Month: August 2024

To provide children the essential nutrition for their growth and well-being, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) has distributed sterilized milk to 4,251 undernourished pupils across 174 public schools in Abra.

“We are pleased to supply the milk sets for Abra. It’s rewarding to know that our efforts directly contribute to the health and development of the children here,” Melinda Galacgac, DA-PCC at Mariano Marcos State University’s (DA-PCC at MMSU) science research analyst, said.

Provincial School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) focal person Estrelita Seares cited that this feeding program ensures that every child will receive the necessary nourishment to support their academic performance and overall health.

The sterilized milk, supplied and distributed by the Licaong Agriculture Cooperative (LAC) in Nueva Ecija and the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives in Ilocos Norte, began distribution on August 16, 2024. The program will run for 38 days, delivering a total of 161,538 milk sets to the pupils.

The DepEd-funded SBFP was first introduced in 2019 in support of Republic Act No. 11037. Since then, it has been catering undernourished children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 enrolled in public elementary schools. The agency recorded a total of 757,711 beneficiaries nationwide in 2023.

An innovative capacity-building program on drone utilization for forage production is a new way forward in the partnership between the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

This innovative project that will start in 2025 until 2027 aims to capacitate DA-PCC technical staff and partner local government units to improve forage production using drone technologies for sustainable food sources and livestock nutrition.

During the planning and consultation on August 18 to 21, 2024 held at the DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool, the DA-PCC and KOICA laid out comprehensive plans and policies to guide the implementation of the technology.

The implementation survey will collect necessary documents and data for the implementation plan to be submitted to KOICA Headquarters. Data will be gathered from the forage areas of the National Gene Pool and Bull Farm of DA-PCC at CLSU for institutional farms and ACDI Forage Farm and Moises Alfonso Forage Farm for clients.

The first year and second year will cover training on legal and institutional systems, policy trends, international challenges, and practical training for technical staff. Wrap-up learning events will be implemented during the third year. A manual will be developed to guide the production systems while data field monitoring will be conducted for effective resource management.

The DA-PCC’s Livestock Engineering Section (LES) and Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS) will lead the project implementation.

The KOICA implementation survey team consists of Prof. Chang Jaeyun, director of Chungbok International Development Cooperation Center; Prof. Park Chang Woo, assistant professor from Cheongju University; and Prof. Choi Seong Ho, dean of Agriculture, Life, and Sciences at Chungbuk National University.

The activity was spearheaded by DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad and DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro Salces.

Agri-Agra na Reporma para sa Magsasaka ng Pilipinas Movement (AGRI Party-List) representative Cong. Wilbert T. Lee strongly lobbies for an increased budget for the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) during a recent budget briefing of the House Committee on Appropriations.

According to Rep. Lee, DA-PCC was allotted PHP89 million for the research and development of the National Carabao Development Program and PHP274 million for the Dairy Herd Buildup Project (DHBP).

By promoting the local dairy industry, the Bicolano lawmaker argued the need for stronger support on research and innovation in both carabao and cattle to improve dairy practices and production.

“Napakalayo pa ng ating bansa sa pagkamit ng milk sufficiency. Kaya dapat maging kayod-kalabaw din ang gobyerno sa pagsuporta sa mga ahensya para mapaunlad ang local dairy industry at hindi tayo laging dependent sa importation,” he said. He added, “We deserve better and it is our right to demand better services and demand more opportunities in our country.”

This year, DA-PCC received a PHP787 million budget from the Department of Budget and Management. The center’s prioritized programs include the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network, PL480 Intensified Community-based Dairy Enterprise Development, and the Dairy Herd Buildup of Genetically Improved Dairy Buffaloes, which aims to purchase breeding animals for institutional and cooperative farms, boosting local dairy stock and milk production.

Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Scientist IV and chairperson of the Technical Working Group for the Formulation of the Regulatory Policy for Genetically Modified Animals and Animal By-Products, and concurrent officer-in-charge Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center, presented the drafting process “Joint Department Circular on GM Animals and By-Products” on August 14, 2024. The presentation took place during a workshop on the sidelines of the APEC High-Level Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Biotechnology (HLPDAB) in Trujillo, Peru.

The APEC HLPDAB serves as a platform for APEC economies to discuss and ensure the safety of agricultural biotechnology, communicate the benefits of these products to the public, and promote economic growth by facilitating the introduction of safe technologies within APEC economies.

Dr. Mingala was joined by the Philippine delegation comprising members from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Science and Technology.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) earned 2nd Best Technology Poster for the Buro Booster Silage Inoculant (BBSI) technology during the National Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (AIPF) at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga today.

The event is a major activity of the DOST PCAARRD-funded project under the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation Systems Enhancement (RAISE) Program titled “Project 1D: Enhancing the Intellectual Property Technology Business Management Office at the DA-PCC”.

Buro Booster was developed in 2020 by the DA-PCC’s Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS) team including Reynald Amido, Dr. Arnel Del Barrio, Phoebe Lyndia Llantada, Charity Castillo, and Mary Rose Uy-De Guia to feed ruminants quality silage. The inoculant is an additive to corn, sorghum, and grass silage, and contains lactic acid bacteria, which improves silage quality and minimizes spoilage.

The technology poster is an output of Zadieshar Sanchez, chief of the DA-PCC’s Planning and Information Management Division (PIMD) after attending the Technology Promotion Mentorship Series (TPMS) under the DOST-PCAARRD RAISE program together with Xyran Alejandro. It was laid out by Donna Rolyn Salenga of PIMD.

AIPF 2024 aimed to showcase the technological advancements and solutions in the agri-aqua and natural resources sector with the theme: “Transforming Ideas into Business Realities with Science and Technology.”
The said convention was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) in collaboration with the Association of Page Professionals (APP) and the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU).

A new Dairy Box store has opened in Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, offering a convenient stop for tourists visiting the nearby Tinuy-an Falls, known as the country’s widest waterfall.

Strategically located just 8 km from the famous “white water curtain” falls, the Dairy Box provides tourists with the opportunity to purchase carabao-based products as “pasalubong” on their way home.

This one-stop-shop, which will be managed by the Bislig Community and Government Employee Cooperative (BCGEMCO), not only offers nutritious dairy delicacies but also provides livelihood opportunities for Bislig City’s residents.

Dr. Lowell Paraguas, center director of the DA-PCC at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU), shared the project’s rationale during his opening remarks.

“The said facility was established as part of the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB) Karbawan project implemented by the DA-PCC and funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar,” shared Dr. Paraguas.
The Dairy Box is an infrastructure support for smallholder dairy farmers designed to provide them with an opportunity to gain access to the commercial market for greater income.

Dr. Caro Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

“We are thrilled to finally open our doors and share our passion for high-quality, locally sourced dairy products with the community. Our goal is to offer not just products but an experience that highlights the craftsmanship and care behind every item,” Dr. Salces said. He emphasized Dairy Box’s commitment to supporting local farmers and producers by ensuring that customers receive the freshest products while contributing to the local economy.

Attendees enjoyed complimentary samples of the store’s signature products, including the creamiest and fresh pasteurized carabao’s milk. This newly opened store offers a variety of milk-based products, including pastillas, fresh milk, white cheese, chocomilk, and mango- and ube-flavored milk drinks.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel showed his support for the project, noting that the province has allocated PHP500,000 for 2024 to support dairy farmers and Dairy Box operations.

“Dairy Box is a valuable addition to our province. It’s wonderful to see new businesses that support local agriculture and bring high-quality products to our residents. I fully support this initiative,” Rep. Pimentel affirmed.

The ceremony also featured the graduation of 17 farmer beneficiaries from the Farmer Livestock School on Dairy Buffalo Production (FLS-DBP). They received certificates along with two motorcycles, milk cans, milk processing and storage facilities, and 56 dairy buffaloes.

Present at the turnover ceremony were Provincial Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, Bislig City Mayor Florencio Garay, representatives from Senator Cynthia Villar’s office, and BCGEMCO Chairperson Edgardo Ochavillo.

For more information about this new Dairy Box store and its product offerings, visit its Facebook Page: Dairy Box-Bislig City or stop by the store at Sayre Highway, Core 1, Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The store is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rolly Mateo Sr., a farmer from Asingan, Pangasinan, earned PHP4 million in 2023 from his silage business, producing 609 tons of high-quality feed for carabaos.

Silage is a feedstuff produced by fermenting forage with a high moisture content (65%–70%). Silage has many advantages, including the preservation of nutrients and being less water-dependent. Some of the forages that can be processed for silage are corn, sorghum, and Napier grass.

Mateo Sr. started processing corn silage after he was trained by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU).

Recognizing the benefits of silage, Mateo Sr. started making corn silage for his carabaos.

In 2015, Mateo Sr. expanded his production and started commercializing corn silage. He began selling it at PHP3.75 per kilo, and prices now are PHP6 and PHP8 per kilo for distant areas, with one sack equating to 40 kilos. The quality of his silage drew clients from Batangas, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, and Quezon.

His success extends beyond his business because he helps fellow farmers in his community.

Since the required production per week covers 3-5 hectares, he had to ensure a steady corn supply so he gave corn seeds to willing local farmers.

“Binibigyan ko ng buto ng mais ang ilan sa mga kabarangay ko dahil wala rin akong malaking lupa. Kapag naani na, babayaran ko sila ng PHP100,000-PHP120,000. Malaki na iyon kumpara sa dati nilang kinikita na PHP70,000 kada ani,” Mateo Sr. shared.

He also employed 16 men to help him in his silage business and paid them PHP450 per day.

He reinvests his earnings into acquiring carabaos, now boasting a herd of around 100 head. Mateo Sr. used to work on someone else’s farm and was only taking home PHP5,000 every cropping season. In 2007, he was selected by DA-PCC at DMMMSU to be a recipient of a pregnant dairy carabao that changed the course of his life.

It was in 2019 when his dairy revenue peaked substantially until 2021, owing to daily sales of 40 to 50 liters of milk. His gross monthly income exceeded PHP100,000.

“Nakita ko na malaki pala ang silbi ng pagbuburo ng mais lalo na sa panahon ng tagtuyot, at kung tayo’y nakapag-imbak ng buro, mais man o kahit anong forage na pwedeng iburo, mayroon tayong ipapakain,” he shared.

Why should corn silage be a top choice for dairy farmers?
One of the most important practices in dairy buffalo management is the provision of sufficient and nutritious feedstuffs. However, feed resources are a challenge for farmers, especially during the summer season.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defined silage-making as one method of conserving animal feed when there is less feed available. Silage making keeps forage in good condition without lessening the nutritional value, provides high-quality feed during the dry period, and increases the palatability and digestibility of fodder crops,
among others.

To help dairy farmers address the problem of feeding, DA-PCC, through its Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS), is implementing training in the different regions of the country to introduce the benefits of silage. When it comes to choosing feed options for livestock, corn silage is a good choice.

The PSNS encouraged farmers why it’s an essential supplementary feed. Corn silage has high energy content because it is rich in starch which converts into soluble sugars during the fermentation period. Another benefit is its excellent fiber content that provides a good balance of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) that is more digestible compared to other kinds of silage. It is also highly palatable to ruminants. Its moisture keeps the rumen hydrated and stimulates the animals’ chewing activity. With regard to concerns about feed shortages, silage in general can be stored for extended periods without losing its nutritional value.

By incorporating corn silage in buffalo management, farmers can enhance the health and productivity of their livestock.

The Socio-economic and Environmental Research Section of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center recently conducted a two-day training on “Advanced Milk Handling, Testing, and Processing” for Aklan’s dairy community on July 30-31, 2024. The training aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in milk processing practices.

Attendees included staff from the Provincial Local Government Unit of Aklan and select members of the Nalook Farmers Association and Ginintuang Masaganang Tanim Farmers Consumers Cooperative, key partners in the Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP).

Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, RDD OIC chief, underscored the significance of product development.

“We should think about how to develop products using carabao’s milk and coconut milk to really emphasize the connection between the coconut and the carabao commodities,” he said.

The hands-on training covered milk handling, testing, and processing of kesong puti and choco milk, along with the processing of carabao’s meat products such as tapa and longganisa. Participants also engaged in a lakbay-aral, where they visited progressive carabao farmers and cooperatives in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.

This initiative aims to boost carabao’s milk production and enhance the market competitiveness of carabao-based products in Aklan.

Fourteen new artificial insemination (AI) technicians completed a one-month Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Water Buffaloes, organized by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU). The training took place at the DA-PCC National Bull Farm in Brgy. Joson, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija from June 25 to July 24, 2024.

The participants are from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, staff of DA-PCC at MMSU, and DA-PCC at CLSU.
During the first week of training, the trainees actively engaged in lecture discussions led by the agency’s experts. The second and third weeks focused on hands-on activities, including pregnancy diagnosis and AI gun insertion. Trainees also visited various barangays in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, to perform pregnancy diagnoses and artificial inseminations under the guidance of the DA-PCC at CLSU AI team. In the final week, the trainees completed practical and written exams.

The program also featured a testimony from Merck Jovan V. Apolonio, a village-based AI technician from Victoria, Tarlac, whose experience inspired and guided the trainees in their future endeavors.

Representing DA-PCC at CLSU Center Director Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, Rebecca Ruby Gabriel, carabao-based enterprise development (CBED) coordinator, emphasized the important role AI technicians play in enhancing buffalo breeds for superior quality.

Dr. Peregrino Duran, head of Research and Development, congratulated the new AI technicians, recognizing their readiness to serve and contribute to the advancement of the carabao industry.

Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, stressed the importance of dedication to serving farmers as the essence of the program.

“Itong 30 days na training ay sana pahalagahan ninyo, bukod sa skills sana ay nadebelop din ang inyong commitment. ‘Yong commitment sa ginagawa na ‘di lang ‘yong kikita tayo sa pag-AI kundi ‘yong makapag serbisyo lalo sa mga magsasaka kasi ‘yon ang essence ng programa. Sana pagdating natin sa ating mga lugar ay pagsumikapan nating makatulong sa mga magsasaka at sana patuloy nating pagtibayin ang ating programa,” Dr. Salces said.

Erwin Encarnacion, regional AI coordinator, announced the results and training completion, where the new AI technicians were given certificates and AI guns.

The top three best performers in PD were Rhommel Gamponia (93.24%), Aldrin Jay Pastor (91.78%), and January Abad (89.33%). Meanwhile, the top three in AI gun insertion were Manuel Dominguez (48 seconds), Arfil Imperial (53 seconds), and Ryan Francisco (1 minute, 5 seconds).

The new AI technicians were asked to make written promises, which were projected on the screen during the closing ceremony. A ceremonial toast with glasses of milk sealed the unity among the technicians and DA-PCC officials.

Aldrin Jay Pastor from DA-PCC at MMSU expressed that he has gained valuable insights from the training, which he can also share with his clients.
Meanwhile, Marcial Bautista from Bayambang, Pangasinan, expressed his gratitude for being part of the training and thanked the trainers for their guidance.

Jerome Castro from Mabalacat City, Pampanga, also expressed his appreciation to DA-PCC at CLSU for his new skills in AI and PD, assuring that all the knowledge he gained will be used to help and serve others.
To conclude the program, Emma V. Venturina, head of the National Bull Farm, praised the new AI technicians for their excellent work. She also expressed her gratitude to all the participants for supporting the program of DA-PCC at CLSU.

The 30-day training was facilitated by Christine Helen Adriano, regional training coordinator; and Calvin Kim Dioses, assistant training coordinator, along with the DA-PCC at CLSU staff, its AI team, and the National Bull Farm staff.