The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Sustainable Livelihood Program and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center implemented the Gatasang Kalabaw Kontra Kagutuman at Kahirapan (GK3K) project after its successful launch in Balungao, Pangasinan.
This initiative aims to collaborate with local government units to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for the 4Ps beneficiaries and to promote the sustainable growth of the livestock industry in Pangasinan.
The LGU-Natividad, through Mayor Rosita Rafaels’ leadership, sees the project as promising economic empowerment for marginalized communities and is committed to supporting the implementation of GK3K in the municipality.
The commitment to this initiative further strengthens the placement of the carabao industry in the region, helping to increase appreciation of what the industry can offer and make communities realize the need to patronize local produce.
Tatiana Sabalboro, Project Development Officer II of DSWD in Pangasinan, shared their agency chose to champion carabaos for their sustainable project as they have seen the industry’s increased demand for carabao’s milk. Furthermore, carabao milk is more nutritious than other ruminants’ milk.
DA-PCC at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University has recently conducted its training on dairy buffalo production and management for the beneficiaries in Natividad, where they were equipped with knowledge and skills in carabao raising.
Sabalboro also mentioned that their team created two associations: the Isem Sikap Canarem SLPA and Batchelor West Natividad Dairy SLPA, with 25 and 35 members, respectively. The beneficiaries will be granted nine carabaos through their awarded fund amounting to PHP825,000.
Center Director Vilma Gagni committed to entrusting 10 dairy buffaloes in support of the project, aside from the technical aspects the center will provide.
For the project’s success, convergence, collaboration, and complementation are essential among the stakeholders involved.
“The integration of partnership, collaboration, convergence, and complementation of funds in a project enhances resource availability, fosters innovation, mitigates risks, accelerates progress, improves quality, and broadens impact. This synergistic effort leads to more successful and sustainable project outcomes, demonstrating the value of coordinated and diversified efforts,” Gagni said.
Aside from the commitment of two local government units from Pangasinan’s 6th district, partner agencies expect Sta. Maria, Umingan, and other municipalities to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of growth in the production of carabaos and the development of sustainable income streams.
