Author: Marah Arquero

Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Scientist IV and chairperson of the Technical Working Group for the Formulation of the Regulatory Policy for Genetically Modified Animals and Animal By-Products, and concurrent officer-in-charge Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center, presented the drafting process “Joint Department Circular on GM Animals and By-Products” on August 14, 2024. The presentation took place during a workshop on the sidelines of the APEC High-Level Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Biotechnology (HLPDAB) in Trujillo, Peru.

The APEC HLPDAB serves as a platform for APEC economies to discuss and ensure the safety of agricultural biotechnology, communicate the benefits of these products to the public, and promote economic growth by facilitating the introduction of safe technologies within APEC economies.

Dr. Mingala was joined by the Philippine delegation comprising members from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Science and Technology.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) earned 2nd Best Technology Poster for the Buro Booster Silage Inoculant (BBSI) technology during the National Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (AIPF) at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga today.

The event is a major activity of the DOST PCAARRD-funded project under the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation Systems Enhancement (RAISE) Program titled “Project 1D: Enhancing the Intellectual Property Technology Business Management Office at the DA-PCC”.

Buro Booster was developed in 2020 by the DA-PCC’s Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS) team including Reynald Amido, Dr. Arnel Del Barrio, Phoebe Lyndia Llantada, Charity Castillo, and Mary Rose Uy-De Guia to feed ruminants quality silage. The inoculant is an additive to corn, sorghum, and grass silage, and contains lactic acid bacteria, which improves silage quality and minimizes spoilage.

The technology poster is an output of Zadieshar Sanchez, chief of the DA-PCC’s Planning and Information Management Division (PIMD) after attending the Technology Promotion Mentorship Series (TPMS) under the DOST-PCAARRD RAISE program together with Xyran Alejandro. It was laid out by Donna Rolyn Salenga of PIMD.

AIPF 2024 aimed to showcase the technological advancements and solutions in the agri-aqua and natural resources sector with the theme: “Transforming Ideas into Business Realities with Science and Technology.”
The said convention was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) in collaboration with the Association of Page Professionals (APP) and the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU).

A new Dairy Box store has opened in Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, offering a convenient stop for tourists visiting the nearby Tinuy-an Falls, known as the country’s widest waterfall.

Strategically located just 8 km from the famous “white water curtain” falls, the Dairy Box provides tourists with the opportunity to purchase carabao-based products as “pasalubong” on their way home.

This one-stop-shop, which will be managed by the Bislig Community and Government Employee Cooperative (BCGEMCO), not only offers nutritious dairy delicacies but also provides livelihood opportunities for Bislig City’s residents.

Dr. Lowell Paraguas, center director of the DA-PCC at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU), shared the project’s rationale during his opening remarks.

“The said facility was established as part of the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB) Karbawan project implemented by the DA-PCC and funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar,” shared Dr. Paraguas.
The Dairy Box is an infrastructure support for smallholder dairy farmers designed to provide them with an opportunity to gain access to the commercial market for greater income.

Dr. Caro Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

“We are thrilled to finally open our doors and share our passion for high-quality, locally sourced dairy products with the community. Our goal is to offer not just products but an experience that highlights the craftsmanship and care behind every item,” Dr. Salces said. He emphasized Dairy Box’s commitment to supporting local farmers and producers by ensuring that customers receive the freshest products while contributing to the local economy.

Attendees enjoyed complimentary samples of the store’s signature products, including the creamiest and fresh pasteurized carabao’s milk. This newly opened store offers a variety of milk-based products, including pastillas, fresh milk, white cheese, chocomilk, and mango- and ube-flavored milk drinks.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel showed his support for the project, noting that the province has allocated PHP500,000 for 2024 to support dairy farmers and Dairy Box operations.

“Dairy Box is a valuable addition to our province. It’s wonderful to see new businesses that support local agriculture and bring high-quality products to our residents. I fully support this initiative,” Rep. Pimentel affirmed.

The ceremony also featured the graduation of 17 farmer beneficiaries from the Farmer Livestock School on Dairy Buffalo Production (FLS-DBP). They received certificates along with two motorcycles, milk cans, milk processing and storage facilities, and 56 dairy buffaloes.

Present at the turnover ceremony were Provincial Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay, representatives from Senator Cynthia Villar’s office, and BCGEMCO Chairperson Edgardo Ochavillo.

For more information about this new Dairy Box store and its product offerings, visit its Facebook Page: Dairy Box-Bislig City or stop by the store at Sayre Highway, Core 1, Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The store is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rolly Mateo Sr., a farmer from Asingan, Pangasinan, earned PHP4 million in 2023 from his silage business, producing 609 tons of high-quality feed for carabaos.

Silage is a feedstuff produced by fermenting forage with a high moisture content (65%–70%). Silage has many advantages, including the preservation of nutrients and being less water-dependent. Some of the forages that can be processed for silage are corn, sorghum, and Napier grass.

Mateo Sr. started processing corn silage after he was trained by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU).

Recognizing the benefits of silage, Mateo Sr. started making corn silage for his carabaos.

In 2015, Mateo Sr. expanded his production and started commercializing corn silage. He began selling it at PHP3.75 per kilo, and prices now are PHP6 and PHP8 per kilo for distant areas, with one sack equating to 40 kilos. The quality of his silage drew clients from Batangas, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, and Quezon.

His success extends beyond his business because he helps fellow farmers in his community.

Since the required production per week covers 3-5 hectares, he had to ensure a steady corn supply so he gave corn seeds to willing local farmers.

“Binibigyan ko ng buto ng mais ang ilan sa mga kabarangay ko dahil wala rin akong malaking lupa. Kapag naani na, babayaran ko sila ng PHP100,000-PHP120,000. Malaki na iyon kumpara sa dati nilang kinikita na PHP70,000 kada ani,” Mateo Sr. shared.

He also employed 16 men to help him in his silage business and paid them PHP450 per day.

He reinvests his earnings into acquiring carabaos, now boasting a herd of around 100 head. Mateo Sr. used to work on someone else’s farm and was only taking home PHP5,000 every cropping season. In 2007, he was selected by DA-PCC at DMMMSU to be a recipient of a pregnant dairy carabao that changed the course of his life.

It was in 2019 when his dairy revenue peaked substantially until 2021, owing to daily sales of 40 to 50 liters of milk. His gross monthly income exceeded PHP100,000.

“Nakita ko na malaki pala ang silbi ng pagbuburo ng mais lalo na sa panahon ng tagtuyot, at kung tayo’y nakapag-imbak ng buro, mais man o kahit anong forage na pwedeng iburo, mayroon tayong ipapakain,” he shared.

Why should corn silage be a top choice for dairy farmers?
One of the most important practices in dairy buffalo management is the provision of sufficient and nutritious feedstuffs. However, feed resources are a challenge for farmers, especially during the summer season.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defined silage-making as one method of conserving animal feed when there is less feed available. Silage making keeps forage in good condition without lessening the nutritional value, provides high-quality feed during the dry period, and increases the palatability and digestibility of fodder crops,
among others.

To help dairy farmers address the problem of feeding, DA-PCC, through its Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS), is implementing training in the different regions of the country to introduce the benefits of silage. When it comes to choosing feed options for livestock, corn silage is a good choice.

The PSNS encouraged farmers why it’s an essential supplementary feed. Corn silage has high energy content because it is rich in starch which converts into soluble sugars during the fermentation period. Another benefit is its excellent fiber content that provides a good balance of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) that is more digestible compared to other kinds of silage. It is also highly palatable to ruminants. Its moisture keeps the rumen hydrated and stimulates the animals’ chewing activity. With regard to concerns about feed shortages, silage in general can be stored for extended periods without losing its nutritional value.

By incorporating corn silage in buffalo management, farmers can enhance the health and productivity of their livestock.

The Socio-economic and Environmental Research Section of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center recently conducted a two-day training on “Advanced Milk Handling, Testing, and Processing” for Aklan’s dairy community on July 30-31, 2024. The training aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in milk processing practices.

Attendees included staff from the Provincial Local Government Unit of Aklan and select members of the Nalook Farmers Association and Ginintuang Masaganang Tanim Farmers Consumers Cooperative, key partners in the Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP).

Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, RDD OIC chief, underscored the significance of product development.

“We should think about how to develop products using carabao’s milk and coconut milk to really emphasize the connection between the coconut and the carabao commodities,” he said.

The hands-on training covered milk handling, testing, and processing of kesong puti and choco milk, along with the processing of carabao’s meat products such as tapa and longganisa. Participants also engaged in a lakbay-aral, where they visited progressive carabao farmers and cooperatives in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.

This initiative aims to boost carabao’s milk production and enhance the market competitiveness of carabao-based products in Aklan.

Fourteen new artificial insemination (AI) technicians completed a one-month Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Water Buffaloes, organized by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU). The training took place at the DA-PCC National Bull Farm in Brgy. Joson, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija from June 25 to July 24, 2024.

The participants are from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, staff of DA-PCC at MMSU, and DA-PCC at CLSU.
During the first week of training, the trainees actively engaged in lecture discussions led by the agency’s experts. The second and third weeks focused on hands-on activities, including pregnancy diagnosis and AI gun insertion. Trainees also visited various barangays in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, to perform pregnancy diagnoses and artificial inseminations under the guidance of the DA-PCC at CLSU AI team. In the final week, the trainees completed practical and written exams.

The program also featured a testimony from Merck Jovan V. Apolonio, a village-based AI technician from Victoria, Tarlac, whose experience inspired and guided the trainees in their future endeavors.

Representing DA-PCC at CLSU Center Director Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, Rebecca Ruby Gabriel, carabao-based enterprise development (CBED) coordinator, emphasized the important role AI technicians play in enhancing buffalo breeds for superior quality.

Dr. Peregrino Duran, head of Research and Development, congratulated the new AI technicians, recognizing their readiness to serve and contribute to the advancement of the carabao industry.

Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, stressed the importance of dedication to serving farmers as the essence of the program.

“Itong 30 days na training ay sana pahalagahan ninyo, bukod sa skills sana ay nadebelop din ang inyong commitment. ‘Yong commitment sa ginagawa na ‘di lang ‘yong kikita tayo sa pag-AI kundi ‘yong makapag serbisyo lalo sa mga magsasaka kasi ‘yon ang essence ng programa. Sana pagdating natin sa ating mga lugar ay pagsumikapan nating makatulong sa mga magsasaka at sana patuloy nating pagtibayin ang ating programa,” Dr. Salces said.

Erwin Encarnacion, regional AI coordinator, announced the results and training completion, where the new AI technicians were given certificates and AI guns.

The top three best performers in PD were Rhommel Gamponia (93.24%), Aldrin Jay Pastor (91.78%), and January Abad (89.33%). Meanwhile, the top three in AI gun insertion were Manuel Dominguez (48 seconds), Arfil Imperial (53 seconds), and Ryan Francisco (1 minute, 5 seconds).

The new AI technicians were asked to make written promises, which were projected on the screen during the closing ceremony. A ceremonial toast with glasses of milk sealed the unity among the technicians and DA-PCC officials.

Aldrin Jay Pastor from DA-PCC at MMSU expressed that he has gained valuable insights from the training, which he can also share with his clients.
Meanwhile, Marcial Bautista from Bayambang, Pangasinan, expressed his gratitude for being part of the training and thanked the trainers for their guidance.

Jerome Castro from Mabalacat City, Pampanga, also expressed his appreciation to DA-PCC at CLSU for his new skills in AI and PD, assuring that all the knowledge he gained will be used to help and serve others.
To conclude the program, Emma V. Venturina, head of the National Bull Farm, praised the new AI technicians for their excellent work. She also expressed her gratitude to all the participants for supporting the program of DA-PCC at CLSU.

The 30-day training was facilitated by Christine Helen Adriano, regional training coordinator; and Calvin Kim Dioses, assistant training coordinator, along with the DA-PCC at CLSU staff, its AI team, and the National Bull Farm staff.

The Socio-economic and Environmental Research Section of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) conducted a three-day training on Extension and Advisory Services and Comprehensive Data Management. The activity, held at the DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool, took place from July 23 to 25, 2024, and aimed to equip newly hired staff and coordinators of Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup and Carabao-Based Enterprise Development.

DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad emphasized the importance of commitment in her opening remarks.

“Let us work on commitment as our core attitude. By the end of each day, we should be able to tap our shoulders and acknowledge that we made good use of our time. It is a simple gesture of our sincerest and true value of commitment to our clients,” she said.

DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro B. Salces also highlighted the significance of dedication to work, expressing hope that the participants would be blessed with the strength and wisdom to serve their clients effectively.

The training provided participants with essential knowledge, skills, and tools in data management, extension services, and rapid field exposure. This preparation aims to enhance their performance, facilitate effective community engagement, promote sustainable practices, and drive positive change in the carabao industry.

“Mapa-wow sa gatas ng kalabaw!”
The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) through the activity, Partners’ Visit and Participatory Dialogue on School-Based Feeding Program Implementation, flexed the success of its assisted individual farmers and cooperatives who participated in the national milk feeding program.

The activity aimed to provide experiential learning among the Department of Education’s (DepEd) implementers about local milk production, processing (pasteurization and sterilization), and proper milk handling.

Representatives from DepEd’s central office and Schools Division Offices (SDOs) witnessed the success of the programs, projects, and activities of DA-PCC in support of RA 11037, also known as the “Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act.”

The stories of the Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BSNMPC) in Asingan, Pangasinan; the Amancio Nicolas Agri-Tourism Academy (AATA) in Cordon, Isabela; and the Rosario Livestock Agricultural Farming Cooperative (TRLAFCO) in Rosario, Batangas, demonstrate that engaging in government-supported projects such as dairying is a crucial step towards establishing a stable and successful cooperative.

“This is not about DA-PCC. The success of the implementation is the product of the unity and convergence of each of us, as partners. Hence, let us outline plans and establish clear ways forward,” said Dr. Liza Battad, executive director of DA-PCC.

The following are the topics related to the agency’s good practices and innovations presented during the activity: Creating More Value, Your Healthy Choice, A2 Choice, Proper Handling of Milk, Carabao Milk Supply and Utilization, and the Accomplishment Report of the Carabao Business Council.

The activity, organized by the Operations group of DA-PCC, was held on July 19, 2024 at the DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

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.