Author: Christine Jill Soto

“Let us present our research priorities. If we can produce a compendium of the best practices in genetically improved calf production and the underpinnings of Dairy Box vis-à-vis the community in terms of providing livelihood, we will work our best to hold the 1st One Mindanao island cluster. We want to work closer with you,” Dr. Liza G. Battad, executive director of DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) underscored these areas of priority under the partnership of DA-PCC and the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).

In a brief meeting on March 14, 2024, Dr. Battad and USM President, Dr. Francisco Gil Garcia, shared their plans and priorities as partners.

President Garcia said that they co-exist with DA-PCC at USM, particularly in the areas of research, and acknowledged the positive impacts that the partnership caused.

“We perform and we achieve our milestones because of our strong ties with our consortium,” President Garcia said.

Dr. Battad further expressed that the partnership between DA-PCC and its host university should be intensified.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) emerged as the leading agency showcasing sustained and efficient financial and cash management practices for the fiscal year 2023 among all the DA Regional Field Offices, bureaus, and attached agencies.

This recognition came about during the DA’s Year-End Financial Evaluation and Assessment for FY 2023, held in Baguio City from March 11 to 15, 2024.

The DA-PCC also clinched its fourth consecutive award as the first place in the attached agency category. This award recognizes the agency’s continuous commitment and dedication to managing its financial resources from 2020 to 2023 effectively.

Said awards highlight DA-PCC’s ongoing commitment to serving its clients with efficiency and accountability, ensuring the judicious use of taxpayers’ money. They also exemplify the proper coordination, planning, and congruence between the agency’s operating units and the administrative, financial, and management groups. With these recognitions, the agency is devoted to introducing different innovative initiatives to streamline its systems and processes.

Cherry Pearl Rivera, head of DA-PCC’s accounting section, along with Angelica Villa, accepted the awards on behalf of DA-PCC, signifying its ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of financial management and operational efficiency.

Situated amidst a diverse cultural landscape on Mindanao island, the DA-Philippine Carabao Center showcased unity in advancing the carabao industry despite cultural differences.

With centers across Mindanao, including DA-PCC at USM in Cotabato, DA-PCC at Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon, and DA-PCC at Mindanao Livestock Production Center in Zamboanga, the agency fosters strong partnerships, as emphasized during its Mindanao island cluster anniversary celebration with the theme “Excellence in Unity” held today, March 14, at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato.

“Wow, Carabao! One Mindanao!” exclaimed DA-PCC at USM Center Director Geoffray R. Atok, as he delivered his welcome remarks during the island cluster anniversary event. He highlighted the steadfast support of various agencies in reaching milestones in the Carabao Development Program across the southern part of the country.

Board Member Jonathan Tabara, representing Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza as the keynote speaker, emphasized the provincial government’s robust support for advancing the carabao industry. He announced the allocation of funds by Cotabato Province this year to procure dairy buffaloes, which will aid the country’s agricultural sector in achieving milk sufficiency.

In addition, Governor Mendoza approved the Provincial Ordinance 684 also known as the Enhanced Carabao Propagation and Promotion authored by Board Member Tabara. This resolution is poised to help DA-PCC in achieving carabao industry goals in the province.

DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad also delivered the noteworthy advancements made in the Mindanao island throughout the years of CDP implementation.

“PCC has changed the profile of the carabao population—darker, stockier, smarter, stronger…a resilient beast of burden no more but of fortune. The carabao is now a national symbol of hope for myriads of lives and farming communities. From these ripples of effect, we are now witness to a fresh perspective on caring for them—a perspective, indeed, of a great future established by testimonies of carapreneurs,” Dr. Battad said.

“We are here today because of YOU who stayed by us and with us and taught us about grit and resilience. We have courage to forge on without reluctance, simply because we stand firm on our shared vision of fostering innovation and transforming communities,” she added.

Activities such as ceremonial turnover of new ALAB-Karbawan project sites in Mindanao, dairy boxes exhibit, symbolic act of unity, and vowed commitment of partners took spotlight during the island celebration.

In his closing message, Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro B. Salces emphasized the importance of individual culture as the cornerstone of excellence, saying: “The core values are the foundation of excellence. If there is excellence, there should be unity in order to achieve our goals.”

The DA-PCC underscored the importance of unity in achieving transformative success, particularly in championing the Carabao Development Program (CDP) during the agency’s Visayas island cluster anniversary celebration today, March 12.

The celebration, themed “Excellence in Unity,” was hosted by the DA-PCC at Visayas State University (DA-PCC at VSU), along with other regional centers in Visayas, including DA-PCC at Ubay Stock Farm (DA-PCC at USF), DA-PCC at West Visayas State University (DA-PCC at WVSU), and DA-PCC at La Carlota Stock Farm (DA-PCC at LCSF).

Dr. Daniel Leslie S. Tan, OIC President of VSU, expressed his support, emphasizing the growing demand for carabaos as a valuable commodity. He highlighted how this enables dairy cooperatives to thrive with greater independence and success in their carabao-based ventures.

“Today, we celebrate DA-PCC’s 31 years of service. Our shared goals to conserve, propagate, and promote the carabao as a source of milk, meat, draft power, and hide to benefit rural farmers unite us, making us champions in excellence beyond measure. Because of our combined efforts, our 31-year journey—characterized by resilience, persistence, and unwavering efforts—shines brighter,” Tan said.

Board Member Matt P. Palabrica from the 3rd District of Iloilo Province, serving as the keynote speaker, highlighted the partnership between the Province of Iloilo and DA-PCC at WVSU in advancing the carabao industry. He endorsed three resolutions aligned with the province’s objectives.

“Our goal of food security, employment opportunities, and sustainable management of resources is attainable through harmonious collaborations with agencies like DA-Philippine Carabao Center…Together, you have championed excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in all your endeavors, thereby enriching the lives of farmers, stakeholders, and communities not only in Leyte and the Visayas but also across the nation,” Palabrica said in his address.

Dr. Liza Battad, Executive Director of DA-PCC, outlined the significant progress made in the Visayas island towards the CDP.

“Today, we dedicate our 31st anniversary to all who allowed us to grow, build strong alliances, gain trust in the national and international spheres, and most importantly, affirm with us our formidable efforts in giving birth to a vibrant carabao supply chain economy,” she said. DA-PCC’s partners in program implementation were also acknowledged during the program.
A ceremonial turnover of dairy buffaloes to the AGRACA Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Dumalag Capiz, Pinoy Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Southern Leyte, and Lico Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Biliran province was conducted, with a total of 170 carabaos entrusted to the three cooperatives.

Furthermore, a symbolic act of unity took place as leaders and staunch supporters of DA-PCC poured milk into a bottle, symbolizing their dedication to collaborative efforts and resource-sharing for present and future initiatives.

The event also featured an exhibition of carabao-based products, showcasing the dairy delicacies from co-ops assisted by DA-PCC in the Visayas island.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) hosted the DA-PCC’s Luzon island cluster 31st anniversary celebration with the theme “Excellence in Unity” today, March 8 at the CLSU Multi-Purpose Gym.

The five regional centers in Luzon comprising DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University, DA-PCC at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU), DA-PCC at Mariano Marcos State University (DA-PCC at MMSU), DA-PCC at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU), and DA-PCC at University of the Philippines Los Baños (DA-PCC at UPLB).

“Ang mga universities natin give birth to PCC, dito sa PCC at CLSU isinilang ang PCC through Philippine carabao research and development center and it just shows the excellence ng ating mga university. It is through unity that we have excellence, so ‘yung pangalan na naka-attach sa atin is symbol of excellence because our universities are the center of excellence at sana ay magawa natin ang excellent in service na ito,” Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA -PCC Deputy Executive Director said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Liza G. Battad, executive director of DA-PCC, presented the Cluster Industry Briefer in her speech.

“We want you to be as proud as we are, proud ako to share that the carabao population has been steady despite the high extraction rate of buffaloes and committed to produce at least 45,000 a year to somehow cope with the extraction rate. Gusto kong maging proud kayo kasama namin dahil we use our own Philippine dairy carabao breed as source of PCC’s genetic improvement and expertise in genomics and breeding to build a carabao herd in strategic areas” Dr. Battad emphasized.

Also present during the celebration were Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, DA-PCC at CLSU Center Director; Dr. Rovina R. Piñera, DA-PCC at CSU Center Director; Joel F. Cabading, DA-PCC at MMSU OIC Center Director; Vilma C. Gagni, DA-PCC at DMMMSU Center Director;Jose C. Canaria, DA-PCC at UPLB OIC-Center Director; and Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, DA-PCC Chief of Research and Development Division, as well as awardees and partners.

During his keynote speech, Dr. Edgar A. Orden, the Director of the Central Luzon Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium, underscored the notable achievements of the PCC in advancing the Carabao industry over a span of 31 years. Additionally, he praised the DA-PCC for its commendable accomplishments.

“In 2023 ang atin pong kalabaw sa buong bansa ay umaabot ng halos 2.8 at mahigit 250, 000 ang nandito sa ating Luzon cluster and the volume of milk produced in the country based on the 2021 data is about 26.3 million and the contribution of the PCC is 29%, and this is more than 100% of what you have promise. Moreover, about 70, 684 heads were inseminated in the country.” Orden said.

During the program, an audio-visual production was shown to summarize the Luzon cluster industry milestones and DA-PCC’s partners were recognized.

A ceremonial kick-off for the Dairy Herd Buildup project also took place, a symbolic act of unity to bring together the DA-PCC regional centers and its partners, and pledge of support to cement future undertakings.

A carabao-based products exhibit also highlighted the event showcasing hide, meat and dairy delicacies.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center’s (DA-PCC) 31st anniversary celebration will banner excellence and unity as the driving force that have propelled the organization’s outstanding accomplishments since its inception in 1992.
Bearing the theme, “DA-PCC AT 31: Excellence in Unity,” the agency honors the years of support from PCCEAns and its partner institutions who have worked together productively and meaningfully to advance the livestock industry.

This year’s celebration will be hosted by three identified regional centers in different island clusters: DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University for the Luzon Cluster on March 8, DA-PCC at Visayas State University for the Visayas Cluster on March 12, and DA-PCC at University of Southern Mindanao for the Mindanao Cluster on March 14.

The celebration of each cluster will recognize the DA-PCC’s consortia tie-up with the National Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Network that helped shape the implementation of the Carabao Development Program (CDP) in the area.

A main anniversary celebration will take place on March 21, 2024 at the DA-PCC National Headquarters, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The highlights of the activity include a main anniversary program, national women’s month celebration, employees’ recognition and appreciation, and employees’ night. These will be livestreamed through the agency’s official Facebook page.

The DA-PCC was established in 1992 by virtue of Republic Act No. 7307. Its mandate is “to conserve, propagate, and promote the carabao as a source of milk, meat, draft power, and hide to benefit the rural farmers.”

In 1993, it started its operations through a small central office in Quezon City, supported by a small network of regional centers. Later, in 1998, its national headquarters and gene pool facilities were established in the Science City Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Currently, the DA-PCC has 12 regional centers across the country, which work together towards achieving its noble mission of improving the plight of its primary stakeholders, the smallholder farmers, along with providing assistance to other actors in the carabao industry value chain.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) expressed solidarity with First Lady Atty. Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos’ ‘LAB for All’ initiative. As a show of support, the center offered dairy products to 350 beneficiaries, particularly indigenous people, and showcased Cara Cuero products in Nabuclod, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Cara Cuero is a brand that showcases local craftsmanship and innovation by utilizing carabao hide and horn to produce high-quality leather products, accessories, and decor items, among others.

Attendees were treated to a range of dairy delights, including choco milk, fresh milk, coffee milk, and lacto juice, personally distributed by DA-PCC at CLSU Center Director Dr. Ericson Dela Cruz.

In recognition of her efforts, the First Lady received a special token from DA-PCC, which contained a variety of Cara Cuero products, including a mini Christine handbag, back scratcher, comb, carabao figurine, and candle holder.

The “LAB for All” caravan aims to provide primary healthcare services through free laboratory testing for various diseases, medical check-ups, family planning services, distribution of free medicines, tree-planting activities, coastal clean-up drives, and feeding programs, among other services, to underserved communities.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU) showcased the high-quality carabao’s milk, highlighting its creamy texture, rich flavor, and impressive nutritional profile during the celebration of the 5th Bodong Festival and 29th Founding Anniversary of Kalinga from February 12 to 16, 2024 in Tabuk City.

Both children and adults formed a queue to try out this product, which they described as fresh, delicious, and nutritious. Many of the guests commended the milk’s natural sweetness and lack of the strong flavor frequently associated with cow’s milk.

During the event, the representatives from DA-PCC at CSU provided valuable information about carabao’s milk. They highlighted that carabao’s milk is not only refreshing but also contains higher levels of calcium, vitamins, and minerals compared to cow’s milk. Moreover, it has lower levels of cholesterol and lactose, which makes it an ideal source of essential nutrients, particularly for individuals with lactose intolerance or those who are looking for a heart-healthy option.

Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, Agricultural Center Chief IV of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University, was honored with the prestigious CSC Pagasa Award. This recognition, presented as part of the 2023 search for outstanding government workers by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), was bestowed upon him during the awarding ceremony held today at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the ceremony.

Dr. Dela Cruz earned this accolade for his unwavering commitment to sustaining the achievements of the national carabao development program, resulting in the successful attainment of 100% of targets for improving the genetic potential of buffaloes.

“God is great all the time. Para sa Diyos, sa bayan, at sa bawa’t magsasakang pamilyang Pilipino sa Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao ang karangalang ito,” Dr. Dela Cruz expressed.

In accordance with Executive Order No. 292, the CSC Pagasa Award acknowledges individuals or groups who demonstrate exceptional dedication in serving the public. This annual award is part of the CSC honor awards program and stands as the highest recognition bestowed upon a government employee.