The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP) tapped the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU) to capacitate and equip 30 new SLP beneficiaries in dairy buffalo production and management for its Gatasang Kalabaw Kontra Kagutoman at Kahirapan (GK3K) project on April 24-26, 2024, at the Convergence Site, San Andres, Balungao, Pangasinan.
The GK3K project is a Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB)-Zero Hunger initiative of DSWD-SLP in collaboration with DA-PCC, other national government agencies, and select local government units in Region 1. Its goal is to empower disadvantaged communities by establishing sustainable income streams through carabao-based enterprises.
Furthermore, the project aligns with the interagency task force on Zero Hunger’s goal of reducing the country’s hunger and poverty rates.
The Carabao Development Program (CDP) and Gender and Development were introduced to the participants with lectures on animal breeding and management, hygienic milk handling, feeds, feeding management, conservation and utilization, animal health, and record keeping.
On the last day of the training, participants were exposed to making enhanced rice straws (e-RS).
According to Paul Andrew Texon, operations head of DA-PCC at DMMMSU, the center expects beneficiaries to be inspired, determined, and prepared for the challenges they will face to succeed on the project after receiving technical training in dairy buffalo production.
Last year, on June 13-15, the same training was provided to 30 beneficiaries from two of Balungao’s 12 SLP associations. This year, another 30 select beneficiaries from the remaining 10 SLP associations completed the aforementioned training.
Priscila Cañaveral, president of the Mabuhay Esmeralda Sustainable Livelihood Program Association, expressed enthusiasm about raising carabaos. She mentioned that the training helped them realize that focus, diligence, perseverance, and unity are crucial factors for a successful carabao venture.
Texon also mentioned that DA-PCC will continuously provide support and services throughout their journey.
“Ang intervention ng DA-PCC ay hindi lang natatapos doon sa delivery of animals o ‘yong dairy production management training, kapag ginagatasan na ang mga kalabaw, magkakaroon din tayo ng pa-training sa dairy processing and enterprise development,” he said.
The GK3K project is the biggest convergence project nationwide to date.
