Despite the heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Kristine, the DA –Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) conducted a ceremonial entrustment of 22 pregnant buffaloes, along with one calf, to the Mulawin Bata Irrigators Association, Inc. (MBIA) as part of the initiative facilitated by Sen. Cynthia A. Villar’s Dairy Herd Build-up Program (DHBP), on October 23, 2024, at Baliwag, Bulacan.
Elenita Hernandez from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Baliwag, Bulacan, expressed her joy that the farmers are finally receiving their buffaloes and thanked the DA-PCC at CLSU for entrusting the animals to them. She hopes the farmers will take full responsibility in rearing the buffaloes and that the association will greatly benefit from this initiative.
Dr. Reinalyn Quinaquin, Veterinarian I of the City Agriculture Office of Baliwag, Bulacan, emphasized that the Provincial Veterinary Office is ready to assist farmers in maintaining the health of the buffaloes. She added that the buffaloes will provide an additional source of income to support the farmers’ daily lives.
Rebecca Ruby Gabriel, head of the DA-PCC at CLSU Carabao-based Enterprise Development program, emphasized the importance of cooperation in her remarks.
“Sana maging maayos ang inyong pag-aalaga sa mga kalabaw dahil kung hindi sa kooperasyon ng Local Government Unit at DA-PCC at CLSU at sainyo na aming farmer partners ay hindi ito magiging matagumpay. Dito nagsisimula ang ating partnership at dito namin kayo masusubukan at ang inyong magiging responsibilidad ay ‘di dito natatapos dahil ito ay simula pa lamang,” she said.
In his response, Erwin Malacca, chairperson of the MBIA, expressed his gratitude to the DA-PCC at CLSU for the buffaloes they received. He acknowledged that the long wait was finally over and expressed his gratitude for the successful outcome. He also urged his fellow members to take excellent care of the buffaloes.
Also in attendance was John Christian Carreon, who represented Sen. Cynthia A. Villar. The event was also organized in collaboration with the City Government of Baliwag.
