The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC@CMU) awarded Rendon Carangcarang additional three heads of pregnant dairy buffaloes under a paiwi program last May 28 at the Municipal Hall of Don Carlos, Bukidnon.
Rendon is one of the active members of Muleta Side Buffalo Association (MUSBUDA) of San Francisco, Don Carlos, Bukidnon since 2017.
According to Dr. Elena Paraguas, carabao-based enterprise development coordinator, PCC already entrusted Rendon three heads of buffaloes last January 9, 2019, as a start for him to venture in this industry. Hence, a total of 7 heads buffaloes are presently in his farm.
Dr. Paraguas mentioned also in her opening message during the awarding that this entrustment was a part of the preparation for the milk feeding program, which created a higher demand for locally produced milk.
Rendon shared his optimism that buffalo dairying is one of the solutions to poverty alleviation and found out that this is an essential venture to have an additional income.
“I am thankful for the unending assistance and support from PCC. I also appreciate the fact that through PCC, I have found a sustainable source of income,” Rendon happily shared.
Currently, Rendon already earned Php20,000-Php30,000 a month from the sales of 450 liters of milk. This has enabled him to finance the educational needs of his children, pay all of his debts to the nearby stores, and provide and satisfy their daily needs.
“Repeatedly, we, at LGU will campaign in the community to persuade farmers to increase milk production and encourage more farmers to engage in dairying,” said Engr. Merlyn Los Banos, municipal agriculturist of Don Carlos.
Los Banos conveyed how the dairy farmers can meaningfully contribute to address the problem in malnutrition and the unavailability of supply of the locally produced milk in their municipality.
Carlo Magno Abellanosa, chairman of MUSBUDA said in an interview that carabao raising is indeed a beneficial venture and PCC`s program helped him and his co-farmers improve their living.
“The association was fortunate enough due to the continuous support from PCC, which contributes significantly towards successful ventures in dairying. Likewise, their programs, have contributed to the health and nutrition of small-hold dairy farmers and their families as well as milk consumers as a whole,” Abellanosa shared.
