‘IN THIS ENTERPRISE, I AM THE BOSS’ —MICHAEL PASCUAL

Michael Pascual, 42, chairman of “Bagong Pagasa sa Bagong Talavera Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative” in barangay Minabuyok, Talavera, Nueva Ecija, is one of the dairy farmers who adheres to and adopts the technologies and good practices being catered and implemented by PCC for a more efficient and effective dairy buffalo production.

Some of the technologies and good practices that he’s been adopting and applying are: twicea-day milking (every 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.), strict monitoring of in-heat buffaloes, use of milk replacer for calves, utilization of appropriate milk utensils/containers, and proper milking and feeding practices such as flushing with concentrates.

Due to his initiative in adopting the PCC’s technologies and good practices on buffalo production, he was able to increase the number of his herd, enhance its milk production, and maintain the milk’s good quality.

Currently, Michael has 38 buffaloes, 11 of which are lactating and seven are confirmed pregnant. He collects an average of 40 liters of milk daily.

“I make a breeding program for my buffaloes so that calving will occur during the lean season of milk production. This assures me of a year-round milk supply,” he shared.

A middleman from Cabanatuan and the NEFEDCCO buy his collected milk at Php60 per liter. His total monthly net income is Php30,000. “I can say that buffalo raising is indeed a beneficial venture and I give thanks to PCC for implementing such program. I am one of the many persons whose life has been touched and changed by PCC,” Michael declared.

He added that because of the income from the milk sales, he is now financially able to send his children to good schools, provide for his family’s needs, renovate his animals’ barn, and even buy home appliances and a second hand 4×4 off-road or military jeep, which he bought for Php270,000. Aside from using it for his travels, he also uses it to haul feedstuff for his buffaloes.

Having enough ability, technologies, and knowledge on buffalo production, Michael registered his farm to the DTI under the business name “MCCR Pascual Agri Ventures” in 2017 to serve as a training ground for those who want to venture in dairying locally and for those who will work abroad.

After participating in and completing his training at a TESDA – accredited farm in Bulacan, he received a “National Certificate II on Animal Production (large ruminants)” to be a legitimate trainer.

According to Michael, the training he conducts usually lasts for 45 days. In that period, he teaches the different theories, technologies, and even demonstrates the actual good practices on dairy animal production. Most importantly, he said, is that he also teaches proper discipline on rearing animals.

“It’s kind of rewarding when you get to share your knowledge to others. As I always say, if you really love what you’re doing, no matter how laborious it is, it will never be a burden to you. In my own experience, every time I see my buffaloes partaking of their feed and their body condition scores are good, I am really delighted and jitters fade away,” Michael averred.