The DA-Philippine Center at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development XII (DSWD-XII) together with other government agencies turned over dairy buffaloes to the Dagupan Sustainable Livelihood Program Association under the Zero Hunger project on May 27 in Dagupan, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Under the banner of “Sulong Kabuhayan tungo sa Pagyabong,” the entrustment of dairy buffaloes is one of the components of the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). This initiative aims to enhance the socio-economic status of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries through capacity building. The goal is to sustain and expand their livelihoods beyond the five-year intervention of this community-based project.
Through the SLP and Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program, DA-PCC at USM Center Director Geoffray R. Atok envisions the positive outcome of this first-ever dairy buffalo project in Kabacan, Cotabato.
“With the support from partner agencies committed to providing capacity-building and agriculture-related livelihood interventions, we are confident that we can improve the socio-economic conditions of this 4Ps-led association,” Director Atok said.
Prior to the entrustment, the Dagupan SLP group underwent a social preparation training that developed their personal and organizational acceptance and sense of co-ownership of the buffalo dairy project.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Cotabato and the Local Government Unit of Kabacan affirmed their partnership by committing to providing animal health services and undertaking legislative efforts to ensure the success and sustainability of the project, enhancing both individual and collective engagement of Cotabateños.
The entrustment was witnessed by the Dagupan SLP association, representatives from DSWD XII and DA-PCC at USM, Cotabato Board Member Jonathan Tabara, Provincial AdBoard Member Albert Rivera, Kabacan Board Member Myra Dulay-Bade, and Brgy. Dagupan Officials
