The Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (PCC@DMMMSU) awarded 12 dairy buffaloes to Agoo Dairy Raisers and Farmers Association (ADRFA) last October 15, as part of its “paiwi” program.
In an awarding ceremony held at the Agoo Civic Center, in Agoo, La Union, the activity was made possible through the partnership of PCC and local government of Agoo and through the initiative of Hon. Sandra Eriguel, congresswoman for the 2nd District of La Union.
According to PCC@DMMMSU Center Director Gloria Dela Cruz, Cong. Eriguel took heed of the potential of the program on carabao dairying, thus, she formally requested PCC for assistance to develop such project in her District for the benefit of her constituents.
As a response, PCC provided a budget of Php1,000,000 for the procurement of dairy buffaloes, which will be awarded to farmers in barangay Nazareno, Agoo, La Union.
Dir. Dela Cruz added that PCC already awarded five dairy buffaloes to the said association last December 2018. Hence, a total of 17 buffaloes were distributed to farmers.
Through the help of village-based artificial insemination technicians, assisted by PCC@DMMMSU, the PCC was able to select and procure good quality animals owned by farmers–the animals are crossbred buffaloes (75%-85%) with the age ranging from 2 ½ to 4 years old.
Meanwhile, PCC Executive Director Dr. Arnel del Barrio mentioned in his message during the awarding ceremony that the dispersal was in preparation for the national feeding program, which created a higher demand for locally produced milk; and in support of the DA’s twin objectives of abundant harvest and higher income among farmers.
Currently, some of the buffaloes distributed to the farmers are already lactating and pregnant, thus, the beneficiaries are expected to milk them to experience the benefits that can be derived from dairy buffaloes.
