Month: May 2024

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

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), along with nine other agencies under the Department of Agriculture (DA), showcased their programs and services during the three-day Philippine Livestock and Aquaculture Expo 2024 held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Under the theme “Harnessing Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Farm Development,” DA-PCC exhibited innovations for development during the event.

During the opening program on May 22, 2024, Honorable Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino and DA Under Secretary for Livestock, Deogracias Victor Savelliano, emphasized innovation as a key driver in advancing the livestock industry.

Highlighting innovation, the DA-PCC booth presented the agency’s three banner programs (Genetic Improvement Program, Research for Development, and Carabao-based Enterprise Development Program), products developed to increase farm productivity, the Dairy Roadmap for 2020-2030, and goals for the carabao industry.

Among the agency’s developed products aimed at increasing farm productivity and adoption rates of farm-based practices are A2 Choice, Buro Booster, eRS, VeriSire, QuickCare, and BlockMate.

The results of these efforts were packaged in the form of knowledge products such as magazines and newsletters for public consumption. These materials contain success stories of the agency’s assisted farmers and recent developments in research.

These significant achievements of the agency were presented during the livestock forum on May 22-23, 2023, by DA-PCC experts.

The Rosario Livestock and Agriculture Farming Cooperative (TRLAFCO), one of the assisted co-ops of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (DA-PCC at UPLB), was honored with the Outstanding Livestock Cooperative award for its prowess and exceptional contributions to the local agriculture industry at the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines Expo 2024 Recognition and Networking Night on May 22, 2024, held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

“It is truly a relentless effort to continue to grow and evolve, ensuring food security and fostering economic resilience. Your commitment to excellence and sustainability remains unmatched. We honor those who dedicated their lives to advancing the livestock industry,” remarked Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Livestock, Deogracias Victor Savellano, in his message.

USec. Savellano also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring the continued growth and development of the livestock industry. He encouraged stakeholders to work together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development.

He then congratulated the awardees for exemplifying vision, hard work and dedication to overcome challenges and reach new heights. These contributions, he noted, are not only beneficial to their enterprises but also to the broader livestock sector and the nation as a whole.

Nominees for the esteemed Outstanding Livestock Cooperative award are evaluated based on specific criteria, including having a substantial number of membership in 2024, a minimum operational tenure of five years, and impactful contributions to livestock production.

Joseph Caguimbal, vice chairperson of the Board of Directors of TRLAFCO, emphasized the vast opportunities in dairy and carabao farming, especially with support from local government units and government agencies.
“We must seize and utilize these opportunities to expand our knowledge and skills to boost our income as farmers,” he added.

Moreover, he expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders including the DA-PCC family, Rosario Municipal Agriculturist Jane Libuit, other partners from the local and national government, and the TRLAFCO farmer-members and employees.

TRLAFCO, previously known as the Rosario Dairy Association (RODRA), transformed into a cooperative on September 13, 2019, building on a foundation laid in June 2012. With a membership surge from 29 to 122, including 86 active dairy producers, TRLAFCO has been demonstrating substantial industry impact for 12 years. The co-op’s notable achievements include producing 159,314.3 liters of milk and generating PHP27.3 million in sales in 2023 alone. The cooperative continues its success in 2024, producing 70,341.03 liters of milk and achieving PHP15.1 million in dairy product sales in the first four months.

TRLAFCO’s contributions have also been recognized with other prestigious awards, including the 2023 Magiting Co-op Achiever from the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCLEDO) Batangas, along with consecutive Outstanding Dairy Cooperative awards from the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) Annual National Carabao Conference in 2022 and 2023.

Furthermore, TRLAFCO has been actively serving as a milk supplier for the milk feeding program in collaboration with government agencies such as the DA-PCC, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Republic Act 11037, the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act of 2018. From 2019 to 2023, the co-op served 69,911 beneficiaries through this program.

TRLAFCO continues to be a model of diligence and dedication, which plays a vital role in contributing to the agricultural industry and livestock and dairy sectors in the Philippines.

PCCean researcher Dr. Lilian P. Villamor showcases the essence of “tatak PCC” on the international science stage by earning the esteemed Prof. Yoo Hang Kim Young Women Scientists Award-2024 from the Association of the Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA).

AASSA is a non-profit international organization with interests in science, technology, and innovation (STI). It aims to offer young women scientists early in their careers the opportunity to attend an AASSA-recognized international scientific conference or meeting, where they can present the results of their original research.

One of the qualifications established by AASSA was that the nominee should have experience presenting his/her original research at an internationally recognized scientific conference or have had his/her work accepted/published in international journals.

Dr. Villamor submitted the following research works: Genetic Divergence and Phylogenetic Relationship of Philippine Carabao (Bubalus bubalis) and Other Swamp Buffalo Populations in Neighboring Countries Revealed by the Mitochondrial DNA D-loop Region; Phylogenetic Relationship and Genetic Variation of Wild and Domesticated Water Buffaloes in Genus Bubalus Using Mitochondrial DNA D-loop Variation; and a Study on the Genetic Diversity of the Philippine Carabao Swamp Buffalo in the Philippines.

“I am motivated by my love for science and the inspiration I receive from my mentors in various fields of science. With my expertise in Agricultural Sciences, I hope to represent women in science and contribute to the mission of the AASSA. My goal is to make significant contributions to science and to specifically improve the Department of Agriculture, support livestock farmers, and help my fellow citizens in the country and beyond,” shared Dr. Villamor.

Since joining the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) in 2014, her primary responsibility has been to enhance the operational management of the Cryobank Unit. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, she was privileged to be assigned to draft the DA Administrative Order (AO) No. 31 Series of 2021, declaring the DA-PCC Cryobank as the National Livestock Cryobank (NLC), and the Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 04 Series of 2022, which provides the implementing guidelines for the NLC. She played a vital role in creating guidelines and optimizing laboratory protocols for the collection of animal genetic resources (AnGR), cryopreservation, data banking, access to AnGR, and information campaigns.

Dr. Villamor’s experience in biological sciences includes working in the DNA Analysis Laboratory (DAL) at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) for nearly five years where she contributed to the establishment of genetic markers for forensic applications and gained an understanding of the diversity of Filipino populations. She was also involved in the HUGO Pan-Asian SNP Consortium, where their research findings mapped human genetic diversity in Asia, providing valuable insights for population studies in the Philippines and other countries.

She also expanded her knowledge in DNA barcoding and phylogenetic research in the field of Marine Science (Marine Biotechnology).

She also served as the principal investigator of the research team for the DA-Biotech project, which contributed to the unveiling of the genetic diversity of the Philippine Carabao (PC). The project also led to the identification of the Philippine Carabao in Calayan Island, Cagayan as a pure-type swamp buffalo, which resulted in the establishment of the carabao sanctuary.

Dr. Villamor is a Senior Science Research Specialist and the current head of the Cryobank Unit at the DA-PCC.

“Research outputs should have an impact to benefit livestock farmers and the industry. This involves a lot of consultations with researchers and farmers until we come up with laser-focus objectives to contribute worthwhile science that will help the farmers,” Dr. Villamor ended.

Fourteen new AI technicians from select provincial government and local government units in the Cordillera Administrative Region officially completed the basic course on artificial insemination and pregnancy diagnosis on large ruminants today at the ATI-RTC-CAR, BSU Compound, La Trinidad, Benguet, May 17.

The said training was initiated by the Department of Agriculture-CAR-Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP), funded by the Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera Administrative Region, and aims to increase the calf drop of large ruminants in the region.

As one of the agencies leading the AI initiatives, ATI-CAR has partnered with the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU) to capacitate the participants on artificial insemination (AI) and pregnancy diagnosis (PD).

The DA-PCC at DMMMSU team has equipped them with theoretical and technical training on artificial insemination and pregnancy diagnosis, including its process, proper handling, and maintenance of equipment, familiarization with the female reproductive organs of carabaos, body scoring, management of common reproductive diseases and abnormalities, and best practices in AI.

AI Coordinator Reynaldo Paneda, together with the center and village-based AI technicians, spurred their field exposure to AI and PD after their deployment to the different sites of the service area of the center.
The month-long training commenced on April 22 and ended on May 15.

Miezel Coma, the only female AI technician in the batch, said that the discussions were insightful as they were based on experience and beneficial for their hands-on learning as trainees had their aha moments.

DA-PCC at DMMMSU Center Director Vilma Gagni expressed her heartfelt gratitude for choosing the center for this collaboration. She hoped that the lessons learned by the technicians in this training would be shared with others, as learning is a never-ending cycle.

“In learning, we teach, and in teaching, we learn,” she said.
During today’s closing ceremony, the participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in performing AI and PD.

Allan Guinobang, livestock coordinator and AI technician of the Municipal Agriculture Office in Lamut, pledges to increase the population of large ruminants in their municipality, citing a decrease in the number of carabaos due to slaughter, mostly females, and a scarcity of bulls.

With newly trained AI technicians and heroes in the livestock industry, they hope to contribute to the improvement of livestock production in Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

Twenty-four extension professionals (EPs) from Bohol support the vision of DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) to improve dairy buffalo production and the management of small-scale carabao farmers through the utilization of the Knowledge, Brokerage, Guidance, and Advisory Network (KBGAN) mobile apps–the iHealth and iFeed.

The KBGAN mobile applications are the products of the partnership between the DA-PCC, through its Knowledge Management Division (KMD), and the Grameen Foundation Philippines, known as the Extension and Advisory Services Information System (EASIS) in 2020. The partnership aims to modernize and improve the agency’s extension and advisory service delivery to its clientele.

DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants, Benjamin Albarece, commended the innovative steps made by DA-PCC.

“We were still contemplating such a project, but DA-PCC is already in the implementation phase. I hope that the KBGAN mobile apps can be replicated to serve more livestock animals,” Asec Albarece said.

The DA-PCC, alongside the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-VII and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian of Bohol, built a strong collaboration to enhance the dairy production management capacity of local dairy buffalo farmers in Bohol.

ATI Region VII pledged the provision of 24 tablets for the training of EPs.
During the Training of Trainers (T o T) held at the ATI Regional Training Center VII in Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol from May 7-9, 2024, participants engaged in intensive training and practical field testing. The DA-PCC team facilitated proper navigation and troubleshooting of basic issues encountered with the KBGAN mobile apps.

Subsequently, a hands-on activity demonstrating the application’s functionality took place at DA-PCC at Ubay Stock Farm.

The training also received positive feedback from the participants, citing how the mobile applications can aid the health issues of dairy carabaos in the region.

“Maganda at mahalaga ang mobile apps lalo na sa mga technicians dahil pag-open ng app ay andoon na lahat. Nakakapag-provide pa siya ng mga nutritional requirements at mga pamamaraan kung paano malulunasan ang sakit ng mga kalabaw,” shared Dr. Domino Bayron, a veterinarian from the OPV of Bohol.

The Department of Agriculture’s National Livestock Program recently paid a visit to the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM). The meeting served as a platform to discuss potential research projects and strategies to bolster the carabao industry in Mindanao, which plays a significant role in the region’s agriculture sector.

Representatives from the National Livestock Program expressed their keen interest in leveraging the expertise and resources of DA-PCC at USM to conduct in-depth studies on different aspects of the carabao value chain, including breeding, nutrition, and marketing.

Moreover, the discussions also revolved around the utilization of biogas as an alternative energy source in agricultural operations. Biogas, derived from organic waste such as animal manure, holds immense potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously providing a renewable energy solution for farmers.

DA-PCC at USM Center Director Geoffray R. Atok expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of leveraging synergies between government agencies and academic institutions to drive innovation and sustainable development in the agriculture sector.

He highlighted the significance of research-driven initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by livestock farmers and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the industry. The partnership with government agencies signifies a significant step towards fostering innovation and sustainability in Mindanao’s livestock sector, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth and food security goals.

Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Ruminants Dr. Benjamin Albarece aims to promote the establishment of privately-led breeders for each livestock commodity to support the country’s upgrading activities for rapid population growth and enhanced productivity.

He revealed this during a brief consultative meeting with the National Dairy Authority (NDA), DA-7 Ubay Stock Farm, and DA-PCC at Ubay Stock Farm (DA-PCC at USF) on May 7, 2024, at the latter’s office.

Asec. Albarece emphasized the importance of involving the private sector in the country’s genetic improvement program, particularly in implementing a breed registry and pedigree recording system.

“This way, the genetic improvement program can expand, and more people can benefit, given that it wouldn’t be sustainable if only the government were to maintain it. At the end of the day, it boils down to UNAIP (Unified National Artificial Insemination Program),” Asec. Albarece elaborated.
He envisioned that it would be better if the government assisted in establishing the breed registry and managing the data.

He also mentioned that initial meetings had already taken place, with DA-PCC potentially taking the lead in this endeavor, considering its established registry and pedigree system.

He visited the facilities of DA-PCC at USF, NDA, and First Consolidated Cooperative Along Tanon Seaboards (FCCT), where the Bohol Silage Production and Marketing Project (PRDP-funded) is located.
Asec. Albarece also briefly discussed with the head of the Provincial Veterinary Office of Bohol, Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz, the province’s best practices in dairying.

Part of their discussion involved the efforts of DA-PCC-assisted cooperatives in addressing feed shortages during this El Niño season.

“I was glad to know that silage-making is already happening here in Bohol. It is very timely, especially given the severity of the El Niño effects,” Asec Albarece said.

Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, emphasized the importance of education and skill development in achieving economic upliftment for farmers through farm schools.

“We carry the values of perseverance and diligence so we can provide a better future for the Filipino people,” she averred at the opening program of the training on “Capacitating Coconut Farmers on Dairy Buffalo Production for Increased Income,” held May 7, 2024, at the Villar Foundation Farm School and Tourist Farm located in Las Piñas-Bacoor, Cavite.

She urged the participants to apply the knowledge they gained from the training back in their home provinces.

The training initiative is a collaborative effort between the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) and the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA), in partnership with the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) Farm School. It focuses on educating coconut farmers about proper dairy buffalo production and management and enterprise development through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. The training is part of the Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP), funded by DA-PCA.

Senator Villar recounted a visit to a barangay in Pagadian City, which inspired her support for the dairy buffalo enterprise model. This model involves local families managing dairy herds, processing, and selling dairy products locally. Curious about the economic viability of such enterprises, she advances the need for 50 carabaos per operation. The combination of Pagadian’s backyard dairy production and the DA-PCC’s Dairy Box branding impressed her leading to her resolve to allocate funds to replicate this model nationwide.

The following year, Senator Villar allocated a PHP170 million budget to the DA-PCC to expand this model to 17 provinces, eventually named Accelerating Livelihood Assets Buildup (ALAB) Karbawan. Each province received PHP10 million to cover the procurement cost of 50 carabaos, one processing facility, and other miscellaneous expenses.

The ALAB Karbawan is an umbrella program initiative and popularized name for the province-wide Carabao-based Enterprise Development implementation projects namely Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) and CCDP. Its primary goal is to establish robust carabao-based enterprises in recipient provinces, thereby generating livelihood opportunities for farmers.

Dr. Liza G. Battad, DA-PCC executive director, expressed her gratitude to Sen. Villar for her continuous support to carabao-based enterprise programs, which provide livelihood and business opportunities for dairy farmers nationwide.

PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter R. Buted also expressed gratitude and emphasized the crucial role of coconut-carabao farmers in sustaining the country’s agricultural productivity.

The three-day training event, which will run until May 9, includes comprehensive modules on various aspects of buffalo dairy management, including nutrition, animal health, and milking practices.

Some 30 farmers from the CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol regions are participating in this initiative, all beneficiaries of the CCDP.