The Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP) in Carigara has initiated its first Dairy Box, following the groundbreaking ceremony held on September 06, 2023, at Barangay Abango, Barugo, Leyte.
The Dairy Box is a one-stop-shop for carabao-based products, conceived by the Business Development and Commercialization Unit (BDCU) of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC). Essentially, it serves as infrastructure support for small-scale dairy buffalo farmers, offering them opportunities like access to the commercial market to increase their incomes.
During the opening program, Ms. Lourdes Grabador, CCDP Focal Person from Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) RO8, acknowledged and welcomed all the guests and visitors. Engr. Josefina J. Josol, Municipal Agriculturist of Carigara, Leyte, delivered the Welcome Remarks, highlighting that they were not just breaking the ground but building their dreams.
Dr. Ivy Fe M. Lopez, CCDP Focal Person (PCC VSU), elaborated further on the project’s objectives, aiming to strengthen the country’s local dairy production and reduce reliance on imports. She emphasized that “sa dairy, ang income ay daily.”
Mayor Eduardo T. Ong Jr. of Carigara, Leyte, shared an Inspirational Message, expressing gratitude to the DA-PCC, PCA, and other partner agencies for initiating the Dairy Box Groundbreaking Ceremony. He added that “pastillas and sundang are the main local products of Carigara, and I am thankful because we no longer need suppliers from other municipalities for carabao’s milk; we can now also supply milk to other areas. This is an additional livelihood opportunity for our farmers.”
Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, conveyed her Inspirational Message via video. She emphasized the facility’s importance in improving the country’s dairy production, stating, “Mahalaga ang mga ganitong mga gawain para mapalaganap ang paggagatas sa ating bansa dahil sa ating malaking kakulangan ng gatas sa bansa. Kailangan natin mapaganda ang ating dairy production.”
The recipients and guests were further motivated by Emelda G. Sievert, Provincial Agriculturist of Leyte, and Engr. Joel O. Pilapil, Regional Manager of PCA Region 8. Engr. Pilapil remarked, “this is a God’s given project for Carigara.”
The program continued with the Laying Down of the Capsule by Mayor Eduardo T. Ong Jr., Engr. Joel O. Pilapil, Engr. Josefina J. Josol, Emelda G. Sievert, Herminia N. Carolino, and Minerva O. Langco. Herminia N. Carolino, Chairperson of Kangara Multi-Purpose Cooperative, responded to this gesture. This was followed by the Milk Toss by the participants.
The program concluded with the closing remarks of Minerva O. Langco, PCDM Leyte, who expressed her appreciation and gratitude to all the agencies that participated in the successful Dairy Box Groundbreaking Ceremony.
