More than 30 indigenous people (IP) farmers and their families in Mizpah, Talakag, Bukidnon, are set to benefit from an PHP8 million Carabao Development Program (CDP) project aimed at improving their livelihoods.
The initiative, which focuses on Carabao Herd Build-Up (CHBU), was formally introduced during an orientation session on January 15.
The DA-PCC at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU) is implementing the project in partnership with the Balugto Hope Agriculture Cooperative (BHAC), which serves as the conduit cooperative.
During the orientation, DA-PCC at CMU Center Director Dr. Lowell Paraguas outlined the benefits the farmers can expect from the program, including support in production, marketing, and extension services.
“We will continue to uphold our mandate for the benefit of the rural farmers, especially our indigenous brothers and sisters,” Dr. Paraguas said.
Dr. Elena Paraguas, DA-PCC at CMU’s Community-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) coordinator, highlighted the business opportunities in dairy farming.
“Do not settle for less. Your crossbreds are potential sources of milk. You can soon engage in the dairy business, which can give you more income,” she said.
Randy John Uy, chairperson of BHAC, gave the farmer-beneficiaries a heads-up on how they can fulfill all the requirements before the animals can be released to them.
“As members of the cooperative, our farmers will be prepared to take on the project and prosper in this new endeavor. The co-op will be supportive of them in this cause, and we will see them through until they succeed,” Uy assured.
Under the program, the farmers will undergo training in dairy buffalo production and management. A total of 100 crossbred carabaos will be entrusted to qualified farmers. These animals will serve as a source of milk for the Dairy Box-Talakag, a local dairy processing hub. Key BHAC officers, including Vice Chairperson Felipe Batistil and Board Director Napoleon Lancin, facilitated the workshops to prepare the farmers for their new roles as carapreneurs.
