote cryopreservation as a potential technology to achieve sustainability and resiliency against climate change and disease threats.

“This training will serve as a foundation for many agencies to uphold and implement programs on animal genetics conservation in support of the animal production systems and to conduct animal research in academic settings by preserving quality genetics through cryopreservation,” Dr. Lilian Villamor, head of the Cryobank Unit, said.

With a hopeful vision for the future, she is optimistic that young researchers will learn this technology to conserve genetics using cryopreservation.

The three-day event featured lectures, practical demonstrations, and evaluations on boar and cattle semen cryopreservation. Participants also shared research on optimized cryopreservation protocols, underscoring the importance of quality genetics preservation.

A five-day course held from October 7-11, 2024, equipped laboratory staff of the Research and Development Division (RDD) and the Management Systems Audit Office with crucial auditing skills and foundational knowledge to support the agency’s pursuit of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, ensuring excellence and high-quality laboratory practices.

The ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is critical for laboratories due to several factors, including the demonstration of technical competence and the assurance of high-quality testing and calibration outcomes.

The five-day training program covered a range of topics including an appreciation course on Laboratory Quality Management Systems (Based on ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard), Effective Internal LQMS Auditing, and Measurement Uncertainty in the Laboratory.

During the Appreciation Course on LQMS training, the standards, such as confidentiality, impartiality, proficiency testing of laboratory personnel, and approval of signatories for laboratory results, were discussed. Effective internal LQMS auditing requires thorough planning, execution, and follow-up to ensure compliance with the standard’s requirements. ISO/IEC 17025 specifies the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

Measurement uncertainty in the laboratory refers to quantifying how much doubt or variation is associated with a measurement result. It provides a range within which the true value is expected to lie, considering possible errors and limitations in the measuring process. This concept ensures transparency and reliability when reporting scientific results.