Author: Jocelyn T. Neuda

The Socio-economic and Environmental Research Section of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center recently conducted a two-day training on “Advanced Milk Handling, Testing, and Processing” for Aklan’s dairy community on July 30-31, 2024. The training aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in milk processing practices.

Attendees included staff from the Provincial Local Government Unit of Aklan and select members of the Nalook Farmers Association and Ginintuang Masaganang Tanim Farmers Consumers Cooperative, key partners in the Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP).

Dr. Eric P. Palacpac, RDD OIC chief, underscored the significance of product development.

“We should think about how to develop products using carabao’s milk and coconut milk to really emphasize the connection between the coconut and the carabao commodities,” he said.

The hands-on training covered milk handling, testing, and processing of kesong puti and choco milk, along with the processing of carabao’s meat products such as tapa and longganisa. Participants also engaged in a lakbay-aral, where they visited progressive carabao farmers and cooperatives in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.

This initiative aims to boost carabao’s milk production and enhance the market competitiveness of carabao-based products in Aklan.

Fourteen new artificial insemination (AI) technicians completed a one-month Basic Training Course on Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Water Buffaloes, organized by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU). The training took place at the DA-PCC National Bull Farm in Brgy. Joson, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija from June 25 to July 24, 2024.

The participants are from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, staff of DA-PCC at MMSU, and DA-PCC at CLSU.
During the first week of training, the trainees actively engaged in lecture discussions led by the agency’s experts. The second and third weeks focused on hands-on activities, including pregnancy diagnosis and AI gun insertion. Trainees also visited various barangays in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, to perform pregnancy diagnoses and artificial inseminations under the guidance of the DA-PCC at CLSU AI team. In the final week, the trainees completed practical and written exams.

The program also featured a testimony from Merck Jovan V. Apolonio, a village-based AI technician from Victoria, Tarlac, whose experience inspired and guided the trainees in their future endeavors.

Representing DA-PCC at CLSU Center Director Dr. Ericson N. Dela Cruz, Rebecca Ruby Gabriel, carabao-based enterprise development (CBED) coordinator, emphasized the important role AI technicians play in enhancing buffalo breeds for superior quality.

Dr. Peregrino Duran, head of Research and Development, congratulated the new AI technicians, recognizing their readiness to serve and contribute to the advancement of the carabao industry.

Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, stressed the importance of dedication to serving farmers as the essence of the program.

“Itong 30 days na training ay sana pahalagahan ninyo, bukod sa skills sana ay nadebelop din ang inyong commitment. ‘Yong commitment sa ginagawa na ‘di lang ‘yong kikita tayo sa pag-AI kundi ‘yong makapag serbisyo lalo sa mga magsasaka kasi ‘yon ang essence ng programa. Sana pagdating natin sa ating mga lugar ay pagsumikapan nating makatulong sa mga magsasaka at sana patuloy nating pagtibayin ang ating programa,” Dr. Salces said.

Erwin Encarnacion, regional AI coordinator, announced the results and training completion, where the new AI technicians were given certificates and AI guns.

The top three best performers in PD were Rhommel Gamponia (93.24%), Aldrin Jay Pastor (91.78%), and January Abad (89.33%). Meanwhile, the top three in AI gun insertion were Manuel Dominguez (48 seconds), Arfil Imperial (53 seconds), and Ryan Francisco (1 minute, 5 seconds).

The new AI technicians were asked to make written promises, which were projected on the screen during the closing ceremony. A ceremonial toast with glasses of milk sealed the unity among the technicians and DA-PCC officials.

Aldrin Jay Pastor from DA-PCC at MMSU expressed that he has gained valuable insights from the training, which he can also share with his clients.
Meanwhile, Marcial Bautista from Bayambang, Pangasinan, expressed his gratitude for being part of the training and thanked the trainers for their guidance.

Jerome Castro from Mabalacat City, Pampanga, also expressed his appreciation to DA-PCC at CLSU for his new skills in AI and PD, assuring that all the knowledge he gained will be used to help and serve others.
To conclude the program, Emma V. Venturina, head of the National Bull Farm, praised the new AI technicians for their excellent work. She also expressed her gratitude to all the participants for supporting the program of DA-PCC at CLSU.

The 30-day training was facilitated by Christine Helen Adriano, regional training coordinator; and Calvin Kim Dioses, assistant training coordinator, along with the DA-PCC at CLSU staff, its AI team, and the National Bull Farm staff.

The Socio-economic and Environmental Research Section of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) conducted a three-day training on Extension and Advisory Services and Comprehensive Data Management. The activity, held at the DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool, took place from July 23 to 25, 2024, and aimed to equip newly hired staff and coordinators of Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup and Carabao-Based Enterprise Development.

DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza G. Battad emphasized the importance of commitment in her opening remarks.

“Let us work on commitment as our core attitude. By the end of each day, we should be able to tap our shoulders and acknowledge that we made good use of our time. It is a simple gesture of our sincerest and true value of commitment to our clients,” she said.

DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director Dr. Caro B. Salces also highlighted the significance of dedication to work, expressing hope that the participants would be blessed with the strength and wisdom to serve their clients effectively.

The training provided participants with essential knowledge, skills, and tools in data management, extension services, and rapid field exposure. This preparation aims to enhance their performance, facilitate effective community engagement, promote sustainable practices, and drive positive change in the carabao industry.

“Mapa-wow sa gatas ng kalabaw!”
The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) through the activity, Partners’ Visit and Participatory Dialogue on School-Based Feeding Program Implementation, flexed the success of its assisted individual farmers and cooperatives who participated in the national milk feeding program.

The activity aimed to provide experiential learning among the Department of Education’s (DepEd) implementers about local milk production, processing (pasteurization and sterilization), and proper milk handling.

Representatives from DepEd’s central office and Schools Division Offices (SDOs) witnessed the success of the programs, projects, and activities of DA-PCC in support of RA 11037, also known as the “Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act.”

The stories of the Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BSNMPC) in Asingan, Pangasinan; the Amancio Nicolas Agri-Tourism Academy (AATA) in Cordon, Isabela; and the Rosario Livestock Agricultural Farming Cooperative (TRLAFCO) in Rosario, Batangas, demonstrate that engaging in government-supported projects such as dairying is a crucial step towards establishing a stable and successful cooperative.

“This is not about DA-PCC. The success of the implementation is the product of the unity and convergence of each of us, as partners. Hence, let us outline plans and establish clear ways forward,” said Dr. Liza Battad, executive director of DA-PCC.

The following are the topics related to the agency’s good practices and innovations presented during the activity: Creating More Value, Your Healthy Choice, A2 Choice, Proper Handling of Milk, Carabao Milk Supply and Utilization, and the Accomplishment Report of the Carabao Business Council.

The activity, organized by the Operations group of DA-PCC, was held on July 19, 2024 at the DA-PCC National Headquarters and Gene Pool, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

The 8th Bohol Dairy Festival, held at the town of San Miguel in Bohol on July 17, 2024, highlighted the essence of agricultural innovation with the theme “Malungtarong Panggatasan, Malahutayong Panginabuhian” (Sustainable Dairy, Sustainable Livelihood).

The town was chosen as the venue for this year’s celebration because of the visible growth of the dairy industry, which contributes to regional development.

The First Consolidated Cooperative Along Tanon Seaboards-San Miguel branch is the recipient of the PHP40-million silage production and marketing enterprise from the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), a project that aims to enhance farmers’ and industry players’ access to a strategic network of infrastructure, market information, and support services.

The festival featured the good practice of the local government of San Miguel for the annual provision of milk supplies to every pregnant woman. Diverse dairy products and technologies for animal disease prevention tools were also showcased.

Dr. Maria Dinah Loculan, center director of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Ubay Stcok Farm (DA-PCC at USF), led a milk toast ceremony, symbolizing unity among the stakeholders and hope for an abundant flow of milk in the province.

Other dairy developments in Bohol, which were presented by Dr. Caro B. Salces, deputy executive director of DA-PCC, are the establishment of the Dairy Box-Tubigon, the Dairy Processing Plant with Retort Facility in Ubay, and the soon-to-rise Dairy Box in Candijay.

Other highlights include recognition of winners for best dressed carabao; awarding of the top 3 farmers who have the highest milk production for fiscal year 2023 in Bohol; signing of a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a community-based feedmill in San Miguel; distribution of production support equipment and supplies from PLGU Bohol and NDA; graduation of participants who completed the Basic Dairy Husbandry for Cattle conducted by ATI and NDA Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan (CFIDP); and learning sessions on the effects and impact of El Niño and entrepreneurial mind-setting for dairy farmers.

“This festival might be a great opportunity for us farmers and aspiring ones to learn about new technologies and advancements and improve our farming practices,” said Nestor Lozada, a local dairy farmer.

Dr. Stella Marie D. Lapiz, provincial veterinarian, shared the milestones of the Bohol Dairy Development Program, where attending dairy farmers were inspired to be part of the growing dairy industry in the province.
Dr. Lapiz emphasized that the dairy industry boosted the local economy of Bohol by generating more jobs and providing a sustainable livelihood.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Central Mindanao University (DA-PCC at CMU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) for the cooperative ‘Dairy Mentors’ development program under the CAFE-Dairy Project at the Office of the President, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, on July 17, 2024.

The CAFE-DAIRY stands for Cooperative Assistance and Farm Extension to Develop Agri-Enterprises of Indigenous Peoples and Rural Youth Project. This project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (GIZ), aims to promote peace through agriculture development using the value chain approach in the dairy and coffee industries in regions 9 and 10 to benefit 1,800 farmers, including indigenous people, women, and youth.

Moreover, this project is part of “Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace Development Agendas in Mindanao” (SPADe) as part of a broader program of the Mindanao Peace and Development Program (MinPAD RISE).

Dr. Lowell Paraguas, center director of DA-PCC at CMU, conveyed his appreciation and pledged to share the Center’s resources and technologies as well as to offer accessible channels for the advancement of carabao-related services.

“As part of the dairy industry, we commit to do our part as stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement to utilize our expertise and best practices in dairy production along with the value chain that could further enhance the knowledge of our target assisted dairy farmers,” Dr. Paraguas expressed.
Select dairy farmers from Paglaum Multipurpose Cooperative of Misamis Occidental and Oro Integrated Cooperative of Misamis Oriental will undergo an 8-month ‘Dairy Mentors’ capability building from July 2024 to March 2025.

Furthermore, CAFÉ DAIRY NATCCO project manager Alejandro Almendral shared the outcome of this “Dairy Mentor” project.

“As a step toward this direction, the partner cooperatives will develop their dairy technicians or mentors and dairy learning farms that can serve their nearby dairy farmers and members,” Almendral said.

The MOA was signed by Dr. Paraguas, Central Mindanao University President Dr. Rolito Eballe, NATCCO Chief Executive Officer Engr. Sylvia Paraguya, NDA-Department Manager Jester John Jadap, witnessed by DA-PCC at CMU CBED Coordinator Dr. Elena Paraguas, Dean of CMU College of Agriculture Dr. Judith Intong, Project Manager NATCCO Alejandro Almendral, and Department Chairperson of Animal Science of CMU College of Agriculture Ana Celina Soriano.

“The secret in life is diligence and skills. You are our hope to improve our agriculture industry, and I’m here to teach small farmers to make their lives better,” said Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, during the opening program of the Training on Dairy Buffalo Production and Management at the Villar SIPAG Farm School, Bacoor, Cavite, held on July 16, 2024.

Sen. Villar highlighted her concerns about locally produced milk at 1%, and dependence on the 99% imported milk supply. This not only affects local enterprises and agricultural sustainability but also malnutrition among Filipino children.

She emphasized that through the Accelerating Livelihood and Assets Buildup (ALAB Karbawan) project, carapreneurs will be equipped to boost locally produced carabao milk.

Moreover, the project will support carapreneurs who will serve as milk suppliers for the Department of Education- (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-led milk feeding program under RA 11037, also known as the “Masustansiyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act,” addressing national concerns on malnutrition and sustainability.

The ALAB Karbawan project, which was inspired by models from India and Pagadian City, was officially launched in 2019 to boost carabao-based enterprises in the country, aiming to provide additional income and generate livelihood opportunities for farmers (as carapreneurs) through the province-wide Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) and Coconut-Carabao Development Project (CCDP). Through the years, the project has been implemented across 61 provinces.

This initiative is under the leadership of Senator Villar and is funded by the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON, and the DA-Philippine Coconut Authority. The training is a joint effort of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (DA-PCC at UPLB), together with DA-ATI CALABARZON, Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) Farm School, and DA-PCA, aimed at equipping and empowering farmers with essential skills and knowledge in dairy buffalo management and production practices, including nutrition and animal health management practices. As part of the training program, the farmer-trainees will visit The Rosario Livestock and Agriculture Farming Cooperative (TRLAFCO), recognized as the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines Outstanding Livestock Cooperative 2024 and Outstanding Dairy Buffalo Farmer Cooperative for two consecutive years during the National Carabao Conference, to gain insights from seasoned players in the local dairy industry.

Dr. Caro B. Salces, DA-PCC deputy executive director, expressed his gratitude to Sen. Villar, whom he described as a maternal figure, for her unwavering support of all the agencies that are collaborating to capacitate carapreneurs towards achieving the goal of a prosperous and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, DA-ATI CALABARZON Training Center Superintendent II, encouraged and inspired farmers to apply their knowledge and practices in dairy buffalo production and management in their respective provinces. Participating in the three-day training are 25 farmers beneficiaries of the CCDP from Quezon, Aklan, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Biliran, Samar, Leyte, Zamboaga Sibugay, and South Cotabato.

The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) has been recognized as an “Outstanding Development Partner” by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 for the successful implementation of the Carabao-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) program in Central Luzon.

The awarding ceremony took place today during the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) celebration at The Orchid Gardens in San Fernando City, Pampanga. The recognition highlighted DA-PCC’s significant contribution to providing market access for MSMEs through the CBED program.

The CBED is one of the major components of DA-PCC’s Carabao Development Program (CDP). It showcases carabao-based livelihood opportunities designed to address the continuing concerns of poverty alleviation, nutritional improvement, and farmers’ empowerment.

One of the criteria for the award states that the program must have verifiable and significant results and must be self-sustaining. This matched the mission of the CDP—to promote the economic benefits that the carabaos offer: incomes from milk, meat, and hide. Milk, in particular, contributes significantly to the improvement of the nutritional status of farming families and, at the same time, creates a ready market for the growth of carabao-based dairy enterprises.

DA-PCC Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad, who accepted the award, expressed her felicitations to the National Dairy Business Hub of DA-PCC, led by Dr. Cyril Baltazar.

“#TatakPCC: NIZ Value Creating Industry Partnership in Nueva Ecija. Big Congratulations! You are making us proud! Let us continue being changemakers for carapreneurship,” she stated.

The agency is also a regional nominee for the 2024 Presidential Recognition for Outstanding Development Partners.

Meanwhile, the Simula ng Panibagong Bukas Multipurpose Cooperative, one of the assisted co-ops of DA-PCC, was also recognized as among the Outstanding MSMEs in the region for its outstanding efforts to meet challenging standards of excellence and for consistently showing its commitment for growth, competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability in the country.to

The Integrated Farmers’ Cooperative (IFC), a co-op assisted by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Cagayan State University (DA-PCC at CSU) is ready to start its venture on carapreneurship after completing the Buffalo Production Management Training held at DA-PCC at CSU National Swamp Buffalo Gene Pool and Dairy Buffalo Farm in Baung, Piat, Cagayan yesterday, July 12, 2024.

The activity is the final course that prepares the participants to become responsible carapreneurs. It is a part of the Carabao-Based Enterprise Development (CBED) program, one of the flagship programs of the DA-PCC that aims to support farmers, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of carabao-based enterprises.

The training provided IFC members with comprehensive knowledge in herd health management, disease control, and prevention.

The participants were also taught the basics of record keeping for them to effectively utilize their new skills and knowledge in dairying, which is considered the co-op’s main economic activity.

Romulo A. Salas, DA-PCC at CSU’s CBED coordinator, shared his insights about the commonly addressed issues regarding dairy buffalo and calf management such as proper feeding and care, government regulations, and rearing.

Dr. Aileen Bulusan, DA-PCC at CSU’s center veterinarian, discussed animal health concerns, sanitation, and the diseases that the animals may contract.

“It is important to know how to prevent our animals from contracting diseases. Just like humans, if they are ill or need medical attention, it is best to administer them with first aid and immediately inform our veterinarians,” Dr. Bulusan said.

Francis Harold Lumaban, a member of IFC, also shared his insights.
“My grandfather was a recipient of a crossbred buffalo, and he practiced dairying. Seeing its viability inspired me to seek better opportunities for my family. I am satisfied that we have learned about new technologies, proper management of carabao-based enterprises, and most of all, the provision of the best healthcare for our buffaloes that will surely improve the quality of our lives. Thank you, DA-PCC! I hope our next journey with you will be as fruitful. I am ready to be a carapreneur!” Lumaban ended.