The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Mariano Marcos State University (DA-PCC at MMSU) in partnership with the Suyo Multi Purpose Cooperative (SMPC) conducted a training workshop from October 14 to 18, 2024, focused on enhancing dairy farming skills among cooperative farmer members.
With the theme “Anan-Nuang: Comprehensive Training Program on Dairy Buffalo Production and Management for the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB) Karbawan Project,” this initiative aimed to equip farmers with essential knowledge and practical skills for effective carabao management, with support from DA-PCC at MMSU.
The workshop began with a three-day lecture series at the SMPC training hall, where participants learned best practices on dairy buffalo production and the fundamental principles of dairy farming.
Following the lectures, a two-day hands-on workshop provided farmers with invaluable practical experience in various areas such as carabao milking, silage preparation, forage planting, and milk quality testing.
Joel F. Cabading, OIC Center Director of the DA-PCC at MMSU, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the farmer members and the board of directors of SMPC for their commitment to the challenge of raising dairy buffaloes.
“Agkakadwa tayo nga mangpadakkel kadagitoy a dingwen, tulungan dakami tapno matulungan dakayo (We are all partners in nurturing these efforts),” he said.
He assured that the DA-PCC at MMSU would provide full support and assistance for the management of carabaos that will be entrusted to the farmer members.
ALAB Karbawan is funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform chaired by Sen. Cynthia A. Villar.
As a significant outcome of this training, 10 SMPC farmer members are set to receive buffaloes once the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is finalized between DA-PCC at MMSU and SMPC. This initiative not only enhances the skills of local farmers but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable dairy production in the region.
