By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise, farmers in Alaminos City begin their day tending to their animals, knowing that each healthy carabao means food on the table and hope for a better future. For many families, the carabao is more than farm help. It is a source of income, nutrition, and stability.
This livelihood received a boost on December 15, 2025, when the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), through Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), turned over 10 additional carabaos to local raisers in Alaminos City, Pangasinan. Six of the animals are pregnant, raising expectations for increased calf and milk production in the coming months.
The buffalo entrustment was given to the Alaminos City Carabao Raisers Agriculture Cooperative (ACCRACO), formerly known as the Alaminos City Carabao Raisers Association. The support is part of the Carabao Herd Buildup (CHB) project, which aims to strengthen the Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN) in the area.
Under the CHB project, carabaos are entrusted to organized farmer groups. Beneficiaries are trained in proper animal care, breeding, and management. In return, they commit to passing on offspring to other qualified farmers, helping expand the herd and benefits across the community.
DA-PCC officials said the program is designed to help small farmers increase income while supporting the growth of the local dairy and meat industry. Carabao milk, in particular, has become a valuable product for cooperatives, as demand for fresh and processed dairy continues to rise.
With six pregnant carabaos included in the latest batch, ACCRACO members expect a steady increase in calves that can later be raised for milk production or herd expansion. This will also help ensure a more stable supply of milk for local markets and processing centers.
The DA-PCC emphasized that herd buildup is not only about giving animals. It also includes technical support such as training on feeding, health care, breeding, and record-keeping. These skills help farmers manage their animals better and reduce losses due to disease or poor nutrition.
Pangasinan is one of the provinces where carabao raising plays a vital role in agriculture. Aside from helping in farm work, carabaos contribute to food security by providing milk and meat, especially in rural communities where access to affordable protein is limited.
Cooperative leaders welcomed the additional animals, saying the program has already improved the lives of many members. Some farmers have been able to send children to school, improve their homes, and invest in small businesses using income from carabao milk sales.
The DA-PCC said strengthening cooperatives like ACCRACO is key to building a sustainable carabao industry. Organized groups make it easier to provide services, monitor animal welfare, and connect farmers to markets and government programs.
As climate change and rising costs challenge farmers nationwide, programs that focus on long-term livelihood support are becoming more important. The CHB project aims to ensure that benefits reach not just a few individuals, but entire communities.
For the farmers of Alaminos City, the new carabaos represent renewed confidence that with the right support, traditional farming can still lead to progress. Each calf born and every liter of milk produced brings them closer to a more secure and productive future.
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