Month: April 2024

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mindanao Livestock Production Center (DA-PCC at MLPC) led the soft opening of the Dairy Box on April 1, 2024. This marks the inauguration of the first-ever outlet dedicated to locally produced dairy products in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders including the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA), Ipil Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ICMC), and Local Government Unit of Ipil (LGU-Ipil) have made this venture possible.

Masdi A. Hasim, chairperson of the ICMC, expressed gratitude to local government officials for their support in providing the necessary land for the construction of Dairy Box. He emphasized the collective effort involved and acknowledged the contributions of different national agencies.

DA-PCC at MLPC Center Director Dr. Cecelio C. Velez, during the program, elaborated on the project’s rationale and highlighted its potential to boost farmers’ incomes significantly. The local government provided manpower for the outlet’s operations, building, and land, while the DA-PCC at MLPC provided dairy buffaloes, equipment, and structural enhancements to align with the Dairy Box’s design.

The Dairy Box serves as a platform for smallholder farmers to sell their products and improve their incomes. Charry de Tomas, Officer-in-charge of ICMC, will oversee outlet management, which offers a range of locally produced products such as flavored milk, fresh milk, soft serve ice cream, baked goods, and other nutritious products.

Other attendees at the event included, Jennifer A. Pidor, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Zamboanga Sibugay provincial S&T director; Rodolfo Mabalot from the Department of Trade and Industry IX (DTI), Jessie G. Patcho, PCA senior agriculturist; Nursalim L. Simpal, CDA Cooperative Development Specialist II; Serafin A. Ramos, SB Chairperson on Cooperative; Catherine M. Toralba of Sangguniang Bayan, ICMC Board of Directors and members and DA-PCC staff.

This initiative is part of the Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP), funded by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar. The project’s overarching goal is to augment farmers’ incomes, provide employment opportunities for local dairy farmers and cooperatives, and bolster the region’s dairy industry.

The launch of the fourth Dairy Box in the region, which promises a better future for local dairy farmers and communities, is welcomed by Ipil as a step toward sustainable agricultural development and economic prosperity.

Maricris Arangel Alipio, a 47-year-old entrepreneur from Tenejero, Balanga, Bataan, is a strong advocate for dairy products.

She launched her business named “Roming’s Food Products and Trading” in 2018.

At her café located near Bataan Peninsula State University, she offers a variety of beverages, including milk tea, frappes, and lemonade. As a staunch supporter of dairying, she also promotes dairy products in this establishment, featuring chocolate milk and ice cream produced from carabao’s milk. She even personally supervises the processing and marketing of these products. The chocolate milk she offers is priced at just PHP15 for a 100 ml sachet.

Maricris was able to hone her skills through a series of learning events conducted by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC). In 2019, she received two buffaloes from DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU), which eventually produced milk. This has become a primary source for her chocolate milk production, which she distributes to school campuses and various sari-sari stores.

“Iyong anak noong natanggap kong kalabaw ay nakapagbibigay na rin ngayon ng gatas. Nakatutulong ito sa paggawa ko ng produkto na choco milk at ice cream,” Maricris narrated.

In 2019, she ventured into product development by creating her ice cream using carabao’s milk. She dedicated her time to extensive testing to guarantee the quality of her products. Currently, the ice cream is available in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Additionally, she plans to expand her flavor offerings to include cookies and cream and ube macapuno, with the macapuno being sourced directly from her farm to ensure a steady supply for this flavor. The ice cream is also available in six different sizes: 3.5 ounces, 8 ounces, 16 ounces, 1 liter, half a gallon, and 1 gallon.

Maricris described the process of developing her ice cream as challenging, particularly in achieving the desired thickness, creaminess, and flavor perfection. She also shared how difficult and tiring it is to achieve the desired thick consistency of the ice cream. Despite the obstacles, her unwavering dedication and perseverance have led to significant improvements. Maintaining a positive mindset drives her to continually refine the product for superior outcomes.

“Sa paggawa ng ice cream, dapat i-consider ang tamang sukat at tamang lasa pati ‘yong thickness at ‘yong creaminess. Mayroon lang akong isang ice cream machine na ginagamit sa ngayon,” she said.

However, in terms of financial viability, the income she generates sufficiently sustains her family and supplements her daily expenses. Additionally, she intends to broaden her market in the future to help her neighbors and women in her community generate income. She firmly believes that effective promotion and marketing will fuel further growth for her business.

Maricris said that they were open to many possibilities, expressing her interest in exploring the creation of pastillas delicacies to ensure that the knowledge acquired during training would be applied.

Maricris expressed openness to various opportunities, particularly mentioning her interest in exploring the development of pastillas delicacies as a way to apply the knowledge gained from training.

She mentioned contemplating the possibility of making pastillas in the future, but currently, she prefers to concentrate on her present endeavors. She also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the DA-PCC National Headquarters and DA-PCC at CLSU for allowing her to learn and grow. The training has equipped her with valuable skills to support unemployed individuals and others in need.

Twenty-six Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in Region 1 satisfactorily completed the month−long Basic Artificial Insemination Training conducted from February 19 to March 22, 2024, at the Department of Agriculture Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment Center (DA-INREC) in Brgy. Cali, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. They were recognized in a graduation ceremony held on March 25, 2024.

The training was conducted through the collaboration of the DA-Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), which provided funding and logistics support, and the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mariano Marcos State University (DA-PCC at MMSU), which provided technical expertise extended by seasoned AI technicians and top performing village-based AI technicians.

In her message, Karen F. Paningbatan, Regional Livestock Focal of DA-RFO I, emphasized the responsibilities awaiting the AEWs post-training. She highlighted the importance of collaborating rather than competing with private village-based AI technicians in their roles. Paningbatan urged them to work hand in hand and enhance the livestock upgrading efforts that only a handful of VBAITs are equipped to perform. She also challenged them to broaden their perspectives and make significant contributions towards advancing the livestock sector within their provinces.

Joel Cabading, OIC Center Director of DA-PCC at MMSU, marked the training as a significant milestone in the careers of the attendees and encouraged them to apply their new knowledge within their local government units, despite the limitations they might encounter. He stressed the importance of continuing the partnership between the DA RFO I and the DA-PCC at MMSU to bridge training gaps, particularly the immediate provision of AI paraphernalia to the trainees. Cabading also committed to supporting future collaborations that could position the Dingras Breeding Station as a model training center in this part of the region.

The training participants included Livestock Inspectors (LIs), Provincial Artificial Insemination Coordinators (PAIC), Municipal Agriculturists (MA), and other DA RFO I staff.

Earlier this month, three female buffaloes were transferred to the DA RFO I from the DA-PCC at MMSU to be used as training animals and for other purposes.

The participants expressed their gratitude to both the DA RFO I and the DA-PCC at MMSU for coming up with this training, signifying their commitment to perform for the betterment of the livestock industry in their municipalities.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Ubay Stock Farm (DA-PCC at USF) conducted a two-day seminar on Dairy Buffalo Production (DBP) to the members of the KALIPI Dairy Producers Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association of Barangays Burabod and Matagangtang, Placer, Masbate.

The event was held at the training center of the town as part of the capability-building activities for the group last March 19-22, which was hosted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Region V.

Focused on equipping the SLP beneficiaries with carapreneurship, the seminar covered topics on Understanding the Potential of DBP, Milking the Buffalo Cow, Milk Quality Test, Milk-based Enterprise, Breeding Management, Forage Development, Feed Conservation, Animal Feeds and Feeding Management, Animal Health and Maintenance, and Dairy Animal Nutrition. Following the lectures, the beneficiaries were exposed to an actual milking demonstration at Pastor Eric Nugas’ dairy farm.

Guillerma Abay-abay, carabao-based enterprise development (CBED) coordinator of DA-PCC at USF, who was one of the resource persons, said the office is grateful that the association chose dairying as their SLP project.

“Moreover, after our discussions with DSWD-Region V, we are thankful for their eagerness to establish a strong partnership with DA-PCC after they requested us to submit a commitment letter for other potential carabao-related SLP projects,” Abay-abay added.

Dr. Bernard Bacule, CBED-Genetic Improvement Program (CBED-GIP) In-charge of DA-PCC at USF was also one of the lecturers during the seminar.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Asingan, under the leadership of Mayor Carlos F. Lopez Jr., rallies behind the Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BSNMPC) as it gears up to host the first-ever Carabao Meat and Milk Festival in the Philippines.

Scheduled to take place from April 19 to 21 in Bantog, Asingan, Pangasinan, this event aims to showcase opportunities anchored on the carabao industry.

Mayor Lopez expressed his support and provided invaluable insights to ensure the success of BSNMPC’s initiative. He emphasized the importance of highlighting the potential and significance of the carabao industry, not just locally but on a broader scale.

The much-anticipated three-day festival will include an array of engaging activities such as a motorcade and program to recognize co-op partner agencies, a drum and lyre exhibition, competitions such as carabao dress-up and street dancing, and cooking with carabao meat as the main course and milk as the dessert, among others.

BSNMPC’s carabao-based products, including meat and dairy delicacies, will be featured in booths throughout the festival grounds. Additionally, products from co-ops assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will also be showcased to highlight the collaborative efforts in promoting local products and sustainable livelihoods.

The LGU-Asingan offers support in event planning, communication, and guest invitations, provision of two trucks for the motorcade, and ensuring peace and order through the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Mayor Lopez’s personal commitment to the cooperative’s endeavors is evident in his proactive backing of its carabao business initiatives. Aside from his support for the upcoming festival, he has also initiated turning the carabao farms of the co-op members into tourist attractions, as this helps boost their livelihood and promote their products.

Recognizing the significance of the carabao, LGU-Asingan has prioritized it as a key commodity, as evidenced by their funding of the LGU-led Milk Feeding Program. They continue to steadfastly support related initiatives of assisted cooperatives like BSNMPC within the municipality.

With such valuable contributions to the Carabao Development Program implementation of the DA-PCC at DMMMSU, the LGU-Asingan received an award from the DA-PCC during the Luzon Cluster anniversary celebration at the CLSU gymnasium earlier this month.

The DA-PCC took this as an opportunity to extend its gratitude by recognizing its partners and supporters to build a stronger bond and foster potential partnerships.

LGU-Asingan is a strong supporter of DA-PCC at DMMMSU in its program implementation, which helps in shaping the lives of carapreneurs.