Dairy farmers in Sultan Kudarat are bound to receive 20 head of buffaloes after having undergone a social preparation training (SPT) conducted by the Philippine Carabao Center at University of Southern Mindanao (PCC-USM).
The SPT, conducted last June 30 to July 1, aimed at developing the commitment of the beneficiaries to the program. Officers and members of Barangay Margues Dairy Farmers Association are set to receive the buffaloes this year after meeting all the requirements of being the program beneficiaries.
The personnel involved in the Department of Agriculture-Local Government Unit also joined the recipients in the SPT. It is expected that a common understanding of the appropriate practices required in dairy buffalo management will be established after the training. It also ensures that the qualified recipients of buffaloes under the Carabao-based Enterprise Development (CBED) program are prepared to take on their new responsibility as farmer-trustees cum dairy entrepreneurs.
Through their active participation in the various workshops and activities conducted during the SPT, the farmers expressed their excitement and readiness in the program.
Mr. Jeffrey A. Rabanal, Training Coordinator; Ms. Mary Joy S. Paman, CBED Coordinator; and Ms. Raquel R. Bermudez Community Organizer, all PCC-USM frontline development officers, served as the resource speakers.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) through its newly appointed Provincial Veterinarian, Dr. Edwin Nacito, extended its all-out support to the program by committing to a sustainable partnership. The PVO will also give free biologics for the animals.
A closing program, attended by municipal agriculturist Rainier Cachero and other DA personnel, capped the two-day SPT which was funded by the LGU of Esperanza through Mayor Helen T. Latog.
