Author: Camilla Soliman

It’s just the first month of the year, but the Samahang Pangkaunlaran ng Magsasaka sa Calancuasan Irrigators Association Corporation (SPMCIAC) in Calancuasan Norte, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija has already begun to reap the rewards of their carapreneurship endeavors after the buffaloes owned by six of its members gave birth in January.

This event gave inspiration to the members of the association to actively participate in seminars and training sessions being conducted by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU).

“Hinihikayat ko silang dumalo sa mga trainings at seminars upang mas lumalim pa ang kaalaman nila sa wastong pangangalaga ng gatasang kalabaw at kung ano pang mga dapat at hindi dapat gawin sa pag-aalaga,” said Lourdes Fontanilla, chairperson of SPMCIAC.

Anthony Rodico, one of the six farmers, is happy that he is now living his dream as a dairy farmer.

“Pangarap na natupad! Maraming salamat sa DA-PCC sa CLSU at binigyang pansin nila ang aming kahilingan na magkaroon ng gatasang kalabaw dahil inakala namin noon na wala na kaming pag-asang magkaroon ng gatasang kalabaw. Salamat po sa tiwala. Ito ay amin pang pararamihin,” Rodico said.
Like Anthony, his fellow farmer Florante Presto conveyed the same story of gratitude.

“Taos-pusong pasasalamat sa ahensya dahil nabigyan nila ng katuparan ang pangarap ng aming pamilya na magkaroon ng ganitong kabuhayan. Amin po itong payayabungin,” Florante shared.

The other farmers who also had the same experience with Anthony and Florante are Artemio Ventura, Benigno dela Cruz, Allan Valdez, and Loreto Adriano.

The association was established on August 23, 2019, with 300 members.
The DA-PCC at CLSU remains dedicated to assisting farmers in Region III. This exemplifies the agency’s commitment to advancing the Carabao Development Program (CDP).

The 29th anniversary celebration of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at the University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM) illuminates the carabao industry’s innovation and collaboration in Region XI, Region XII, and some areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. Under the theme “Pagbabago Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag, at Panatag na Pagkakalabawan,” the center reflects on changes in its organization and its ways forward.

The transition in leadership is particularly noteworthy as Center Director Geoffray R. Atok takes the reins from the retiring Benjamin John Basilio, who dedicated an impressive 23 years to leading the DA-PCC at USM. Now passing the torch to Director Atok, Basilio leaves a legacy of dedication and tireless efforts in advancing the carabao industry in the region.

Director Atok envisions an innovative approach for attaining Value-creation for Improved Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability (VIPPS) of the center. The collective goal is to align with the AmBisyon Natin 2040 aspirations for carapreneurs, emphasizing that they should be strongly rooted (Matatag), comfortable (Maginhawa), and secure (Panatag).

“We shall deliver vital services and work efficiently via our collaborations and partnerships with farmers, LGUs, cooperatives, government line agencies, and other academic institutions, especially the University of Southern Mindanao, the home of PCC in this part of the region,” Director Atok said.

Moreover, Director Atok emphasized visible ethical competence, inclusivity, celebration of diversity, and prompt, positive addressing of issues and concerns.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Cotabato under the leadership of Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, duly represented by Board Member Jonathan Tabara, highlighted the efforts of the management in attaining a sustainable carabao industry in the province.

“May ordinansa na naipasa ang probinsya patungkol sa pagbabawal sa benta ng productive carabaos mula sa probinsya palabas dito. Dagdag pa rito, sa pamamagitan ng partnership sa DA-PCC, may allocation na rin ang Cotabato province ng 20 gatasang kalabaw para sa magsasakang Cotabateño. Let us educate our farmers in order for them to embrace the dairy industry”, Tabara expressed.

In addition, USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia delivered his keynote message. In his speech, he said that adopting a positive mindset would lead to a positive change in an organization.

“Be grateful to the past and hopeful for a better future… Ang pagbabago ay isang natural na bahagi ng buhay at ito ay nagbibigay daan din sa pagunlad ng ating sarili at lipunan. Ang kakayahang tanggapin ang pagbabago ay isang mahalagang aspeto ng paunlad,” President Garcia added.

Highlights of the celebration include the turnover of key responsibilities from the previous center chief to the new center director, the turnover of carabao value-chain equipment, the recognition of stakeholders, the acknowledgement of newly trained AI technicians, and commendation for outstanding carapreneurs.

This transition in leadership marks a pivotal moment in DA-PCC at USM’s history, showcasing its dedication to the Carabao Development Program in the region.

“Babaha ng gatas sa Nampicuan!”

This is the vision of 22 Nampicuan farmers after they received 25 head of crossbred buffaloes through an entrustment activity held this morning in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija.

The activity is part of the implementation of the Expanded Gatasang Kalabaw Convergence Project under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program.

EPAHP is a convergence project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM). These government agencies collaborated to increase the volume of locally produced milk in support of the government’s feeding program. It also aims to provide poor farmers with capability-building and livelihood interventions on carabao-based enterprise to improve their economic conditions.

The DSWD is in charge of the provision of seed capital funds and community mobilization funds; the DA-PCC is in charge of social preparation, the provision of buffaloes, and the provision of production support services; the DTI is responsible for entrepreneurial training; and POPCOM on the provision of responsible parenthood and family planning trainings.

“Mahirap ang prosesong ginawa ng mga government agencies para mabigyan kayo ng mga gatasang kalabaw kaya ingatan at paghusayan ninyo ang pag-aalaga upang magkaroon ng maraming produksyon ng gatas sa lugar natin,” said Victor Badar, municipal mayor of Nampicuan.
Dr. Caro Salces, deputy executive director of DA-PCC, inspired the recipients to thrive in carapreneurship.

“Kaagapay kayo ng gobyerno natin sa pagpapataas ng milk sufficiency at nang hindi na natin kailangan pang mag-angkat ng gatas mula sa ibang bansa,” Dr. Salces said.

Prior to the entrustment activity, DA-PCC, through the National Dairy Business Hub (NDBH), conducted social preparation trainings (SPT) and Basic Buffalo Production Management (BBPM) for the recipients. The agency is also conducting continuous monitoring to ensure that the population of dairy buffaloes in Nampicuan will multiply.

The recipients are members of the Nampicuan Dairy Association (NDA), whose dream is to be among the faces of success in carapreneurship and foster milk production in Nampicuan.

Edilberto Aliado, president of the association, expressed his gratitude and support to the collaborating agencies.

“Ang proyektong ito ang patunay sa kasabihang: give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” Edilberto expressed.

“We shall transform DA-PCC at USM through innovation and collaboration. We will harness carabao products and by-products to generate income for our farmers and their communities. We will promote the carabao as an instrument to foster peace,” DA-PCC at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM) recently designated Center Director Geoffray R. Atok outlines his goals for the agency.

To attain this vision, Atok pledged his commitment to creating an environment where employees are co-creators of innovations and valued contributors to DA-PCC’s outputs.

“Together, we shall continue to pursue the vision and mission of DA-PCC in its strong advocacy that the dairy carabao is a source of livelihood, milk, meat, and hide for our partners in the countryside,” Atok added.
The designation of Atok as center director of DA-PCC at USM is seen as beneficial to the agency and its clients, considering his expertise and experience in the animal sector.

“To our partner carapreneurs, our combined experiences and perspectives in improving the dairy carabao industry will create openness and build trust among us. Let us sustain our partnerships toward the same vision. Let us welcome opportunities for growth and progress in the same way that we embrace the challenges together to foster a culture of open-mindedness, bayanihan, and resilience,” Atok expressed.

Atok finished his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, Master’s degree in Animal Science, and Doctorate degree in Agri-Sciences with a major in Animal Sciences at the University of Southern Mindanao. Aside from his designation as center director, Atok is an active Associate Professor IV at USM.

Andrew Z. Delos Santos, a Person with Disabilities (PWD) farmer from Liwayway, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, received a bull from DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) on January 25, 2024.

Andrew said that he never saw his disability as a barrier to pursuing his passion for carapreneurship.

“I never saw myself as being disabled. I have a rare degenerative condition called “AS” or Ankylosing Spondylitis. Kahit ganoon, hindi ko inisip na ‘di na ako makakagawa ng mga bagay na kaya ring gawin ng ibang tao. I always look for opportunities na kahit ‘di ako masyado gagalaw ay magagawa ko pa rin. It is a matter of delegation at karamihan sa mga trabaho sa bukid ay naka-delegate sa mga katuwang ko sa bukid,” said Andrew.

Andrew then shared the story of how he embarked on his journey as a carapreneur and developed a keen interest in the programs and services of DA-PCC.

“Pangarap ang isa sa nagtulak sa akin na mag-venture sa pagkakalabawan. Noong high school ako ay itinatayo pa lang ang DA-PCC at may nabasa akong article tungkol sa mga programa nito. Noong panahon ni dating pangulong Estrada nag-umpisa ang interest ko sa pagkakalabawan,” Andrew shared.

He encouraged people with disabilities to enhance their skill sets, which would contribute to their personal development. He said that if God has allowed them to have weaknesses, the same God has blessed them with the spirit of endurance and strength to overcome them.

He expressed his appreciation to DA-PCC at CLSU for selecting him as a recipient of the Bull Entrustment Program. He hopes that the agency will continue to support small farmers and the vulnerable sector so that they may have a chance at having a good life.

The Bull Entrustment Program is an initiative of DA-PCC that strategically entrusts purebred buffalo bulls to selected farmers, enabling them to utilize the bulls for natural mating with local carabaos. This program effectively spreads the superior genetic potential of purebred buffaloes, aiming to upgrade the overall quality and productivity of the local carabao population.

“A resilient leader recognizes that adversity is part of life and leadership. We cannot control the actions or opinions of others but we can control our own reactions and responses. Instead of being weighed down by negativity, we use it as fuel to drive our determination and resilience.”

Dr. Liza Battad, executive director of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), bared this realization and shared her ways forward, as she returned to her mother agency after her stint as Technical Adviser to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In a welcome ceremony this morning, January 29, Dr. Battad encouraged the PCCeans to work together as a family, recognizing the value of their abilities in serving both DA-PCC and its clients. She urged them to persevere and maintain a positive work environment despite challenges.

She also emphasized the need for an “equity culture,” fostering a psychologically safe workplace for both regular and contractual employees to freely share ideas and opinions. This, she believes, will contribute to the overall performance of the agency in meaningfully serving its clients.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various agencies, Dr. Battad stressed the importance of partnerships to bring about positive impact and support the upscaling initiatives of DA-PCC. She called for support for those directly involved in the industry and advocated for relevant policies to aid business start-ups and provide assistance through credit facilities.

She also extended her gratitude to Dr. Caro Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, for steering the agency in her absence to perform its deliverables for 2023. Dr. Salces, in turn, outlined the agency’s achievements in the past year aligned with the DA-PCC core values. Among the accomplishments under his leadership were the seamless transition of DA-PCC management, surpassing major final output targets, successful implementation of programs, and scaling up contributions to the industry.

Dr. Battad wore her heart on her sleeve, saying, “I’m home. Thank you for welcoming me back home,” embodying her commitment to leading the DA-PCC with grit and resilience.

DA-Philippine Carabao Center at the University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM) and its host institution, USM, are enhancing their collaboration in the carabao upgrading program through the recently concluded basic training course in artificial insemination (AI) and pregnancy diagnosis in large ruminants on January 26, 2024.

DA-PCC at USM incoming Center Director Geoffray R. Atok welcomed 10 new AI technicians from Kabacan, including LGU-based and village-based technicians, as members of the extension arms of DA-PCC at USM. They will implement AI not only in Kabacan but also in its nearby municipalities.

“Let us make this initiative fruitful. Our goal is to establish a sustainable carabao value chain here in Kabacan. With your help as new AI technicians, we can materialize this vision,” Director Atok said.

In her message during the closing program, Dr. Mary Joy S. Cañolas, Director of the USM Extension Services Office, expressed gratitude towards DA-PCC at USM for continued support in providing information and other services to farmers and other clients to enable them to improve their quality of life.

Additionally, Dr. Ap Warren P. Adamat, the Extension Coordinator at USM-College of Veterinary Medicine, mentioned that the training is part of the university’s Farmer’s Field School project, aiming to use a technology delivery system to enhance farmers’ skills in swine production and AI. The technology delivery system supports the viability and profitability of large ruminant producers and the swine industry by providing the necessary skills and information.

“We’ll be doing a farmer-to-farmer radio broadcast after this training that addresses artificial insemination in large ruminants,” Dr. Adamat continued.

“Malaking tulong at hamon ang dala ng pagtatapos naming bilang AI technician. Mas lalawak ang aming serbisyo bilang agricultural technician para sa mga magsasaka sa bayan,” Irene John M. Nidoy, a newly trained LGU-based AI technician, said.

During the closing program of the activity, Kabacan Municipal Agriculturist Joseph A. Dela Cruz and Municipal Veterinarian Dr. Louise P. Mosquerra expressed their challenge and commitment to strengthening the carabao development program in the locality.

The promotion of the Carabao Development Program (CDP) is expected to increase in Cebu following the collaboration between the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) and Cebu Technological University (CTU)-Tuburan.

Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), these institutions have agreed to install the CDP-Karunungan, Impormasyon, at Oportunidad Sa Kalabawan or CDP-KIOSK in the university. The MOA was signed on January 22 during the graduation ceremony of the “Eskwelahan sa Kahanginan [School-On the-Air(SOA)]” on Dairy Buffalo Production hosted by the campus.

Initiated and facilitated by the Knowledge Management Division-Learning Events Coordination Section, the CDP KIOSK serves as a method to disseminate information about dairy buffalo production programs, services, and technologies offered by the DA-PCC, along with the agency’s knowledge products.

In this partnership, CTU-Tuburan is expected to provide a specific area for the installation, where farmers, students, and other agricultural stakeholders in the municipality can visit and easily access information about the programs and services of the agency.

In his message during the graduation rites, Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, Chief of the Knowledge Management Division (KMD) of DA-PCC, expressed hopes that through this medium, more farmers will be interested in the carabao dairy program and later engage in it, as he testified that there is indeed money in dairying.

The CDP KIOSK, to be installed at the campus library, comprises three materials: portable display panels, portable shelves for DA-PCC’s knowledge products, and a portable product mini-kiosk.

According to Mr. Gaudioso B. Calibugan, Senior Agriculturist of DA-PCC at Ubay Stock Farm, the installation of the facility is a follow-through on the recently concluded SOA to ensure that those who have enrolled in the radio broadcast schooling can easily access updates about dairying or review related information whenever they want.

Cebuano farmers in the northern part of Cebu recently celebrated the graduation of 230 individuals from the Eskwelahan sa Kahanginan (School-on-the-Air): Radio Broadcast on Dairy Buffalo Production. The ceremony took place on January 22 at Cebu Technological University (CTU)-Tuburan.

Conducted collaboratively by CTU-Tuburan, DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Ubay Stock Farm (DA-PCC at USF), and the First Consolidated Cooperative Along Tañon Seaboards (FCCT), the School-on-the-Air (SOA) program consisted of 16 sessions broadcasted on “Bulawanong Tinubdan” (BT) radio at 98.1 MHz every Tuesday from 5:00-6:00 PM. The curriculum covered topics such as buffalo management, nutrition, health, breeding, milking procedures, milk handling, quality testing, carabao-based enterprises, and financial management.

In her welcome address during the ceremony, Engr. Naomi Bajao, project leader counterpart of CTU-Tuburan, expressed her gratitude for the realization of the program.

“Who would have thought that someone in the engineering and IT field like me would be engaged in a farmer-focused program?” she said. “But because of this (radio) technology, we were able to deliver the lessons to you,” she added.

Dr. Carla Y. Abaquita, campus director of CTU-Tuburan, acknowledged the university’s crucial role in extending agriculture-related technologies to farmers through its BT Radio Extension and Technology Transfer (BEATT) program, where the School-on-the-Air (SOA) was anchored.

On the other hand, Dr. Maria Dinah Loculan, center director of DA-PCC at USF, congratulated the farmers for completing the 16 sessions. She emphasized that in the process of learning, a learner can develop skills and shared her hopes that the farmers will apply what they have learned during the schooling.

Magdaleno Bargamento, chief executive officer of FCCT, mentioned during his inspirational message that one of the co-op’s thrusts is to support the national government’s call for food security. Thus, collaboration with institutions is helpful to expand its campaign to its members.

“Nagpasalamat jud ko nga na-connect mi sa DA-PCC…kay dako kaayo’g tabang sa katuyoan nga makagatas ta…ug sa FCCT niini nga partnership, aron daghan ang makahibalo sa maong mga teknolohiya…(I’m thankful that we have linked with DA-PCC…for they have been helpful to us to start dairying…and with the partnership with FCCT so that more farmers will know about the technologies…,” Bargamento added.

Egino Parone, a 15-year-old from Gimama-a, Tuburan, Cebu, one of the enrollees of the SOA, shared his testimony on how dairying has holistically helped his family. Aside from its contribution to his parents’ livelihood, dairying has also helped him be productive and stay away from being addicted to gadgets.

Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, chief of the Knowledge Management Division of DA-PCC, expressed his felicitations to the graduates and facilitators for the successful delivery of the program. He encouraged the former that the journey in dairying has just started.

One hundred sixty-six (166) of the SOA graduates are from the municipality of Tuburan, Cebu, 43 from Tabuelan, 12 from Medellin, five (5) from Asturias, two (2) from Daan Bantayan, one (1) from Balamban, and one (1) from Bogo.

The graduates present at the ceremony received production support items such as rubber boots, silage bags, pails, aprons, and mineral supplements for animals through a raffle.

The ceremony also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between DA-PCC and CTU-Tuburan for the installation of the Carabao Development Program (CDP)-KIOSK (Karunungan, Impormasyon, at Oportunidad sa Kalabawan). The CDP-KIOSK, to be installed at the CTU-Tuburan library, consists of display panels and portable shelves for DA-PCC’s knowledge products or publications.