Author: Jan Rose Maon

The Local Government Unit of Bacnotan, led by Mayor Divine C. Fontanilla, partnered with DA-PCC at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU) in conducting a training on silage production for the town’s buffalo raisers on August 24 in Bitalag, Bacnotan, La Union.

Said activity aimed to introduce silage commercialization as another income generating venture for buffalo farmers and to equip them on utilizing agricultural by-products as fodder for ruminants.

Among the topics discussed were Forage Production and Conservation Techniques by Vienna Kristel A. Grospe, Science Research Analyst; and Animal Health and Common Diseases of Buffaloes by Dr. Mac Erwin P. Perez, center veterinarian of DA-PCC at DMMMSU. The lectures were followed by hands-on training on silage production.

Federico R. Copuz, Sanggunian Bayan member and chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, expressed his appreciation for the participants’ and speakers’ unwavering commitment despite the inclement weather. “Maganda itong training na hatid ng PCC…. at sana dahil dito ay marami kayong matutunan, lalo na dito sa pagproduce ng pakain para sa mga alagang kalabaw,” SBM Corpuz said.

He also encouraged the farmers to carry on with their buffalo raising endeavors, assuring them of the LGU’s continuous support.

Currently, LGU-Bacnotan has distributed 47 buffaloes to the community, benefitting a total of 33 buffalo raisers in the area. They also recently registered their association in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the name Buffalo Raisers and Dairy Producers of Bacnotan La Union.

Said training was initiated by the Municipal Agriculture Office, headed by Dr. Divina Gracia G. Apigo, and facilitated by Jenesse May S. Arellano, buffalo monitoring staff.

In an effort to enhance the capabilities of AI technicians in carabao breeding and health management, the DA-PCC at West Visayas State University (DA-PCC at WVSU) organized a comprehensive Paravet Training for AI technicians held on August 23-24.

This initiative marked the first-of-its-kind training in Western Visayas, aimed at improving the skills of AI technicians in the region.

The training included lectures on the Basic Herd Health Protocol of Carabaos, Common Diseases and Nutritional Deficiencies and Anomalies, Body Condition Scoring, Basic Drug administration procedures, Basic Milk Testing Procedures Interpretation and Recording, and Basic Laboratory Procedures for Routinary Herd Health Activities, and practicum on Castration Procedures, Ultrasonography as Reproductive Diagnostic Tool, Proper Handling and Restraining Techniques in Large Ruminants, Proper Animal Identification (Ear tagging, Bolus Insertion, RFID reading), blood sample collection, and TB testing.

Acknowledging the important role and challenges faced by AI technicians and paravets, DA-PCC at WVSU Center Director Arn D. Granada emphasized the importance of continuous learning. He underscored the significance of prioritizing client satisfaction and leveraging feedback to enhance services. Dir. Granada expressed that this training marked just the beginning of their ongoing learning journey, with mentors at PCC always ready to enrich their knowledge.

Fedelinoper D. Lopez, a project-based AI technician and a participant, expressed his gratitude for the training. “The skills I acquired from the training will enable me to offer enhanced services to farmers within my designated area. With DA-PCC’s unwavering support through training initiatives like this, I’m committed to delivering my utmost in the field as long as I’m capable,” Lopez said.

Dr. Myrtel C. Alcazar, Training and GIP coordinator deems AI technicians as “full-package” agents capable of delivering exceptional veterinary services to farming clients. Dr. Alcazar also commended the enthusiasm displayed by the AI technicians throughout the training and hoped that their learning journey would continue beyond the training’s conclusion.

The training’s closing ceremony also saw the graduation of five new AI technicians from the Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Large Ruminants, which took place from July 24 to August 24.

Donald Rey Magbanua, a technical staff member from the Department of Agriculture– UNAIP and one of the newly trained AI technicians, shared his insights. He commended the active involvement of PCC at WVSU in artificial insemination and expressed his gratitude for the knowledge and skills he gained through the training.

Reflecting on its commitment to capacity building, DA-PCC at WVSU has successfully trained 25 AI technicians since 2020. The current batch of graduates marks the 8th time the center conducted its in-house training.

The DA-Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center XII (DA-ATI-RTC XII) and DA-Philippine Carabao Center at USM have extended their partnership in enhancing the knowledge and skills of Agriculture Extension Workers (AEWs) by conducting a training that focuses on the utilization of research outputs and hands-on experiences in Artificial Insemination (AI) for large ruminants.

The training was held on August 7 to 18 in Kabacan, Cotabato. It was participated in by 18 select AEWs from Region XII and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where a majority of them had already undergone a basic training course on pregnancy diagnosis and AI in large ruminants.

The DA-PCC’s pool of experts led by Dr. Edwin C. Atabay together with Joseph Oliver Lofranco, Dir. Benjamin John C. Basilio, Jeffrey A. Rabanal, Dr. Virigilio V. Lopez, and Nasrola S. Ibrahim served as resource speakers for the following topics: animal health, animal nutrition, semen motility testing, fixed-time AI, and ultrasonography.

“This training provided us additional knowledge on AI and served as a refresher course for us. Makakaasa kayo na babaunin namin ang mga kaalaman na ito at ibabahagi sa mga magsasaka na aming nasasakupan,” AI Technician Ronald Padilla said.

During the culmination program of the said training, ATI Assistant Director Mona P. Dela Cruz and DA-PCC at USM AI Coordinator Jeffrey A. Rabanal emphasized the vital role of trained individuals in intensifying the genetic improvement program for carabao and cattle in their respective regions.

Moreover, DA-PCC at USM Center Director Basilio expressed his gratitude to ATI for its continued support of the carabao upgrading program. He added this initiative has the potential to enhance calf drop efficiency, consequently contributing to an eventual increase in milk production that can adequately meet the demands of the country’s dairy industry.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the organization and operationalization of the Bangsamoro Agri-Fishery Research, Development, and Extension Network (BAFRDEN) with different agri-fishery agencies in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) last August 16 in Davao City.

Together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform- BARMM (MAFAR-BARMM), State Colleges and Universities (SUCs), and partner agencies in the Bangsamoro Region, the MOU aims to establish a network that institutionalizes strong linkage for research, development, and extension activities; and to have an inter-agency coordination and collaboration undertaking and addressing the needs of the farming and fishing communities in BARMM.

“Agriculture, fisheries, and agrarian reform hold a pivotal role in the prosperity of our region. They are not just sectors of our economy, they are pillars of our society. In this context, the significance of research cannot be overstated. Research in this domain is not merely an academic pursuit, it is the beacon of progress and hope,” MAFAR-BARMM Minister Mohammad Swaib Yacob said.

DA-PCC at USM Center Director Benjamin John C. Basilio also expressed his gratitude and his commitment to sharing the available resources and technologies of PCC and to providing available mechanisms in the promotion of carabao-related services in the Bangsamoro Region. I

n addition, DA-PCC at USM Research Coordinator Rheo Ryan P. Balbuena attended the MOU signing and stated that the partnership will cover the collaborative undertakings such as the exchange of results of the research, development, and extension projects of the member institutions of the network.

“Since DA-PCC at USM is now part of the BAFRDEN, this engagement will open avenues of opportunity for the agency to commit and help our Bangsamoro farmers through the Carabao Development Program (CDP) and livestock research,” Balbuena said.

In a bid to foster innovation and collaboration within the agricultural sector, the DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) hosted a benchmarking activity for its select developed products.

The benchmarking mission aimed to offer participants an in-depth understanding of the products and technologies developed by DA-PCC at CLSU, specifically centered around mozzarella cheese and processed buffalo meat. The ultimate aim was to foster networking and collaboration throughout Central Luzon, solidifying the region’s position as an agricultural and technological hub.

Said activity was held alongside the 3rd quarter meeting of member agencies of the Provincial Inclusive Innovation Center (PIIC) Nueva Ecija and representatives of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises on August 16 in the Science City of Muñoz, NE.

The PIIC collaborated with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council to harness the potential of technology adaptation from both private and public sectors, fostering unique product innovations through Research and Development Projects across Region III.

During the event, Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, center director of DA-PCC at CLSU, took the opportunity to unveil a range of newly developed carabao leather hide novelty products that are set to launch this year, further diversifying the product offerings available.

Dr. Richard Simangan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director of Nueva Ecija Provincial Office (NEPO), highlighted the importance of leveraging existing mature technologies within the region. He emphasized that through collaborative efforts with partner stakeholders, these technologies could be promoted and integrated into Central Luzon’s commercial landscape, with a long-term vision of extending the reach nationally.

Dr. Simangan outlined a two-pronged strategy to achieve these goals. First, he advocated conducting surveys to ascertain the specific needs of MSMEs. This information would then be communicated to technology developers, suppliers, and service providers to ensure alignment. The second approach involved integrating traditional research and technology resources with survey data to refine and improve ongoing projects.

Present at the meeting were representatives from different MSMEs, dairy cooperatives, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DA-PCC, DA-PCC at CLSU, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST)-TBI, CLSU-AFTBI, PhilRice, and DTI as the lead agency.

DA-PCC at CLSU Center Director Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz was the regional awardee of the esteemed Pagasa Award by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The recognition comes as part of the 2023 Search for Outstanding Government Workers, aimed at motivating or inspiring government employees to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service.

The award was conferred to Dr. Dela Cruz at the CSC National Capital Region in Quezon City on May 19, 2023 and was formally recognized by the DA-PCC family during its Flag Raising Ceremony today at the Eusebio Hall within the premises of the national headquarters.

Dr. Dela Cruz took this opportunity to dedicate the award to his late mother, Ligaya Dela Cruz, whose memory continues to inspire him on his journey. He also extended his dedication to the DA-PCC partner farmers hailing from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These farmers, he said, continue to be his inspiration and motivation as he delivers unwavering public service branded with excellence, professionalism, integrity, and commitment.

Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC OIC Executive Director, offered his commendation to Dr. Dela Cruz, expressing gratitude for his notable contributions to the agency. Dr. Salces also acknowledged Dr. Dela Cruz as an exemplar of the agency’s positive image, citing his accomplishments as a source of pride and inspiration.

The Pagasa Awards, as established under Executive Order No. 292, recognizes superior work performance and outstanding contributions benefitting an office, agency, community, or region.

The Canahay Dairy Farmers Association (CADAFA) in Surallah, South Cotabato was hailed as the 2023 Outstanding South Cotabateño – Group Category during the 24th T’nalak Festival and 57th Founding Anniversary of South Cotabato. The awarding ceremonies were held last July 16 at the South Cotabato gymnasium.

CADAFA President Emilita Cabino led the group who received the award. Said recognition cites their contribution in bringing the name of the province on the national stage, contributing to the growth of their community, and uplifting the spirit of their fellow South Cotabateños.“Maliban sa tulong ng ahensya ng gobyerno, hindi namin nakamit ang award na ito kung wala ang pagkakaisa ng bawa’t miyembro ng CADAFA. Ang pagsisikap at mga karangalang nakamit ng bawa’t miyembro ang naging daan upang masungkit namin ang award at maging namumukod-tanging asosasyon sa South Cotabato,” Cabino said.

CADAFA is one of the assisted associations of DA-Philippine Carabao Center at University of Southern Mindanao (DA-PCC at USM). Today, the association produces an average of 600 liters of carabao’s milk per month and serves as the supplier of raw milk for various PCC-assisted cooperatives participating in the national milk feeding program under R.A. 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act.

“In the past few years, CADAFA has been receiving recognitions from various award-giving bodies for their good buffalo production and management practices. Wala itong mga award na ito kung wala ang taos-pusong pagtanggap ng mga magsasaka sa programang pagkakalabawan,” PCC at USM CBED Coordinator Nasrola Ibrahim said.

During the 8th National Carabao Conference of the DA-PCC, members of CADAFA bagged several awards to wit:

OUTSTANDING DAIRY BUFFALO FARMER FAMILY MODULE Champion Joselino C. Cabino; BEST DAIRY BUFFALO COW (SENIOR CARACOW CATEGORY) 1st Runner Up Melgin M. Zenith; BEST DAIRY BUFFALO COW (JUNIOR CARACOW CATEGORY)2nd Runner Up Rodel B. Estañol; and OUTSTANDING VILLAGE-BASED AI TECHNICIAN2nd Runner Up Reyjohn R. Estañol.

Meanwhile, DA-PCC at USM Center Director Benjamin John C. Basilio expressed his gratitude to the provincial government of South Cotabato in recognizing the dedication and achievement of CADAFA.

“We made this great impact to the lives of our carapreneurs through the collective effort of DA-PCC, Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Offices, Municipal Agriculture Office, the local government unit of Surallah and other government agencies who serve as channels of blessings to our dairy farmers,” Basilio said.

Today, with the help of LGU-Surallah, the CADAFA envisions greater opportunities for its members as they started applying for becoming a cooperative and be later called Surallah Integrated Dairy Farmers Cooperative.Photos by LGU Surallah

Farm managers and extensionists from the 11 institutional herds of the agency completed the Training-of-Trainers (TOT) that aimed at scaling up the KBGAN iHealth and KBGAN iFeed mobile applications for improved animal health and feeding management on July 25–27, 2023, at the DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) national headquarters.

In 2020, the DA-PCC, through the Knowledge Management Division (KMD), in partnership with the Grameen Foundation Philippines, started working on a three-phase project called the Extension and Advisory Services Information System (EASIS).

Grameen Foundation developed two mobile applications known as KBGAN (Knowledge, Brokerage, Guidance, and Advisory Network) iHealth and KBGAN iFeed in consultation with DA-PCC’s technical experts in the fields of animal health and nutrition. These apps aim to ultimately improve the extension and advisory services provided by DA-PCC on enhanced dairy buffalo production and the management of small-scale carabao farmers.

The participants were immersed in training and actual field testing. The Grameen team facilitated the proper navigation and troubleshooting of basic issues of the KBGAN mobile apps. A hands-on activity on how to use these applications was conducted at the DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) dairy farm.

“The two applications will help our farm managers and extensionists to perform the correct diagnosis and treatment for the animals. The same with iFeed, it will help us accurately compute the proper feed ratio,” said Jay Donnevie Rocutan, farm manager of DA-PCC at Mariano Marcos State University (DA-PCC at MMSU). The same activity is expected to be conducted in Bohol province, which showed interest in the use of mobile apps for its Barangay Livestock Aide (BALA) program. On July 18, the two mobile apps were launched in Mabini, in the same province, during the 7th Bohol Dairy Festival.

Farmers’ cooperative San Julio Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (SJARBC) is now the operator of the first Dairy Box outlet in Tanjay City with opening and turnover ceremonies held last July 21 in Barangay San Jose of this town. DA-PCC at La Carlota Stock Farm (DA-PCC at LCSF) led the opening rites ahead of the Tanjay City fiesta last July 24 as an effort to promote dairy carabao-based entrepreneurship and develop local tourism.

The Dairy Box is a one-stop dairy delicatessen store established nationwide as market development support for carabao farmers engaged in dairying. This is a market support component under the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) or ALAB Karbawan project funded by the Office of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar.

Dairy Box-Tanjay City carries a variety of dairy goods from buffalo’s milk including pasteurized milk, flavored milk, yogurt milk, “Karavron”, kesong puti, Karabun with fillings, pastillas de leche, dulce de leche and dulce gatas.

The SJARBC sees the opening of the Dairy Box as an offering for a better quality of life to the Tanjayanons by promoting better incomes and nutrition.

SJARBC and DA-PCC at LCSF officials were present during the handover event led by SJARBC Chairperson Eva Montecino and General Manager George Yleana and DA-PCC at LCSF Center Director Eva Rom. Tanjay City local government officials led by Mayor José T. Orlino and Arjay C. Venus, representative from the office of Senator Villar also graced the event.