The first-ever “Pinaggagatas Festival” held in Barangay Sinaoangan Sur, San Agustin Isabela highlighted the role of carabao’s milk in supporting livelihoods and community development.
Organized by the Barangay Sinaoangan Sur government in partnership with the Local Government of San Agustin and the DA-PCC at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU), the festival attracted participants and spectators from various parts of the region.
Barangay Sinaoangan Sur, known for being the key contributor of the town’s dairy industry boasting the highest number of crossbred buffaloes, played a crucial part in realizing San Agustin’s vision of becoming the Crossbred Capital of the Philippines.
With the theme “Pinaggatas ti Nuang: Maysa a Pagkakitaan ken Pagnam-ayan para iti Narangrang-ay a Masakbayan,” the festival showcased not only the town’s rich culture but also the economic importance of the local dairy buffalo industry. It also emphasized the important role of such events in promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and driving economic advancement in the community.
Dr. Rovina Piñera, OIC-Center Director of DA-PCC at CSU, emphasized the collaborative efforts between DA-PCC and San Agustin Municipality in advancing the dairy buffalo industry. Mayor Cesar Mondala and 4th District Representative Joseph Salvador Tan were among the distinguished guests who graced the event, which took place on April 18, 2024.
Mayor Mondala commended the importance of carabao dairying as an alternative source of income, particularly during times of fluctuating crop prices.
“Ang paggagatas dito sa Sinaoangan ay napakainam na oportunidad upang kumita, lalo na ngayong mababa ang presyo ng mais,” he stated.
Aside from cultural displays and exhibits, the festival highlighted the nutritional benefits of fresh carabao’s milk in combating malnutrition. Children present during the festival were each given fresh carabao’s milk.
The Pinaggagatas Festival not only celebrated the gains of the dairy industry but also showcased the resilience and unity of San Agustin’s community in embracing sustainable livelihoods and cultural pride.
