A multipurpose cooperative composed of agrarian reform beneficiaries in this city has received at least 10 dairy buffaloes from the government to jumpstart local dairy production.
“They are the latest batch of recipients in our effort to expand the carabao upgrading program in the Ilocos Region,” Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) director Joel Cabading told the Philippine News Agency on Friday.
Worth around PHP800,000, the buffaloes are meant to boost dairy production in Ilocos Norte to help meet the growing demand for carabao milk-based products and also to help address malnutrition.
“The PCC is proud to partner with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in bringing high-quality dairy buffaloes to our farmer cooperatives,” Cabading said. “We believe these animals will not only provide nutritious milk but also serve as a foundation for a thriving local dairy industry.”
Prior to the entrustment of the buffaloes to the Camguidan Multi-Purpose Cooperative on Thursday, the Department of Agriculture-PCC at the Mariano Marcos State University facilitated a training on Oct. 28 to provide the beneficiaries basic knowledge and skills on dairy buffalo management and production.
Buffalo entrustment is one of the programs of the DA-PCC to promote, propagate and conserve the carabao as a source of milk, meat, draft power and hide to benefit rural farmers.
As part of the agreement, the PCC shall provide technical support as well as marketing assistance to the cooperative to ensure the project’s success.
“This entrustment is more than just handing over assets; it’s an investment in your future, a tool for progress, and a testament to the government’s dedication to uplifting our farmers’ lives,” provincial agrarian reform program officer Jessamine Jimenez said in a statement on Thursday, following the turnover of the buffaloes to the beneficiaries.
Representatives from the Camguidan Multi-Purpose Cooperative thanked the collaborative efforts of the DA-PCC, DAR and local government unit of Batac for boosting their livelihood through dairy production.
The recipient organization is among the top performing cooperatives in the province with the all-out support of DAR. They are known for their rice crispy that are used in school feeding programs. (PNA)