Author: Ma. Cecilia Irang-Mariano, Mary Antonette Andarza and Louie Jee Huelar

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.

A wider market for local dairy cooperative’s carabao-based products is the new way forward for the regional Carabao-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) coordinators after they were immersed in an in-depth market study writeshop on February 12-13, 2024 at the DA-Philippine Carabao Center National Headquarters and Gene Pool (DA-PCC NHGP), Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

The coordinators explored the prospective market for carabao milk and carabao-based products, evaluated its strengths, opportunities, and weaknesses, and bridged the gaps and emerging trends in the carabao-based enterprise.

The activity is part of the implementation of the milk feeding program of the Department of Education (DepEd) and DA-PCC adapting the Negotiated Procurement-Community Participation (NPCP) as a mode of procurement to ensure that local cooperatives will be prioritized as suppliers of milk.

Central Luzon State University (CLSU) professors Katrina Sedillo and Sherwin Celestino emphasized the framework and process of marketing, the value of market research and economic analysis in decision-making, the comprehension of the marketplace, and the identification of target customers’ needs and desires.

A market study per region and a consolidated national market study are the outputs of the writeshop.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) recently explored partnership with agricultural institutions in Negros Occidental to boost the livestock sector in the province.

In a series of talks, Dr. Claro Mingala, DA-PCC’s deputy executive director for production and research, Dr. Marvin Villanueva, OIC chief of DA-PCC’s Research and Development Division, and Eva Alvarez, center director of DA-PCC at La Carlota Stock Farm (DA-PCC at LCSF) initially identified livestock initiatives with the Provincial Veterinary Office, City Veterinary Office, Negros Occidental Research Outreach Station, and State University of Northern Negros on February 5-7, 2024.

The parties are expected to collaborate on cryobanking, capacity building on semen processing, technology adaptation, nutrition and disease management, and the promotion and utilization of DA-PCC’s mobile applications.

“The province of Negros Occidental strongly supports livestock production led by the Governor and the Provincial Veterinary Office. The DA-PCC is collaborating to strengthen its support for technical assistance in improving livestock production in the province. This is potentially so considering that Negros has abundant land resources and favorable climatic conditions for agriculture production,” DA-PCC at LCSF Center Director Eva Alvarez said.
The DA-PCC at LCSF is working on the development plan of Negros Occidental in cryopreservation and the provision of technical training—all toward boosting AI efficiency.

The center also established partnerships with LGUs (Cadiz, Sagay, Victorias, Kabankalan, Candoni, Sipalay, Canlaon, EB Magalona, among others), state universities (Central State University, State University of Northern Negros), and other national government agencies in Negros.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU) supported the program of First Lady Atty. Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos “LAB for All” by providing 500 bottles and sachets of chocomilk and 700 packs of Karabun (bun with carabao’s milk) at La Union Convention Center, Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union on February 6, 2024.

Said program is in accordance with the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, also known as Republic Act No. 11223, which aims to bridge the health disparity gap for poor communities and those living in remote areas who are unable to afford their medical bills by increasing access to quality health care and providing free medical consultations, laboratory services, and medication distribution.

Vilma C. Gagni, center director of the DA-PCC at DMMMSU, said the center supports Marcos’ advocacy for bringing medical services closer to the people, particularly the less fortunate Kaprobinsyanihan.

“DA-PCC shares with the purpose of advocating for Healthy Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas. One of the products of DA-PCC is milk, which is also considered a complete food because it contains all the essential nutrients needed by our body to become healthy,” she added.

On the other hand, LUcals (LU locals) who were able to attend the event relished dairy products produced by DA-PCC at DMMMSU’s assisted co-op.
LAB (Lingap at Alagang Bayanihan) is a mobile health service program that offers free health services, consultations, and checkups, such as laboratory testing, X-rays, consultations with specialists, and free medications.