Author: Sunshine T. Sabidalas

The Hibunawan Integrated Farmer’s Association (HIFA), a farmer’s group assisted by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Visayas State University (DA-PCC at VSU), received 50 head of dairy buffaloes during the ceremonial turnover on October 15, 2024, in Brgy. Maganhan, Baybay City, Leyte.

The initiative was part of the government’s ongoing effort to support sustainable agriculture by providing high-yielding breeds of dairy animals, which can significantly increase milk production and farmers’ income.

Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari shared his experiences with carabao raising and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of DA-PCC, PCA, and other partner agencies in buffalo entrustment.

Mayor Cari emphasized that the main purpose of this project is to enhance the living standards of the local farmers. He also highlighted the importance of the nutrition program, which has a big role in providing nutritious food options for families and communities. The mayor assured his full support for the Coconut Carabao Development Project (CCDP).

DA-PCC at VSU Center Director Francisco G. Gabunada Jr. expressed his gratitude to the local government of Baybay, PCA, and Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform. He provided an overview of the CCDP, explaining that the entrustment of dairy animals is a strategic approach aimed at enhancing livelihood, particularly among smallholder farmers. This initiative will enable farmers to generate income through milk production, providing a stable and ongoing source of revenue.

Director Gabunada also emphasized that DA-PCC will offer technical assistance through training programs designed to empower local farmers with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve productivity, ensure animal welfare, and enhance their overall livelihoods. He stressed that the success of this program “is all in their hands.”

The entrustment was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking the beginning of a transformative partnership among the farmers, PCA, and DA-PCC.

The Arya Sta. Maria Dairy SLP Association finally embarked on its journey in carapreneurship following the inauguration and blessing of the carabao housing and entrustment of six buffaloes by the Department of Social Welfare and Development—Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP), Local Government Unit—Sta. Maria, and DA-Philippine Carabao Center at DMMMSU in San Patricio, Sta Maria, Pangasinan on October 4, 2024.

Mayor Julius Ramos stated during the activity that the beneficiaries should value this new venture because it has provided them with the opportunity to improve their lives. He emphasized that a successful project requires dedication and patience from all team members.

DA-PCC at DMMMSU Center Director Vilma C. Gagni emphasized the importance of patience and hard work when starting a carabao business.
“Matagal ang development ng kalabaw. Hinihintay ng tatlong taon ang dalagang kalabaw bago ito mapabuntis at madadagdagan ulit ito ng 10 buwan bago manganak. Pagkatapos nito, ang inahing kalabaw ay gagatasan din ng 10 buwan,” she said.

Director Gagni also highlighted the success of Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which has been in the carabao industry for nearly two decades and is now reaping the benefits of its dedication, determination, and hard work.

The DSWD-SLP Pangasinan II allocated PHP450,000 from its seed capital fund to purchase six crossbred buffaloes. In December 2024, DA-PCC at DMMMSU will entrust an additional five pregnant carabaos to the association, alongside providing technical training and services.

Mayor Ramos also pledged further support, committing to donate 10 additional buffaloes next year to boost the initiative. The local government has already supported the establishment of the buffalo shelter and forage area.

Since the Gatasang Kalabaw Kontra Kagutuman at Kahirapan is a convergence project, Provincial Coordinator of DSWD-SLP Pangasinan II Ronald Gabriel mentioned that other national government agencies will provide additional capital to improve the project once its success is evident.

Grace Dela Cruz, DSWD-SLP Pangasinan II Provincial Partnership Officer, stated that the next phase of the project will focus on monitoring, with added assistance from agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) for further training and capacity building.

The 30 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries were socially prepared and capacitated with technical knowledge and skills in dairy buffalo production and management last September 18-20, 2024.

Now, the Arya Sta. Maria SLPA is ready to move forward, committed to the successful rearing of their buffaloes, including a newborn calf, and the sustainability of the convergence project, which promises to improve the lives of its members.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) officially launched its first #OhmAIKalabaw! (OMK!) Activation Program in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat on October 3, 2024, in the hope of improving calf and milk production nationwide through artificial insemination (AI).

OMK! is a communication campaign, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of AI services among stakeholders and, consequently, participation in the Carabao Upgrading Program with the help of “Super KAI,” a character launched as part of the campaign representing the efforts of AI technicians in buffalo breeding and raising awareness about the importance of AI.

More than 200 carabao farmers and AI technicians from the municipality participated in the event.

Mayor Ma. Katrina Buena F. Sandigan expressed her appreciation to DA-PCC for selecting President Quirino as the site for the program’s first activation. She highlighted the program’s potential to enhance calf production and serve as a model for increased milk production in the province.

“Malaking tulong ang nagagawa ng programa ng DA-PCC sa pagkakalabaw at paggagatas. Marami itong maitutulong lalo na sa ating kalusugan at additional income din galing sa gatas ng kalabaw,” Mayor Sandigan said.

Dr. Geoffray R. Atok, center director of DA-PCC at University of Southern Mindanao, proudly noted that this was the first OMK activation in the country. He emphasized that Sultan Kudarat would soon begin producing carabao’s milk.

“Hindi lang kayo ang una sa Sultan Kudarat, hindi lang kayo ang una sa buong Region, kayo ang una sa buong Pilipinas! Dito po sa President Quirino magsisimula ang supply ng gatas na ipoproseso ng Sultan Kudarat!” Dir. Atok averred.

The event also included a lecture from Dr. Edwin C. Atabay, OIC-Deputy Executive Director of DA-PCC and the National AI and Bull Entrustment Coordinator, on best breeding practices for dairy production and Dr. Virgilio V. Lopez, GIP Coordinator of DA-PCC at USM, on best practices in enhancing AI efficiency.

On the other hand, Rowena S. Galang, Knowledge Management Division’s OIC Chief and OMK! Program Director, discussed the rationale behind the OMK! Campaign, while Arnel Patricio Sr., the province’s top AI technician, shared his experiences and the benefits of AI.

The program concluded with an AI Bayanihan, led by Dr. Atabay and Dr. Lopez. The LGU and DA-PCC at USM also provided health services to carabaos in the barangay such as deworming, vitamin administration, and vaccination.

A total of 32 research and development (R&D) studies from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) were presented during its annual in-house review held at the Eusebio-Castillo Hall, DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool, in Science City of Muñoz from September 25 to 27.

The event highlighted the agency’s latest research efforts in the livestock sector, specifically focusing on water buffalo production.
Over the three-day event, best papers were recognized in different categories per thematic area:

Best Research Paper in Socio-economics, Environment, and Policy category: “The Financial Viability of the Dairy Buffalo Farming Business” presented by Zadieshar G. Sanchez

Best Research Paper in Technology Transfer category: “Examining the Effectiveness of School-on-the-Air on Dairy Buffalo Production II CALABARZON: An Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Participating Farmers” presented by Kyla A. Rodriguez

Best Research Paper in Production System and Nutrition category: “Development of Probiotics with Moringa Extract as Feed Supplement for the Health and Production Performance of Water Buffalos (Bubalus bubalis)” presented by Anne Franchette Asuncion.

Best Development Paper in Animal Health and Biosafety category: “Development of a prototype for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection or screening of lumpy skin disease (LSD)” presented by Dr. Arren Christian M. de Giua

Best Development Paper in Animal Breeding and Genomics: “Presence of PRLR-slick mutation in Philippine cattle: A PCR approach to genetic frequency analysis” presented by Alexander M. Paraguas

Best Undergraduate Research: “Effect of fermentation and processing procedures on the quality and safety of shelf-stable carabeef sausage sticks” presented by JC Medel A. Victorio

Best Post-Graduate Research: “Whole genome sequencing of the Philippine Swamp buffalo and initial insights from the 1000 buffalo genomes project” by Paulene S. Pineda

According to Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, Officer-in-Charge of the Research and Development Division (RDD), the event highlighted research across seven thematic study areas divided into two categories—development paper and research paper. He explained that research papers focused on generating and expanding knowledge, while development studies aimed at translating research into practical solutions for the carabao and livestock industry.

Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad expressed her hope that the technologies presented would be implemented at the industry level to enhance carabao profitability and productivity. Meanwhile, Deputy Executive Director for Production and Research Dr. Claro N. Mingala emphasized the significance of the event in highlighting DA-PCC’s research efforts, noting that DA-PCC could evolve into a national livestock research institute with a broader focus beyond water buffalo.

The panel of reviewers for the research papers included experts from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and Central Luzon State University (CLSU) including Dr. April Shayne Lobaton Sulabo, Dr. Ian Kendrich C. Fontanilla, Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo, Dr. Joice V. San Andres, and Dr. Maria Excelsis M. Orden.

The annual in-house review is part of DA-PCC’s preparation for major scientific conventions, such as those organized by the Philippine Society of Animal Science (PSAS) and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD). The review also tracks the progress and impact of DA-PCC’s livestock studies for the benefit of stakeholders and partner agencies.

The DA-PCC at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU) has enhanced the capabilities of its artificial insemination (AI) technicians through a two-day refresher course and forum held from September 25-26, 2024, at LGU Agri-tourism, Amlang, Rosario, La Union.

The training aimed to reinforce the knowledge of AI technicians in conducting efficient and high-quality AI services—a critical component in improving service delivery to rural farmers.

Reynaldo Paneda, AI coordinator of the Center, acknowledged that the efficiency of AI technicians and calf drop monitoring are the main factors affecting the Center’s target.

He also mentioned that based on the analysis of the AI database of the Center, only 10 technicians met the required AI efficiency rate. To address this gap, the Center organized the refresher course and forum.

The first day of the event focused on providing AI technicians with a refresher on key practices, such as proper form filling, thawing and handling of semen, and actual AI procedures. The second day featured a forum led by Paneda, addressing common issues, sharing updates, and devising strategies to improve the delivery of AI services.

During the event, outstanding village-based AI technicians were recognized for their exemplary performance. Christian Dela Rosa, Davis Pascua, and Arnold Basuel were awarded for achieving the highest AI efficiency rates, while Jessie Aromin, Arnold Basuel, and Josue Abando received recognition for the highest calf drop reports.

Dela Rosa, who earned the top spot in AI efficiency, stated that he always ensures that carabaos are in good health with correct body condition score before performing AI procedures and that he follows best practices as advised by his AI team leader.

The center has also provided AI paraphernalia and supplies to the technicians.

A scheduled meeting with the Regional and Provincial AI coordinators within the service area of the Center will be held on the 2nd week of October 2024 to raise the issues of AI technicians and provide a cohesive action plan for the successful implementation of the AI program.

The said initiative is part of the Center’s commitment to the agency’s mandate of conserving, propagating, and promoting the carabao for the benefit of rural farmers.

In a concerted effort to contribute towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 3, the University of the East (UE) and the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) have marked a decade of success with their Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP). This 12-year partnership has positively influenced the health and well-being of 60,000 schoolchildren across Eastern Luzon.

Dr. Zosimo Battad, UE president, emphasized that the partnership was established to address malnutrition and enhance the overall development of young learners by providing nutritious meals. He highlighted that using carabao’s milk in the program significantly invests in children’s development.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to sustainable community development and demonstrates the essential role of academic and governmental institutions in addressing social issues,” said President Battad.

Dr. Rogelio Espiritu, UE’s director of the Office of Extension and Community Outreach, revealed that the university allocates PHP135,000 annually for the SFP, with a total expenditure of PHP1.6 million since 2012. The program is currently implemented in Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, and Cavite.

“Our experts validated the benefits of carabao’s milk, confirming its positive impact on young learners’ development. We then integrated it into our extension program,” Dr. Espiritu noted.

UE also monitors the academic progress of beneficiaries through collaboration with school heads and local health offices. The program’s success has been recognized internationally, with awards presented in Malaysia and Indonesia.

UE, DA-PCC, and the City of Cabuyao, Laguna, signed a Memorandum of Agreement to extend the SFP to local schoolchildren on September 17, 2024. The event featured the distribution of 60,000 packs of sterilized milk to kindergartens, with plans to continue for 120 days.

Mayor Dennis Hain strongly supported the initiative, stating, “The city is committed to reducing or eliminating child malnutrition in Cabuyao. Our partnership with both private and public sectors is crucial, particularly in providing technical expertise.”

“Pagbutihin ang pag-aaral para matutunan ninyo paano gawin [nang ligtas] ang mga produktong gawa sa gatas ng kalabaw. Mas lalaki ang kita ng kooperatiba at ng ating mga farmers sa processed dairy products.”

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said this during the opening program of the Training on Milk Processing and Post-handling held on September 11-13, 2024 at the Villar SIPAG Farm School, Bacoor, Cavite.

She further encouraged trainees to utilize their newly acquired knowledge and skills in milk processing and post-handling to lead their respective cooperatives and provinces in alleviating poverty and boosting livelihood opportunities.

Sen. Villar stressed the need to facilitate such learning events for farmers to improve their livelihood opportunities. “The country’s food security and agricultural sustainability are crucial,” she added.

The three-day training was a collaborative initiative of the DA-Agricultural Training Institute-CALABARZON (DA-ATI-CALABARZON), DA-Philippine Carabao Center at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (DA-PCC at UPLB) and Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) Farm School. It aimed to enhance the basic skills and knowledge in milk processing and post-handling practices of DA-PCC-assisted cooperatives.

Twenty-nine participants learned about Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Proper Handling of Milk and Milk by-products, Milk Quality Testing, Processing of Fresh Milk, Choco Milk, White Cheese, and Pastillas.

Dr. Thelma A. Saludes, Agricultural Center Chief IV of DA-PCC at UPLB, emphasized the importance of adhering to proper milk processing and post-handling practices to ensure the safety and quality of milk products supplied particularly for the beneficiaries of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s annual milk feeding program.

“Wala pong shortcut ang quality. Ang DA-PCC po ay nandito upang ibahagi ang wastong pagpoproseso ng gatas at iba pang dairy products para mapanatili ang magandang kalidad. Lalo na sa mga engaged sa Milk Feeding Program, maging diligent in every step na naturo sa inyo para sa quality na end product,” she stated.

Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, Training Center Superintendent II of the DA-ATI CALABARZON, expressed his hope that the trainees and their cooperatives would be one with the DA’s vision of “Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita” for a food-secure Philippines and prosperous farmers.

“Ang tapos [ng training na ito] ay ang simula. ‘Wag tumigil sa pag-explore ng mga kakayahan dahil hindi imposible ang tagumpay. Malaki ang demand sa lokal na supply ng gatas kaya hindi kami tumitigil [kasama ang DA-PCC at DA-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA)] para mapalawak ang mga ganitong activities,” Dr. Maningas said.

DA-PCA-IV Regional Manager Bibiano C. Concibido Jr. highlighted the carabao’s role in improving the livelihoods of coconut farmers.

“Carabao is one of the programs of PCA with PCC na epektibo sa pagpapataas ng antas ng pamumuhay ng mga magniniyog. Ito pong paggagatas ang may konkretong pag-angat ng kita dahil araw-araw mayroong kita,” he added.

The said training also supports DA-PCC-assisted cooperatives in complying with the Food Safety Act of 2013 (RA 10611) and the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act of 2018 (RA 11037).

Highlighting the contribution of agriculture in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, the annual Bansaulog Festival brought cheer to its local farming community through its 2024 Farmers Day celebration, which opened with a festive carabao parade on September 13.

Nine carabaos were dressed and paraded through the streets of Bansalan, showcasing the municipality’s rich agricultural industry and symbolizing the strength and unity of the active farming community.

With the theme “Pagkaing Mura at Ligtas, Abot Kaya ng Lahat”, Bansalan Mayor Edwin Reyes upheld the important role of the farmers as he dubbed them the “life and blood” of the town. He further stressed that because of the farmers’ efforts and sacrifices, every family can avail of a safe and affordable harvest in town.

During the activity, the Department of Agriculture XI through the National Livestock Program dispersed 500 chickens, five goats, and five carabaos in celebration of the Farmers’ Day.

Furthermore, DA-Philippine Carabao Center at USM Center Director Geoffray R. Atok also pledged to continue, as mandated, the carabao development program in the locality through its programs and services in genetic improvement and carabao-based enterprises.

“With the active support of legislators such as Rep. Atty. John Tracy F. Cagas, we can further develop and enhance the current status of the carabao industry in the province of Davao del Sur where Bansalan is situated,” Director Atok added.

This 72nd Bansaulog festival sets of activities were anchored to this year’s theme “Empowering Communities for a Prosperous Future: Celebrating 72 Years of Unity and Growth.” The term “Bansaulog” is derived from the coined words “Bansalan” and Visayan term “Saulog” or “Celebrate”, which signifies “Kasaulogan sa Bansalan” or “Celebration in Bansalan”.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries from the towns of Bautista and Natividad in Pangasinan have now embarked on carapreneurship as they recently received a total of 17 ready-to-breed female buffaloes.

Said beneficiaries are under the Gatasang Kalabaw Kontra Kagutuman at Kahirapan (GK3K) project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Sustainable Livelihood Program, which aims to help 4Ps beneficiaries establish a stable source of income through carabao-based enterprise.

As part of the initiative, the DSWD-SLP Pangasinan II, together with DA-PCC and LGU-Natividad, entrusted six crossbred buffaloes to Batchelor West Sustainable Livelihood Production Association (SLPA) on August 30, 2024 while five were entrusted to Canarem SLPA on August 7.

In addition, the Tibay Bisig Poponto SLPA of Bautista received six buffaloes on August 14. The DSWD-SLP allocated a total budget of approximately PHP1.2 million to both municipalities.

Following the successful implementation of the GK3K project in Balungao, Pangasinan, these two municipalities are now part of the growing number of communities benefitting from the carabao-based enterprise. After months of preparation, the beneficiaries have begun their journey in dairy buffalo raising.

In preparation for the project, beneficiaries in Natividad underwent dairy buffalo production and management training in June 2024, while their counterparts in Bautista completed the same training in July 2023. Both municipalities are actively supporting the project that they even provided materials for the construction of buffalo shelters.

The GK3K project is a collaborative effort among DSWD, local government units, DA-PCC, and other national government agencies. Its goal is to create sustainable enterprises utilizing carabaos to alleviate poverty and boost the carabao and livestock industries.