Andrew Z. Delos Santos, a Person with Disabilities (PWD) farmer from Liwayway, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, received a bull from DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) on January 25, 2024.
Andrew said that he never saw his disability as a barrier to pursuing his passion for carapreneurship.
“I never saw myself as being disabled. I have a rare degenerative condition called “AS” or Ankylosing Spondylitis. Kahit ganoon, hindi ko inisip na ‘di na ako makakagawa ng mga bagay na kaya ring gawin ng ibang tao. I always look for opportunities na kahit ‘di ako masyado gagalaw ay magagawa ko pa rin. It is a matter of delegation at karamihan sa mga trabaho sa bukid ay naka-delegate sa mga katuwang ko sa bukid,” said Andrew.
Andrew then shared the story of how he embarked on his journey as a carapreneur and developed a keen interest in the programs and services of DA-PCC.
“Pangarap ang isa sa nagtulak sa akin na mag-venture sa pagkakalabawan. Noong high school ako ay itinatayo pa lang ang DA-PCC at may nabasa akong article tungkol sa mga programa nito. Noong panahon ni dating pangulong Estrada nag-umpisa ang interest ko sa pagkakalabawan,” Andrew shared.
He encouraged people with disabilities to enhance their skill sets, which would contribute to their personal development. He said that if God has allowed them to have weaknesses, the same God has blessed them with the spirit of endurance and strength to overcome them.
He expressed his appreciation to DA-PCC at CLSU for selecting him as a recipient of the Bull Entrustment Program. He hopes that the agency will continue to support small farmers and the vulnerable sector so that they may have a chance at having a good life.
The Bull Entrustment Program is an initiative of DA-PCC that strategically entrusts purebred buffalo bulls to selected farmers, enabling them to utilize the bulls for natural mating with local carabaos. This program effectively spreads the superior genetic potential of purebred buffaloes, aiming to upgrade the overall quality and productivity of the local carabao population.
